The Most Evil NBA Players Currently In Prison

Binham became involved in the healthcare fraud scheme after his playing career ended. His role in the conspiracy involved submitting false claims for medical procedures, collaborating with other former players to coordinate fraudulent activities, and helping to maintain the complex web of deception that allowed the scheme to operate for an extended period. The healthcare fraud case revealed the systematic nature of the criminal enterprise. With Bayham and his co-conspirators allegedly developing sophisticated methods for creating fake medical documentation and coordinating with corrupt healthcare providers, they exploited their knowledge of the NBA benefit system to identify weaknesses that could be leveraged for financial gain, turning their insider status into a criminal advantage. Each defendant fraudulently sought reimbursement ranging from approximately $65,000 to as much as $420,000 per defendant. What makes Binham’s case particularly troubling is that he had achieved success through legitimate means during his playing career. He had developed a reputation as a hardworking, intelligent player who maximized his abilities through preparation and dedication. However, after retirement, he chose to use these same qualities to engage in criminal activity that would ultimately land him in prison. The investigation into Binham’s involvement in the healthcare fraud scheme required extensive analysis of financial records, medical claims, and communications between the conspirators. Federal authorities had to piece together the complex network of relationships and transactions that enabled the fraud to continue for years before being detected. For Binham personally, his conviction represents the complete destruction of his post-basketball reputation and legacy. While his 18-month sentence is shorter than some of his co-conspirators, it still represents a significant period of incarceration that will have lasting impacts on his life and future opportunities. The NBA community has expressed disappointment and anger at Bayham’s involvement in the fraud scheme, viewing it as a betrayal of the trust placed in retired players and a violation of the solidarity that should exist among former teammates and colleagues.

Javarus Kittton’s story represents one of the most tragic falls from grace in NBA history, transforming from a promising young player into a convicted killer serving a lengthy prison sentence. Kittenton is currently serving a 23-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter in connection with a gang-related shooting that killed a mother of four, having begun his incarceration in 2015. Kittenton entered the NBA with tremendous potential, selected 19th overall in the 2007 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. The young point guard from Georgia Tech was known for his quickness, court vision, and ability to create opportunities for teammates. However, his NBA career was relatively brief, playing for teams including the Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Washington Wizards before leaving the league after just a few seasons. After his NBA career ended, Kittton became involved with gang activity in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. This association with criminal organizations would ultimately lead to the tragic incident that destroyed multiple lives and sent him to prison for over two decades. The shooting that resulted in Kittenton’s conviction occurred in 2011 and involved the death of an innocent mother who was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. The victim of Kittton’s crime was Julian Jones, a 22-year-old mother of four who was walking with her infant daughter when she was struck by gunfire during a gang-related incident. Jones had no connection to any criminal activity and was simply an innocent bystander who became the victim of senseless violence. Her death devastated her family and community, leaving four young children without their mother. What makes Kittenton’s case particularly tragic is the complete waste of potential and opportunity it represents. Here was a young man who had achieved the dream of playing professional basketball at the highest level, earning substantial income and recognition, yet he chose to become involved in criminal activity that would ultimately result in taking someone’s life. For the family of Julian Jones, Kittton’s conviction represents a measure of justice for their devastating loss. However, no prison sentence can bring back a beloved mother and daughter or heal the trauma experienced by her surviving children and family members. The impact of Kittenton’s crime extends far beyond his own life, creating lasting pain and suffering for innocent people. The NBA community as well has largely distanced itself from Kittton following his conviction, with his case serving as a sobering reminder of the importance of making positive choices and avoiding associations that can lead to criminal activity.

Perhaps no case on this list is more disturbing than that of Rashid Bird, a former NBA player whose criminal actions have resulted in a sentence of 90 years to life for multiple violent sexual assaults. With his incarceration beginning in 2024, Bird’s crimes represent some of the most heinous acts committed by a former professional athlete, demonstrating the darkest possible abuse of power and influence. Bird’s basketball career, while not as prominent as some others on this list, still provided him with opportunities and recognition that most people never receive. He played professionally in various leagues, had connections to NBA circles, and was an actor, giving him a platform and status that he would ultimately use to commit terrible crimes against innocent victims. The nature of Bird’s crimes involves multiple incidents of violent sexual assault, with prosecutors describing a pattern of predatory behavior that spanned an extended period. An LAPD investigation began after a victim came forward to report that she had been sexually assaulted by Bird in 2019. During the police investigation, detectives discovered Bird had been arrested for sexually assaulting a young woman in the state of Washington in 2005 and had been convicted of a sexual assault involving a different victim in 2010. What makes Bird’s case particularly shocking is the sheer scope of his criminal activity. This wasn’t a single incident or momentary lapse in judgment. It was a sustained pattern of violent criminal behavior that terrorized multiple victims over time. The 90-year to life sentence reflects the severity of his crimes and the court’s determination that he should never again be in a position to harm innocent people. The basketball community has completely disavowed Bird following his conviction, with organizations and individuals associated with the sport expressing horror at his actions. His case serves as a sobering reminder that athletic ability and professional success mean nothing when weighed against the fundamental responsibility to respect the safety and dignity of others.

Terrence Williams holds the dubious distinction of being the alleged ringleader of the massive healthcare fraud scheme that has landed several former NBA players in prison. Williams is currently serving a 10-year sentence for healthcare fraud and identity theft, having begun his incarceration in 2023 as the primary architect of a conspiracy that defrauded the NBA’s healthcare benefit system of over $5 million. As alleged in the indictment, the leader of the conspiracy was former NBA player Terrence Williams. Williams had a promising start to his NBA career after being selected 11th overall in the 2009 NBA draft by the New Jersey Nets. Known for his athleticism and versatility, he played for several teams, including the Nets, Boston Celtics, and Sacramento Kings. However, his playing career was relatively short, ending after just a few seasons in the league. Following his retirement from professional basketball, Williams allegedly began developing what would become one of the most sophisticated fraud schemes in sports history. As the mastermind behind the operation, he reportedly recruited other former NBA players to participate in the scheme, provided them with guidance on how to submit fraudulent claims, and coordinated the overall criminal enterprise. The 19 charged defendants submitted approximately $3.9 million in false claims. The plan paid out $2.5 million to the defendants. The scope of Williams’ fraud operation was truly staggering. Prosecutors alleged that he and his co-conspirators submitted false claims for medical procedures that were never performed, created fake medical documentation, and worked with corrupt healthcare providers to legitimize their fraudulent activities. The scheme allegedly operated for several years, systematically draining millions of dollars from the NBA’s healthcare benefit system. What makes Williams’ case particularly egregious is his role as the leader and organizer of the criminal enterprise. Rather than simply participating in fraud, he actively recruited other former players, provided them with instructions on how to submit false claims, and took a leadership role in coordinating the overall scheme. His actions not only enriched him personally but also drew other former players into criminal activity that would ultimately destroy their reputations and freedom. The investigation into Williams’ fraud scheme required extensive resources and cooperation from multiple law enforcement agencies. Federal authorities had to analyze thousands of documents, trace complex financial transactions, and build cases against multiple defendants across different jurisdictions. The successful prosecution of Williams and his co-conspirators represents a significant victory for federal law enforcement and the integrity of healthcare benefit systems. Thanks to the hard work of law enforcement partners, their alleged scheme has been disrupted, and they will have to answer for their flagrant violations of the law. For Williams personally, his 10-year sentence represents the complete collapse of his post-basketball life and aspirations.

Sebastian Telfair’s story represents a cautionary tale about unfulfilled potential and repeated poor decisions that have led to multiple incarcerations. Telfair is currently serving time for illegal gun possession and probation violations, having received an initial sentence of 3.5 years in 2019 and additional time for violations with his most recent incarceration beginning in 2025. He entered the NBA directly from high school as one of the most hyped prospects of his generation. Selected 13th overall in the 2004 NBA draft by the Portland Trailblazers, he was expected to become a star point guard who would lead franchises to success. However, his NBA career never lived up to the enormous expectations and he bounced between teams throughout his decade-long professional career. After his NBA career ended, Telfair became involved in various legal troubles that would ultimately lead to his imprisonment. Prosecutors accused Telfair of partaking in a scheme where he netted about $358,000 through fraudulent claims. He reached a plea deal with prosecutors who recommended he serve between 15 and 21 months behind bars. Eventually, he got time served with 3 years of supervised release and was ordered to pay restitution. For some bizarre reason, he failed to do this and was only recently ordered to report to prison and served 6 months after failing to meet the terms of his supervised release. Aside from this, Telfair has also had several unfortunate legal problems, including illegal gun and drug possession charges, potentially endangering public safety, and violating the terms of his previous legal agreements. What makes Telfair’s case particularly frustrating is the pattern of poor decisions and legal violations that have characterized his post-basketball life. Rather than learning from his mistakes and making positive changes, he has repeatedly found himself in legal trouble, suggesting a fundamental inability or unwillingness to comply with the law and make responsible choices. For Telfair personally, his repeated incarcerations represent a complete failure to capitalize on the opportunities and advantages he received as a former NBA player. Rather than using his platform and resources to build a positive post-basketball life, he has instead chosen paths that have led to multiple prison sentences and the destruction of his reputation. Now 40 years of age, Telfair will have a lot of soul-searching to do as he prepares to report to prison. His case serves as a reminder of the importance of making positive choices and surrounding oneself with people who provide positive influences rather than enabling destructive behavior.

Keon Dueling’s involvement in the NBA healthcare fraud scheme represents another disappointing chapter in the ongoing scandal that has ensnared multiple former players. Dueling served a 30-month sentence for healthcare fraud as part of the conspiracy that defrauded the NBA’s benefit system, serving from 2023 until his release in January 2025. Dueling enjoyed a successful NBA career that spanned over a decade, playing for teams including the Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, and Milwaukee Bucks. Known for his athleticism and defensive ability, he was a valuable role player who contributed to several successful teams throughout his career. His post-playing career initially seemed promising with