**Summary: Man Sentenced for Scamming NBA Star Dwight Howard**
A man in Georgia has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for defrauding NBA star Dwight Howard out of millions.
### Who, What, When, Where, Why
In a case that highlights the risks of financial scams in sports, Calvin Darden Jr. was sentenced on Thursday after being convicted of wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. Darden deceived Howard, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and eight-time All-Star, into believing he was investing $7 million in the purchase of the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream. Howard later discovered that Darden was not an owner of the team when ESPN reported its sale to an investor group.
### Fraudulent Activities Involving Other Players
– **Chandler Parsons Scam**: Darden, along with a sports agent, also tricked former NBA player Chandler Parsons into sending $1 million, purportedly to support the development of James Wiseman, the second overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
– **Lack of Connection**: Darden and the agent had no actual connection to Wiseman, who had not agreed to be represented by them.
### Legal Consequences and Asset Forfeiture
A federal judge ordered Darden to forfeit $8 million and several luxury items acquired through his fraudulent activities, including:
– A $3.7 million mansion in Atlanta
– $600,000 worth of artwork by Jean-Michel Basquiat
– A Lamborghini
– A Rolls-Royce
Darden had previously served a year in federal prison for impersonating his father in a failed attempt to buy Maxim magazine.
### Conclusion
This case serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of due diligence in financial investments, especially in the sports industry. How can athletes better protect themselves from financial fraud?
### FAQs:
**What was Calvin Darden Jr. convicted of?**
Calvin Darden Jr. was convicted of wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering, resulting in a 12-year prison sentence.
