Fairley’s guilty plea expands NBA gambling case

Court records show Fairley was sworn in before entering the plea. The court found that he was competent, understood the charges and consequences, and knowingly and voluntarily entered the pleas. The court also found an independent factual basis to support the pleas and recommended that they be accepted.

Earlier in the day, Fairley signed a consent form agreeing to have the plea proceedings handled by Marutolo, rather than a district judge. In this declaration, he acknowledges that « I will not suffer any damages if I refuse to consent. » The document also states that if consent is refused, « the district court judge who is appointed, and not the magistrate, will conduct the allocation of charges. »

Fairley pleads guilty as NBA betting case continues to expand

Federal prosecutors allege Fairley was part of a network that obtained nonpublic information about basketball games and player availability before placing bets.

According to an October 2025 indictment, Fairley, also known as « Vezino, » « Vezino » and « Vezino Locks, » is among six defendants charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Investigators say confidential information involving NBA players and games was shared between bettors and associates before it became public.

The case involved several famous names. Prosecutors described alleged activity involving former Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier and former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter. Separate reports and court documents have also linked former NBA player Damon Jones to allegations that he sold or attempted to sell non-public injury information.

Court documents cited by prosecutors refer to inside information shared about Lakers star LeBron James and Anthony Davis. In one alleged exchange, a participant wrote: « Hit me ASAP, I got one for you dude, say you got some info, » before the information was relayed to Fairley. Another payment is said to carry the message « fee ».

The indictment also cites messages that prosecutors say were exchanged between the participants, including: « I lost this s*** at (Betting Company 1), I have to give you a light sack when I see you. » Another message quoted reads « Address for telegraphic address. »

The wider investigation continues to develop. On Thursday, prosecutors filed additional charges against Rozier, alleging he accepted a bribe related to a March 2023 exit that allowed bettors to profit from proposition bets. Rozier has denied wrongdoing and continues to fight the case.

Fairley is scheduled to be sentenced before U.S. District Judge LaShawn DeArcy Hall on February 24, 2027, at 10 a.m. in federal court in Brooklyn. His lawyer said Fairlie was « deeply sorry and ashamed of his behaviour ».

Featured Image: Marves Fairley via TikTok / Canva