In a surprising turn of events that mixes fame with trickery, former Houston Rockets player Chandler Parsons fell victim to a complicated scam, losing an astonishing $1 million while thinking he was helping NBA player James Wiseman. Parsons’ deception is hard to believe and reveals just how far scammers will go to exploit the trust of even experienced athletes.
A New York courtroom convicted Calvin Darden Jr., a businessman from Georgia, for orchestrating elaborate scams that defrauded athletes, including Chandler Parsons. Darden’s schemes targeted high-profile athletes, leveraging their trust for personal gain. Prosecutors described Darden as a master manipulator, collaborating with a sports agent to trick Parsons into transferring $1 million under the pretense that it would support the development of NBA player James Wiseman.
Wiseman, drafted second overall by the Golden State Warriors in 2020, has had a tumultuous career, but the promise of investment in his future proved to be a façade. As reported by Larry Neumeister of the Associated Press, prosecutors stated, “Darden also teamed up with a sports agent to fool Parsons.” However, Parsons was not alone in falling victim to Darden’s machinations.
How Calvin Darden Jr. Exploited The Trust Of Retired NBA Star Just Like Chandler Parsons
Dwight Howard, the former Los Angeles Lakers star, lost even more money in a scam. Known for his dominance on the court, he testified during the trial about being swindled out of an astonishing $7 million. Darden convinced him that the funds were for an investment to purchase the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream, a deal that never happened because a different investor group acquired the team in 2021. In a moment of stark realization, Howard recounted, “I got a slap in the face” for his trust and investment.
The fallout from these scams has been severe. Darden, who previously faced legal troubles for impersonating his father in a failed venture, now faces a potential sentence of 11 to 14 years in prison. Despite his past, Darden chose to fight the charges in court rather than accept a plea deal, believing he could outsmart the system once more.
During closing arguments, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Thompson stated, “The proof that Darden committed these crimes is overwhelming.” Prosecutors detailed how Darden lavishly spent the money he stole, including extravagant purchases like luxury cars, art, and a substantial home. They are now pursuing the seizure of Darden’s assets to repay the victims.
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