Former NBA player Dwight Howard, who previously played for the Los Angeles Lakers, is currently showcasing his talent with the Taiwan Mustangs in The Asian Tournament. Throughout his stellar basketball career, Howard amassed an impressive $247 million in earnings from his player salaries. However, a recent incident has come to light where a Georgia businessman attempted to scam Howard, resulting in a small portion of his hard-earned income being put at risk.
According to recent reports by the Washington Post, businessman Calvin Darden Jr. was found guilty on Friday of scamming Howard out of $7 million. As per the reports, the funds were intended to purchase a WNBA team. Darden Jr. was also implicated in a separate scam involving former NBA player Chandler Parsons, from whom he allegedly obtained $1 million.
Howard, who recently criticized Shaquille O’Neal, was deceived into investing $7M in what he believed was a women’s basketball franchise, Atlanta Dream. Parsons was tricked into sending $1M, thinking it was for the development of James Wiseman.
According to the reports, Darden Jr. used the fraudulent money to purchase luxury items such as a Lamborghini, luxury watches, a piano, and a home in Atlanta.
Howard Exposes the Truth Behind the $7 Million Scam
In September 2024, Howard appeared on the Above the Rim DH 12 podcast with Joe Smith. They discussed NBA contracts and the financial realities behind the big numbers. During the conversation, the former NBA player shared his experience of being scammed out of 7 million dollars.
“I really trusted this agent because he was my agent, so he had a duty to tell the truth and be honest with me. But these agents, these lawyers, all these people – they be scheming, they be lying, and they all have the same motive: to take from you,” Howard said.
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Howard mentioned that he was deeply hurt by the scam and wanted to confront Darden Jr. if he had the chance. It is estimated that the businessman Darden Jr. could be sentenced to 11-14 years in prison.
