Former NBA player Glen Davis was released from prison on March 12 after serving 17 months for his role in a fraud scheme involving the NBA Players’ Health and Welfare Benefit Plan.
NBA Players’ Health and Welfare Benefit Plan is a tax-exempt employee benefit organization that funds health-related benefits for current and former National Basketball Association players and their eligible dependents.
It operates as the core health insurance and medical benefits vehicle within the broader NBA/NBPA benefits ecosystem.
The Plan is organized as a VEBA under section 501(c)(9) of the Internal Revenue Code, meaning it exists specifically to provide life, sickness, accident, and similar benefits to its members rather than to earn a profit.
Contributions generally come from collectively bargained arrangements between the league and the players’ union as part of the overall compensation package, along with investment income on accumulated assets.
Davis, 40, had been convicted in November 2023 for participating in a multi-year conspiracy that submitted fraudulent medical claims to the league’s health benefits program.
Prosecutors said the scheme generated more than $5mn in improper reimbursements.
A federal court sentenced Davis in 2024 to 40 months in prison. His attorney, Brendan White, said the former player used his time in custody to complete educational programs and prepare for life after release.
After leaving prison, Davis entered a halfway house where he will complete additional supervision requirements. His sentence includes three years of supervised release along with court-ordered financial restitution.
Authorities previously charged 22 individuals in connection with the broader fraud investigation, including former professional basketball players and medical professionals.
Prosecutors alleged the group submitted false documentation to obtain reimbursement from the league’s benefits program.
Davis played eight seasons in the National Basketball Association as a forward-center.
- He entered the league after being selected by the Boston Celtics in the 2007 draft and helped the team win the 2008 NBA championship.
- He later played for the Orlando Magic between 2011 and 2013 before finishing his NBA career with the Los Angeles Clippers from 2013 to 2015.
- After leaving the NBA, Davis played one final professional season with the St. John’s Edge in Canada’s National Basketball League before retiring from professional basketball in 2019.
