Georgia Businessman Sentenced for Scamming NBA Stars Dwight Howard and Chandler Parsons

Georgia Businessman Sentenced for Scamming NBA Stars Dwight Howard and Chandler Parsons

In a dramatic turn of events that has left the sports world buzzing, a Georgia businessman, Calvin Darden Jr., has been sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison. This comes after a Manhattan jury found him guilty of scamming former NBA stars Dwight Howard and Chandler Parsons out of millions of dollars. The sentencing took place on Thursday, marking the end of a saga that has captivated fans and players alike.

Calvin Darden Jr., a 50-year-old resident of Atlanta, was convicted in October of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme that cheated Dwight Howard out of a staggering $7 million. The scam revolved around a bogus investment opportunity to purchase the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream. Howard, known for his dominance on the court during his prime, was left blindsided by the deceit.

But the deception didn’t stop there. Darden also managed to swindle $1 million from former NBA forward Chandler Parsons. This separate ruse involved the supposed development of then-NBA prospect James Wiseman. However, it was later revealed that Darden and his accomplice, a sports agent, had no connection to Wiseman, who was drafted by the Golden State Warriors as the second overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft.

The Court’s Verdict

On Thursday, a Manhattan federal court judge ordered Darden to forfeit $8 million, along with several luxury items he had acquired with the ill-gotten gains. These included a $3.7 million mansion in Atlanta, $600,000 worth of artwork by Jean-Michel Basquiat, a Lamborghini, and a Rolls-Royce. Despite the gravity of the situation, Darden was not present in court when the sentence was handed down. His lawyers declined to comment on the proceedings.

According to the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Darden had waived his right to be present, citing a concussion he claimed to have suffered while in custody the previous week. This added another layer of intrigue to an already sensational case.

Howard and Parsons: Victims of Deceit

During the trial, Dwight Howard testified about how Darden had convinced him to invest $7 million, believing it was a step toward owning the Atlanta Dream. Howard, an eight-time All-Star and three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, only discovered the truth when ESPN reported that the team had been sold to an investor group that included former Dream guard Renee Montgomery in 2021.

Chandler Parsons, who had a nine-year NBA career playing for teams like Houston, Dallas, Memphis, and Atlanta, was also duped by Darden. The promise of aiding in the development of James Wiseman turned out to be nothing more than a mirage. Wiseman, who last played for the Indiana Pacers before being traded to the Toronto Raptors, had no knowledge of the arrangement.

A History of Fraud

This isn’t the first time Darden has found himself on the wrong side of the law. He was previously sentenced to a year in federal prison in New York for impersonating his father, Cal Darden, a former executive at United Parcel Service, in a failed attempt to buy Maxim magazine. This history of deception paints a picture of a man who has repeatedly tried to exploit others for personal gain.

The Impact on the NBA Community

The fallout from this case has been significant, not just for Howard and Parsons, but for the broader NBA community. Howard, who played for seven franchises after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Orlando Magic in the 2004 draft, won his lone NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers during the pandemic-affected 2019-20 season. The revelation of this scam has undoubtedly been a personal and professional blow.

As for the Atlanta Dream, the team was once co-owned by former Republican U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler, who was pressured to sell after clashing with players over her opposition to the league’s racial justice initiatives. The team’s sale to a new investor group, including Renee Montgomery, marked a new chapter in its history.

• Calvin Darden Jr. sentenced to over 12 years in prison.
• Scammed Dwight Howard out of $7 million.
• Swindled $1 million from Chandler Parsons.
• Ordered to forfeit $8 million and luxury items.
• Previously served time for impersonating his father.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls that athletes can face off the court. As the NBA community processes the outcome, the hope is that lessons will be learned, and measures will be put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.