Shaquille O’Neal Among Possible Victims in Alleged $100,000 Scam
Shaquille O’Neal is currently one of the wealthiest sports personalities in the world. The NBA legend is also known for his charitable work as he consistently makes headlines for his generous donations to various causes.
One of O’Neal’s altruistic efforts, however, did not go according to plan. According to a bombshell report by the Los Angeles Times, the four-time NBA champion has seen his name dragged into a federal investigation involving known Crips gang leader Eugene “Big U” Henley.
Per the Los Angeles Times, O’Neal and Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green were both scammed by Henley after the gang leader allegedly pocketed their donations.
O’Neal and Green reportedly donated $20,000 each to Henley’s non-profit, Developing Options. Federal authorities are now investigating Henley for, among other crimes, wire fraud for allegedly embezzling over $100,000 in donations to his non-profit.
Shaquille O’Neal looks on before a game between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Times also reported that Henley pocketed Green’s “entire” $20,000 donation in 2019, while he did the same for “most” of O’Neal’s contribution to Developing Options and the Crenshaw Rams youth sports team.
Henley, 58, has also been accused of murder, kidnapping, robbery, extortion and fraud, per the Los Angeles Times.
U.S. Atty. Joseph T. McNally offered some details of the case at a news conference on Wednesday morning: “(Henley) has maintained the image of an entertainment industry entrepreneur running a music label and of somebody who gives back to the community here in Los Angeles. The facts alleged in the complaint paint a very different picture. It is one of a murderer, a thief, a liar and a cheat and the criminals that enabled him.”
Henley turned himself in to authorities hours after the news conference.
O’Neal and Green are currently employed by TNT. O’Neal, a 15-time All-Star, is one of the hosts of NBA on TNT’s Emmy Award-winning studio show, “Inside the NBA.” Green makes regular appearances on the show when he’s not playing on the court for the Warriors.
