 For the second time in recent months the ugly specter of a potential "point shaving" scandal has hit the University of Toledo. The most recent allegation, in the form of a federal court document filed in Detroit, alleges that a former MAC Freshman of the Year fixed men's basketball games.
Sammy Villegas, who played guard for the Toledo Rockets from 2002-2006 and earned MAC Freshman of the Year honors in 2003, is accused in the filing by US Attorney Stephen J Murphy of agreeing to place into effect "a point shaving scheme to fix" Toledo basketball games in the 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 seasons in exchange for money and other gifts.
The filing also states that Villegas enlisted another player in the point shaving scheme but does not identify the individual. It further states that Villegas intentionally missed two free-throws in a February 4, 2006 contest however the document mistakenly identifies Central State as the Rockets' opponent, as opposed to Central Michigan.
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| Villegas currently plays in the Dominican Republic |
Villegas, a native of Puerto Rico who currently plays professionally in the Dominican Republic, could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted on the charges outlined in the federal document.
Villegas is the second collegiate athlete at Toledo to face federal "point shaving" charges.
Former Toledo running back Scooter McDougle was similarly charged in 2007 however those charges were later dropped and McDougle is no longer under indictment.
Responding to the report of charges filed against Villegas, University of Toledo Vice President for External Relations, Lawrence J. Burns issued the following statement:
"We have been made aware of an action filed some weeks ago against a former basketball player, Samuel Villegas. The acts alleged contradict the University’s value system. We have looked at these issues intensely over the last year and believe, if true, they represent no more than isolated instances. We intend to fully cooperate with those investigating this matter, but believe these charges stem from days that are behind us."
Villegas averaged 10 points per game over the course of his career at Toledo and ranks first all-time in three point field goal attempts and is second all-time among Rockets in three-point field goals made.
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