NCAA basketball player Oumar Koureissi is among at least 20 people charged in a large-scale college and international basketball betting scheme, according to a federal indictment.
Koureissi is accused of accepting bribes to underperform in a game two years ago when he played for Nicholls State. The forward transferred to Texas Southern University (TSU), later that year.
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A bench warrant has been issued for Koureissi, and he remains listed on the Texas Southern Athletics website as an active member of the men’s basketball roster.
In a statement, a TSU spokesperson said the indictment focuses on Koureissi’s time at Nicholls State University, where he previously played before transferring to Texas Southern.
According to court documents, Koureissi and Diante Smith, both then forwards for the Nicholls State Colonels, were recruited in mid-February 2024 to participate in the point-shaving scheme. The indictment says fixers initially approached Koureissi and asked him to help recruit Smith.
The indictment states that in February 2024, Koureissi, Smith and others participated in FaceTime calls with alleged fixers Jalen Smith and Alberto Laureano, along with Antonio Blakeney, during which bribes were offered to influence the outcome of an upcoming game between Nicholls State and McNeese State. The fixers placed about $100,000 in bets on the game, according to the indictment.
Prosecutors say the players were told to ensure Nicholls State did not cover the point spread and were promised approximately $20,000 each if the scheme was successful.
According to the indictment, both players took part in the scheme and “underperformed in and influenced the game as they had agreed.” Koureissi scored zero points in the game. His team lost 74 to 47, and the fixers won their bets.
Shortly after the game, one of the fixers traveled to Louisiana “to arrange for the delivery of approximately $32,000 in cash” to Koureissi and Smith, according to the indictment. The fixer then texted the two players to let them know the “bread” would be delivered by someone driving a truck.
Statement from TSU:
Oumar Koureissi arrived at Texas Southern as a promising graduate transfer with the men’s basketball team. Injuries prevented him from seeing significant action. He has been removed from the team. He played one season for Texas Southern. The activity detailed in the allegations occurred prior to any affiliation with Texas Southern University.
Statement from Abelene Christian University:
Today, we were made aware that a former member of the men’s basketball team, Airion Simmons, was among 20 people indicted in a federal investigation involving sports betting.
ACU has fully cooperated with federal law enforcement and the NCAA throughout this process.
Airion was a beloved and respected member of our campus community during his time as a student-athlete. We are praying for him as he navigates this situation. ACU remains committed to accountability, integrity and upholding the values that define our mission.