Former Celtics champ avoids jail time in $5M NBA benefits scam (reports) [masslive.com]

Tony Allen, a member of the Boston Celtics 2008 championship team, has reportedly avoided jail time for his role in a health insurance fraud scheme.

Allen, who in May pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, has been sentenced to community service and supervision, according to New York-based courts reporter Pete Brush.

Action News 5 in Memphis reports that, per court records, the 41-year-old Allen has paid back the roughly $450,000 he received, claiming they were for chiropractic and dental services.

In total, 18 players were accused of defrauding the NBA Players’ Health and Welfare Benefit Plan for nearly $5 million by submitting fake claims for medical and dental services. Allen, along with former Celtics star Glen Davis, claimed to have six root canals on the exact same teeth in one day.

“I fully acknowledge my individual responsibility and I understand the gravity of my actions. As a member of the NBA community, I failed to uphold our core values,” Allen send to the judge, according to Action News 5 in Memphis.

Terrence Williams, yet another former Celtics player, has been pinned as the mastermind behind the scheme. Earlier this week, Williams was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in the scheme.

Allen started his NBA career with the Celtics as a first-round pick in the 2004 NBA Draft. He went on to play a key role in the team’s 2008 championship run. A six-time All-Defensive Team selection, Allen was known as one of the league’s most dominant defenders.

Allen left Boston in free agency to sign with the Grizzlies in 2010, spending the next seven seasons in Memphis. He last played during the 2017-18 season with the New Orleans Pelicans.

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