Former Memphis Grizzlies basketball player Tony Allen pleaded guilty to involvement in a $4 million medical benefit fraud on April 5.
Allen was one of 18 former NBA players to be indicted in October 2021. Allen, 41, who was a Grizzlies guard from 2010 to 2017, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit medical fraud and wire fraud.
Allen received $265,000 for chiropractic services and $155,075 for dental services, according to court records. According to Law360’s Pete Brach, New York U.S. Magistrate Barbara Moses has concluded that Allen won’t be penalized for restitution or forfeiture because he already paid the money.
Allen’s wife, Desiree, was also indicted in the case and pleaded guilty.
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Allen initially pleaded not guilty and was released in 2021 after posting $500,000 bail. He was sentenced on August 8 and faces up to two years in prison. Tony Roten and Jamario Moon, who also played for the Grizzlies, are among other players who pleaded guilty but escaped prison sentences.
According to an April 10 document, the court ruled that Allen “understood the consequences of his petition, including any possible sentencing.”
The Grizzlies had planned to retire Allen’s jersey in January 2022 before the ceremony was postponed. In seven seasons with the Grizzlies, Allen helped build the “Grit and Grind Era” as one of the best defenders in the NBA. He also made it possible to offer career advice to current Grizzlies players like Ja Morant.
Allen’s jersey has not yet been retired by the Grizzlies.