College basketball fixer pleads guilty

Sportsbooks across the country absorbed more than $1.1 million in losses after a network of college basketball players and fixers manipulated game outcomes. The scheme generated over $3 million in fraudulent wagers between September 2022 and February 2025. Rodrick Winkler, 32, of Arkansas, pleaded guilty to his role in the operation on Monday in U.S. District Court in Philadelphia.

Winkler admitted to bribery in sporting contests, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and wire fraud. Court filings identify him as a fixer who recruited and bribed players to underperform. The goal was to ensure teams failed to cover the point spread. The January indictment named 26 individuals, including more than a dozen athletes. The investigation found that 39 players on 17 different teams fixed or attempted to fix 29 NCAA games.

Winkler and other fixers paid players between $10,000 and $30,000 per game. The group had previously profited from fixing games in the Chinese Basketball Association before shifting focus to the NCAA. Winkler faces a maximum sentence of 45 years in prison. He also faces three years of supervised release and a fine.

The judge has set his sentencing date for February 8. Winkler will report to the court in Philadelphia to hear the final terms of his punishment.