Who is Stevin Hedake Smith? Why Did He Get Banned? Did He Ever Play in the NBA?

Who is Stevin Hedake Smith? Why Did He Get Banned? Did He Ever Play in the NBA?

Stevin Hedake Smith

Steven Hedake Smith is the name being searched by hoop fans ever since Netflix released its sport-scandal documentary Bad Sports. In a limited series documentary, the premier episode focuses on the scam in college basketball by bookies and players. One of which is Steve Hedake Smith. The entire episode focuses on the scoring prowess and dominance of the youngster and where he could’ve reached in the NBA.

Episode One is named ‘Hoop Schemes’ and narrates how Stevin Smith ruined his career after indulging in point shaving scandal. According to the episode, Stevin was one of the best point guards in college basketball. He joined Arizona State University and registered himself as the highest scorer until the scandal scuffed his career. 

Stevin Hedake Smith
Stevin Hedake Smith

Why was Stevin Hedake Smith Banned? 

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College basketball did not do well during the late 90s. Stevin Hedake Smith, along with teammate, Isaac Burton, were consistently involved with bookie Joseph Gagliano, after winning $20,000 on a couple of occasions. However, after losing more than a million dollars in the last game where NBA scouts were present to witness Hedake’s talent, he was skipped from the NBA 1994 Draft. 

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The FBI got suspicious of Burton and Hedake using their cash to buy assets like cars, diamonds, shoes, clothes, and watches. The betting in the last game resulted in bookie Joseph Gagliano losing more than $8 Million. Eventually, after two months when the matter seemed done and dusted, the FBI called Joseph and confronted him upon being the main subject (traced him via his transactions at the sports betting desk). With Joseph Gagliano caught, Isaac Burton and Steven Hedake Smith were next. 

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As a result of this hideous crime, Stevin Hedake Smith was sentenced to one year in prison and three years of probation. Isaac Burton was also found out by the authorities to be involved in the scandal and served two months in jail. In addition to six months of home detention and three years of probation. 

Did Stevin Hedake Smith Play in NBA? 

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After being caught in the point-shaving scandal, the dreams of the star of ASU were halted as he could never be a part of the NBA after that. How demeaning it is to see a talent like that never reach its rightful place. 

Since admitting that he ruined his career, he has recently been working with a non-profit organization, He has been helping underprivileged kids and teaching them to stay away from gambling and betting.

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