Man sentenced in fraud scheme, posed as Marcus Smart, NFL exec
CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. — A medical biller has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison after being convicted in a massive insurance fraud scheme that involved posing as NBA player Marcus Smart, an NFL lawyer and executive, and other patients to harangue the companies for payments that weren’t actually due, prosecutors said.
U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert called Matthew James’ actions “inexcusable” as she sentenced him Friday in Central Islip, Newsday reported.
“To ruin people’s reputations, to do all that, for wealth is really something,” Seybert said.
James, 54, was convicted in July 2022 of fraud and identity theft charges. Prosecutors say he bilked insurance companies out of hundreds of millions of dollars.
James ran medical billing companies. Prosecutors said he got some doctors to schedule elective surgeries via emergency rooms — a tactic that boosted insurance reimbursement rates — and billed for procedures that were different from the ones actually performed. When insurance companies rejected the claims, he called, pretending to be an outraged patient or policyholder who was facing a huge bill and demanding that the insurer pay up.
One person he impersonated was Smart, who underwent hand surgery after hitting a picture frame in 2018, according to court papers filed by James’ lawyers.
Smart was then with the Boston Celtics, and in 2022 was the first guard to win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in more than a quarter-century. Smart now plays for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Smart testified at James’ trial that the impersonation upset him because he wasn’t raised to treat people the way James did and that he was concerned it would damage his standing as a role model, according to prosecutors’ court papers.
Another victim was NFL lawyer and executive Jeff Pash, whose wife was treated for an injury she got while running in 2018. Jurors at James’ trial heard a recording of someone who purported to be Pash — but actually was James — hollering and swearing at a customer service representative on an insurance provider’s dedicated line for NFL employees, Newsday reported at the time.
“These are people that work for the NFL, and I would hate to have them think that was me on that call,” Pash testified, saying he knew nothing about it until federal agents told him.
James’ lawyer, Paul Krieger, said in a court filing that James worked as a nurse before starting his own business in 2007. James developed a drinking problem in recent years as he came under stress from his work and family responsibilities, including caring for his parents, the lawyer wrote.
“He sincerely and deeply regrets his misguided phone calls and communications with insurance companies in which he pretended to be patients in an effort to maximize and expedite payments for the genuine medical services provided by his doctor-clients,” the attorney added, saying the calls were “an aberration” in the life of “a caring and decent person.”
Bulls’ Zach LaVine to have foot surgery, out 4-6 months
Zach LaVine rolls his ankle in the third quarter and throws a towel in frustration, he would later return. (0:31)
CHICAGO — Bulls guard Zach LaVine will be out four to six months after he undergoes surgery on his right foot next week.
According to the team, LaVine and his agency, Klutch Sports Group, elected to have the procedure after seeking additional medical opinions.
Bulls coach Billy Donovan emphasized Saturday that it was LaVine’s decision to have surgery, but he said he also believed LaVine had tried to rehab his foot and get back on the floor.
LaVine had not played since he sprained his right ankle on Jan. 18. However, the sprain had healed, according to Donovan, and he has been sidelined because of additional discomfort in his foot. The same issue forced LaVine to miss 17 games earlier this season.
Donovan had said at practice Friday that the team expected LaVine to be out at least another week before he was re-evaluated.
“He made a decision he felt was best for his health,” Donovan said before Saturday’s game against the Kings. “I really feel like he did everything he could to try to get himself back to playing.
“The discomfort in his foot was at at place where I think he didn’t feel like he had any chance to be himself. That was the really frustrating part of it.”
LaVine’s disjointed 2023-24 season ends after just 25 games (23 starts). He averaged 19.5 points on 45.2% shooting — his lowest scoring total since he played 24 games coming off ACL surgery in 2017-18 — 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists. He missed 17 games earlier this season with initial right ankle inflammation. He returned on Jan. 5 and played an additional seven games before he injured his ankle again.
LaVine, who signed a five-year, $215 million max contract in July 2022, has missed double-digit games in three of the past four seasons.
LaVine had been one of the top names on the trade market ahead of next week’s deadline, but Donovan said he had not had any conversations with Bulls management about how the injury would impact the team’s future.
Chicago entered Saturday in ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings. The Bulls are 13-11 (.542) without LaVine this season and 10-15 with him.
“He’s kind of been in-and-out, but certainly you’d like to have a player of his caliber available,” Donovan said. “Now with the news coming out we’ll have to play without him. I’ve always said when you lose really good players, it impacts your team.”
MVP Auston Matthews leads his team to NHL All-Star victory
Auston Matthews says the Maple Leafs could use Justin Bieber behind their bench after singer brought the energy to the All-Star Game. (0:47)
TORONTO — Playing in his home arena, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews stole the show during Saturday’s NHL All-Star Game tournament, authoring an MVP performance and capping off a revamped weekend of festivities at the league’s annual showcase.
Team Matthews eliminated Team McDavid with a 7-4 victory in the 3-on-3 finale, sending the fans, many donning Matthews jerseys, home happy from Scotiabank Arena.
“I look at these weekends as a time to have fun,” Matthews said in his on-ice, postgame interview on SportsNet. “Obviously, we’re all competitive here, and I think a weekend like this brings out the best in everybody. And like I said, I couldn’t have written it up any better than this.”
Saturday’s action included four All-Star rosters — determined by captain selections in Thursday night’s player draft — icing two preliminary games, the winners of which went onto a third and final matchup.
Matthews, with co-captain Morgan Rielly, also of the Maple Leafs, and celebrity captain Justin Bieber; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon, alongside co-captain and his teammate in Denver, Cale Makar, and celebrity captain Tate McRae; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid, with co-captain and teammate Leon Draisaitl and celebrity captain Will Arnett; and Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes, with co-captains Jack Hughes, his brother and star from the New Jersey Devils, and Elias Pettersson, also of the Canucks, plus celebrity captain Michael Buble; chose the squads Thursday.
Those lineups were put to the test on Saturday. Team McDavid defeated Team MacKinnon 4-3 in a Game 1 shootout to advance, later joined by Team Matthews, after it topped Team Hughes 6-5, also via shootout.
That set the stage for a final headliner by McDavid — the hometown skater and $1 million prize winner from Friday’s skills competition — and Matthews, a star centerman loved by the Toronto faithful.
“It’s a special way to cap off the weekend here in Toronto, I have to thank the fans, the organization, the city, the NHL for putting on a great show for everybody,” Matthews said. “A lot of fun.”
Matthews’ team that got rolling early, when Phoenix Coyotes forward Clayton Keller blasted a goal past Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. But that 1-0 lead evaporated when Columbus Blue Jackets star Boone Jenner came through for Team McDavid against New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin, making it 1-1.
A flurry of quick goals from there — by Matthews and Toronto teammate Mitchell Marner, countered by Boston Bruins star David Pastrnak and Draisaitl for Team McDavid — had the tilt knotted 3-3 after the first half.
Nashville Predators star Filip Forsberg struck fast in the second period, beating Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, giving Team Matthews a 4-3 lead. The captain added some insurance for his club off a blistering one-timer to make it 5-3 for Team Matthews with five minutes to go in regulation.
Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat extended the Team Matthews lead before a response by San Jose Sharks star Tomas Hertl put Team McDavid within striking distance. It was New York Islanders forward Matthew Barzal’s goal with just over a minute left that sealed Team Matthews’ win.
“I’ve been lucky to play in a couple of these, number one,” Matthews said, “so, it feels good to get one here in the hometown.”
All in all, the day was filled with the parity — and excitement — the NHL hoped to recapture when bringing back the player draft, which was last staged in 2015.
“In front of the hometown fans, we wanted to give them a show,” Marner said.
Kylian Mbappé set to join Real Madrid from PSG this summer – sources
Julien Laurens reacts to the news Kylian Mbappe has apparently decided to make the switch to Real Madrid from PSG. (2:24)
Kylian Mbappé has decided to join Real Madrid once his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires this summer, sources confirmed to ESPN.
The news was first reported by Le Parisien.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
Last month, ESPN reported that Mbappé had been offered a contract by Madrid and, according to a source, he is expected to announce his decision to join the 14-time European champions next week.
Mbappé, 25, has not yet informed PSG or Real Madrid, sources said, but his decision has been taken.
His desire to be allowed to play with France in the Olympic Games on home soil in the summer will be an important part of the negotiations with Madrid.
And, given Mbappé’s previous U-turn over a move to the Bernabéu in 2022, there is always the possibility that he could change his mind until the deal is actually signed by both parties. However, his move to Madrid now finally looks set to come to fruition this summer.
One source told ESPN that PSG offered Mbappé a pay rise on his €72 million ($77.8m) gross salary, but their proposal was rebuffed by the France international. Sources consulted by ESPN said that by choosing to leave the club as a free agent, Mbappé will be opting out of bonuses that amount to around €100m.
His wages at Madrid, according to a source, are expected to be half of what he currently earns at PSG.
The France captain, who grew up idolising Bernabéu legends Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo, has always dreamt of playing for Madrid and, according to a source, he feels it is the right time in his career to move to the Spanish capital.
Sources told ESPN that PSG had two scenarios prepared for their future plans — one that involved Mbappé staying at the club and one that didn’t. However, according to sources, there had been a feeling in the club for a few weeks that he would leave.
Now that his future has been decided, PSG will follow their Plan B and, according to sources, have identified AC Milan’s Rafael Leão as Mbappé’s replacement.
Sources: Kliff Kingsbury top candidate to become Commanders OC
Adam Schefter joins “The Pat McAfee Show” to provide the inside scoop on Dan Quinn landing in Washington. (1:42)
ASHBURN, Va. — Former Arizona Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury, who was close to joining the Las Vegas Raiders as their offensive coordinator, has emerged as a candidate for the same job in Washington, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Kingsbury was going to join Las Vegas coach Antonio Pierce’s staff until a breakdown in contract talks ended that pursuit Saturday, agent Erik Burkhardt told Schefter.
Kingsbury coached the Cardinals for four seasons until he was fired after the 2022 season.
Washington officially hired Dan Quinn as its head coach Saturday. Eric Bieniemy has one year left on his contract as the Commanders’ offensive coordinator, but Washington has a list of coaches it has interest in for the position.
They have shown some level of interest in UCLA coach Chip Kelly and possibly San Francisco tight ends coach Brian Fleury, among others. 49ers quarterbacks coach Brian Griese has drawn praise for his work with Brock Purdy. Griese interviewed for New Orleans’ offensive coordinator position.
Washington general manager Adam Peters, who worked for the 49ers from 2017 until joining the Commanders last month, would have insight into both Fleury and Griese.
Kingsbury, 44, also interviewed with Chicago for its offensive coordinator opening, but the Bears instead hired Shane Waldron. Kelly also interviewed for that job. Fleury interviewed with New England for its offensive coordinator position, which eventually went to Alex Van Pelt.
This past fall, Kingsbury was USC’s quarterbacks coach and senior offensive analyst, working directly with the projected No. 1 pick in this year’s draft, Caleb Williams.
Kingsbury’s experience working with young quarterbacks would appeal to Washington, which owns the No. 2 pick and will strongly consider drafting a quarterback. He drafted Kyler Murray when he coached Arizona and, as head coach at Texas Tech, he worked with Patrick Mahomes and Baker Mayfield.
Washington also has Sam Howell, who has started the past 18 games for the Commanders and will be entering his third season.
LeBron James mum on player option for 2024-25, hourglass tweet
LeBron James says he was proud of the Lakers for beating the Celtics shorthanded, but won’t clarify his hourglass tweet after losing to the Hawks. (0:27)
NEW YORK — Speaking to reporters for the first time since his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, told ESPN’s Brian Windhorst that he would not seek a trade away from the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James said he is undecided about the contract decision he will have to make with the franchise this summer.
James has a player option on his contract with L.A. for $51.4 million for 2024-25, which would be his 22nd season in the NBA.
When asked if he knows what he will do with that option after Saturday’s shootaround ahead of the Lakers’ game against the New York Knicks, James replied, “No.”
Speaking for the first time since tweeting an hourglass emoji with all the sand filtered to the bottom following L.A.’s blowout loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, James also declined to clarify the tweet.
James sat out the Lakers’ 114-105 win over the Boston Celtics on Thursday with a sore left ankle but sounded committed to playing against the Knicks after a four-day layoff.
“Physically? I mean, I’ve been better. But I’ve been a lot worse. But hoping to be able to go out and contribute tonight, help our team win the ballgame, obviously,” James said. “I’m very proud of our efforts in Boston. Those guys stepped up and played exceptional basketball. Beautiful to see. Beautiful to watch.”
James, who reiterated his appreciation for playing at Madison Square Garden as he has done throughout his career, was also asked if he has ever wondered what it would have been like to play for the Knicks.
“During my free agency period in 2010, it was one of the teams that I looked at,” James said. “So I’ve had that thought in my career.”
The Lakers are 2-2 on their current six-game road trip, 25-25 overall and No. 9 in the Western Conference. James emphasized the need for the team to develop consistency over the final 2½ months of the regular season.
“If we can play some good basketball, string a couple wins together, and not be so Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde on any given night, then we’ll be OK,” James said.
Miami Dolphins hire Anthony Weaver as defensive coordinator
MIAMI — The Dolphins hired Anthony Weaver as their new defensive coordinator, the team announced Saturday, ending a 10-day coaching search.
Weaver most recently served as the defensive line coach and associate head coach for the Baltimore Ravens, where he’d been since 2021. The former second-round pick played for the Ravens and Houston Texans during his seven-year NFL career.
The Dolphins hired Vic Fangio last year after firing Josh Boyer, but parted ways with Fangio this offseason. He joined the Philadelphia Eagles’ staff soon after.
The Dolphins released a statement from coach Mike McDaniel, lauding Weaver, who “has a proven résumé of success, built on his personal investment in his players. Most importantly, he shares our belief that player development is the cornerstone to both team building and sustained excellence.”
Weaver has coached in the NFL since 2012, mainly as a defensive line coach with the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Texans and Ravens.
He will take over a Dolphins defense that ranked 10th in yards allowed per game and seventh in rushing yards allowed in 2023. That defense might undergo some changes over the next few months; defensive tackle Christian Wilkins is a free agent this offseason, as are linebacker Jerome Baker and safety DeShon Elliott.
Cornerback Xavien Howard is Miami’s longest-tenured player, but there is a possibility he does not return to the team in 2024.
Weaver has a pedigree off success as the Ravens’ run game coordinator. Since he took over in 2021, Baltimore has allowed the third-fewest rushing yards in the NFL.
Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk title fight rescheduled for May 18
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk clash while facing off ahead of their undisputed title fight. (0:17)
The Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk undisputed heavyweight championship bout has been rescheduled for May 18 in Saudi Arabia, the chairman of the kingdom’s general entertainment authority, Turki Alalshikh, announced Saturday on “The MMA Hour.”
Fury and Usyk were set to meet Feb. 17 in the Kingdom’s capital, Riyadh, before the fight was postponed Friday after Fury suffered a cut over his right eye while sparring.
The rescheduled date was announced by Alalshikh as Fury sat alongside him; Usyk and manager Egis Klimas also joined the announcement from Spain.
“I arranged to spar 12 rounds with four different guys,” Fury said on the program. “In Round 5, I got an elbow in the eye — a split eye — and obviously I’ve been to the hospital and have the 11 stitches.
“They have the medical reports, they have everything. Have a look at the eye. … Nothing much anybody can do about getting a cut. … I’ve never had one before (while sparring). First time for everything.”
Alalshikh said that if either fighter withdraws from the May 18 bout, he must forfeit $10 million from his purse; and also that one of them would still fight on that date.
Addressing doubts from Usyk’s team and from social media about the veracity of the injury, Alalshikh said he has a “special camera” that gives him access to Fury’s training camp in Riyadh. He confirmed there was a serious cut that emerged from an accident in sparring.
Usyk said he simply smiled when he was informed of the postponement and proceeded to train.
Klimas claimed on the show that Fury is “scared” and thar he didn’t want to fight Usyk.
“Why would I not want to fight for the biggest payday in my life and put 10 weeks in the training camp?” Fury responded.
On Saturday’s program, Alalshikh also offered heavyweight contender Filip Hrgovicwho a fight on the March 8 undercard of Anthony Joshua-Francis Ngannou in Riyadh. He mentioned six possibilities: Daniel Dubois, Jared Anderson, Frank Sanchez, Agit Kabayel, Jarrell Miller and Martin Bakole.
Hrgovic told ESPN on Friday that he was willing to step in and replace Fury on Feb. 17.
Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) and Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs) were set to meet in two weeks in the most highly anticipated heavyweight title fight since Lennox Lewis-Mike Tyson in 2002.
Fury-Usyk was originally planned for Dec. 23 before Fury struggled in a tougher-than-expected bout with former UFC champion Francis Ngannou in October in Riyadh. Fury was cut over the forehead and the left eye en route to a split-decision victory over Ngannou, who was making his pro boxing debut.
Fury, 35, was even dropped in Round 3, the seventh knockdown of his illustrious career. Fury and Usyk signed contracts for their long-awaited battle for heavyweight supremacy weeks before “The Gypsy King” stepped through the ropes to fight Ngannou in a 10-round non-title bout (Fury holds the WBC title.)
Usyk, 36, is an Olympic gold medalist and former undisputed cruiserweight champion. The Ukrainian holds the WBA, WBO and IBF titles, belts he won from Anthony Joshua in 2021. Usyk retained the titles in the rematch with another decision nod over Joshua last summer in Saudi Arabia.
Usyk last fought in August, when he scored a ninth-round KO of Daniel Dubois in Poland. Usyk is ESPN’s No. 2 heavyweight and No. 3 pound-for-pound boxer. Fury is ESPN’s No. 1 heavyweight and No. 10 pound-for-pound boxer. England’s Fury fought twice in 2022, both TKO wins at soccer stadiums in London (in April vs. Dilian Whyte and December vs. Derek Chisora).
This is Fury’s second title reign. He beat another Ukrainian, Wladimir Klitschko, in 2015 for three heavyweight titles via decision in an upset. Fury never defended those titles and instead was out of the ring for two-and-a-half years due to depression and substance abuse. He was up to 400-plus pounds during that time.
After Fury returned from that hiatus, he established himself as one of boxing’s top stars with a classic heavyweight title trilogy with Deontay Wilder, whom he stopped twice after a draw in the first meeting. Fury’s third fight with Wilder was ESPN’s 2021 Fight of the Year and KO of the Year.
The Fury-Usyk deal contains a two-way rematch clause, virtually ensuring two consecutive fights between the pair for 10s of millions of dollars.
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