ESPN is reporting that a former DraftKings sportsbook employee faces felony charges in Las Vegas stemming from an alleged betting scheme involving Fresno State men’s basketball player Mykell Robinson in 2025.

ESPN based its story on law enforcement records from the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

Samuel Silverman was arrested May 5 in Las Vegas. The former DraftKings sports trader pleaded not guilty to felony charges of committing a fraudulent act in a gaming establishment and conspiracy to cheat at a gambling game. Silverman previously was a team manager for the Fresno State men’s basketball team during the 2022-23 season.

His attorney, Michael D. Pariente, told ESPN in a statement: “”We will present a vigorous defense of Mr. Silverman in a court of law based on evidence and facts — not in the court of public opinion, polluted by bias, speculation, and rumor. We have no further comment.”

The NCAA permanently revoked Robinson’s eligibility, as well as that of two other players who had played for Fresno State, Steven Vasquez and Jalen Weaver, in September 2025.

Vasquez and Robinson were Fresno State roommates during the 2023-24 season before Vasquez transferred to San Jose State.

How the NCAA Described the Scheme

The violations occurred during the 2024-25 regular season, the NCAA alleged. Robinson and Vasquez coordinated over text messages in January 2025 to underperform in certain statistical categories in a game. The effort, combined with a third party, resulted in a $15,950 payout from a $2,200 bet, according to the NCAA.

Robinson also placed 13 daily fantasy sports prop bets totaling $454, winning $618 on one.

In addition, Robinson coordinated multiple bets on his Fresno State teammate Weaver, leading Weaver to place a $50 prop bet that resulted in a $260 payout.

The NCAA investigation began after Fresno State and a sports betting integrity monitor flagged suspicious bets on Robinson.

The enforcement staff found evidence that the three players shared betting line information to manipulate outcomes. Robinson and Vasquez did not cooperate with the NCAA investigation, while Weaver participated and acknowledged his violation.

Nevada Gaming Commission Focuses on 2025 Game

Robinson allegedly manipulated his performance in a game between Fresno State and Colorado State on Jan. 7, 2025, according to the Nevada Gaming Control records. Silverman is accused of moving money to facilitate bets on Robinson’s statistics and receiving proceeds from the wagers, ESPN reported.

The gaming control board said that “several additional suspects remain outstanding, and criminal charges are being actively pursued.”

However, ESPN — citing gaming control board records — reported that Silverman’s former DraftKings colleague and roommate Matthew J. Martin was involved in the alleged fraud.

“The Nevada Gaming Control Board remains committed to protecting the integrity of Nevada’s gaming industry and will continue to aggressively investigate any activity that threatens the fairness and public confidence of regulated sports wagering,” chairman Mike Dreitzer said in a news release.