Mavericks Carter is popularly known as one of LeBron James’ closest business associates. The 43-year-old has mostly been involved in various sports marketing deals with James. But their partnership grew bigger and ventured out into production and entertainment as well. By the looks of it, the James-Carter relationship is mostly what led to the athlete’s billion-dollar net worth.
Carter helped arrange a deal between LRMR and Fenway Sports Group a couple of years ago. The deal eventually led to LeBron becoming a minority stakeowner of Liverpool FC. Carter was also one of the masterminds behind many commercials that James appeared in. He also founded SpringHill Entertainment with James, a company that is now a collaborator with Warner Bros. Unfortunately, Carter’s involvement in sports betting now has him under fire.
Maverick Carter was interrogated over Wayne Nix’s illegal sports betting operation case
Back in 2021, former MLB player, Wayne Nix was found guilty of operating an illegal sports gambling business. He was also booked for filing a false tax return. Maverick Carter was briefly questioned over this matter but sources claim that he was never charged or contacted regarding Nix ever since November 2021. It was the first and only time that he was interrogated about his involvement in sports betting and with Nix.
Maverick Carter admitted to federal law enforcement that he used an illegal bookie to bet on NBA games, according to a report by the Washington Post.
Carter made the admission during an interview in 2021 with federal agents who were looking into a bookie named Wayne Nix, who… pic.twitter.com/PIsvDa8QIs
— Complex (@Complex) November 30, 2023
However, in an article published by the Washington Post, Carter admitted that he used to place bets on NBA and NFL games through an illegal bookmaker/bookie. But he allegedly could not remember placing bets on the Los Angeles Lakers or any other team at the time of questioning.
Carter stated that he placed around 20 bets in a year. Most of these bets ranged between $5,000 and $10,000. The NBA prohibits referees, players, owners, and various team officials from sports gambling. However, business managers aren’t included.
LeBron James reacts to Maverick Carter being investigated for illegal betting
Following the Lakers‘ recent loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, LeBron James addressed his thoughts on Maverick Carter’s admission. He said, “Maverick’s his own man and at the end of the day, gambling is legal. I mean, you can go on your phone right now and do whatever you want. And he has no affiliation with the NBA or NFL, so, he can do what he wants to do.” Either James wants no part of the drama or he doesn’t want to associate himself based on something he knows Carter has done.
LeBron James said he wasn’t aware of Maverick Carter, his longtime friend and business partner, telling federal agents that he placed NBA bets with an illegal bookie in 2021, as @washingtonpost reported. James said he found out in the last 24 hours.
Here’s James’ response to if… pic.twitter.com/ZZwnswZGdq
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) December 1, 2023
However, sports betting isn’t illegal in the United States. These days there are mobile applications available for the general public to use and bet on players and teams. Had Maverick Carter taken the right steps to place his bets, the odds wouldn’t have been stacked against him. However, having an illegal bookie could only mean he may have had his bets rigged. The story is currently developing and more information is expected to come out soon.