Gambler Cops A Plea

A gambler who put up some of the money and helped pay a basketball player in a point-shaving scheme pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit sports bribery, prosecutors said.

Vincent P. Basso of Buffalo Grove, Ill., will face a maximum prison term of five years and a possible $250,000 fine when sentenced May 24.

Outlining Basso’s role for the first time, Jose de Jesus Rivera, the U.S. attorney for Arizona, said Basso helped bet $150,000 on the game, putting up $30,000 himself and agreeing to contribute $11,000 to help pay ASU player Stevin “Hedake” Smith.