Former NBA Star Dwight Howard Defrauded of $7 Million in Fake Atlanta Dream Purchase Scheme

On Friday, Georgia businessman Calvin Darden Jr. was convicted of defrauding former NBA star Dwight Howard of $7 million.

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The situation kicked off following a bogus investment deal that promised Howard an ownership stake in the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream.  The trial took place inside a New York City courtroom, where Howard testified against Darden. He explained that Darden convinced him to invest $7 million, thinking that he would gain ownership in the WNBA team in return.  However, that was far from the truth.  In fact, in 2021, the actual purchase of the team was made by a three-member investment group and Howard’s $7 million contribution had no part in the transaction.  When the courts asked Howard what he received in exchange for his monetary payment, he responded, “A slap in the face.”

According to prosecutors, Darden’s conviction could result in a prison sentence of 11 to 14 years. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Meade highlighted Darden’s alleged lack of remorse for his involvement in the incident and called for him to be taken into custody following the verdict. However, U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick ruled that Darden could remain free on bail until his sentencing next year.

Nonetheless, this isn’t the first time Darden found himself in legal trouble for fraudulent behavior. In 2016, Darden was sentenced to one year in prison for impersonating his father, a successful businessman, in an attempt to purchase Maxim magazine. He was also found guilty of scamming former NBA player Chandler Parsons out of $1 million. Darden lured Parsons into believing he was investing in the development of NBA star James Wiseman.