Georgia businessman convicted of cheating ex-NBA star Dwight Howard out of millions in scam to buy Atlanta Dream

When a prosecutor asked him if he got anything in return for his $7 million, Howard testified that he got “a slap in the face.” Prosecutors said Darden also teamed up with a sports agent to fool Parsons, who had a 9-year NBA career, into sending $1 million that was supposed to aid the development of James Wiseman, who currently plays in the NBA. In that case, Darden got leniency by cooperating with prosecutors against others charged in the case. This time, though, Darden turned down two offers by the government to plead guilty and went to trial.