Jazz assistant Keyon Dooling placed on leave after fraud charge

Jazz assistant coach Keyon Dooling has been placed on administrative leave after being charged in a fraud case involving the NBA’s Health and Welfare Benefit Plan, according to Larry Neumeister and Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press.

Dooling, a former vice president of the National Basketball Players Association, had his name added to a criminal case that involves 18 former players who are charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud. The first charges were brought in October, as federal officials said the players schemed to collect about $2.5M through false medical and dental claims.

Dooling, who served eight years as an NBPA officer, “allegedly engaged in the scheme and recruited other co-conspirators to join the scheme,” according to federal officials. Also added to the indictment today were a doctor and a dentist who reportedly had a role in facilitating the operation.

Dooling is accused of keeping about $350K in illegal proceeds from the operation, which took place at least from 2017 through 2020.

“It is a case concerning his time at the National Basketball Players Association, prior to him joining our organization,” the Jazz said in a formal statement. “He has been put on paid administrative leave. Due to the ongoing legal process, we will refrain from further comment.”