Judge allows ex-Celtics star Glen ‘Big Baby’ Davis to delay prison for film

NEW YORK (AP) — Former Boston Celtics forward Glen “Big Baby” Davis has received a temporary delay in starting his prison sentence due to a film project he is involved in. A judge granted Davis until October 22 to report to prison to begin serving his three-year, four-month sentence for his role in defrauding an insurance plan for NBA players and their families.

The decision was made by Judge Valerie E. Caproni, who accepted a request from Davis’s lawyer. The lawyer stated that Davis is working on a documentary about his life and that production delays involving interviews with professional teammates have hindered progress on the project.

Davis, who was a member of the Celtics’ 2008 championship team, is among approximately two dozen former NBA players and associates who have been convicted for cheating the NBA Players’ Health and Benefit Welfare Plan out of more than $5 million.

The request for a postponement was made by attorney Brendan White. He emphasized that the completion of the documentary could provide revenue that might help Davis meet his restitution obligation of $80,000 to a victim of the fraud.

In her ruling, Judge Caproni noted Davis’s significant restitution responsibility and expressed hope that the expected financial success from the film project would be attainable.

During the May 9 sentencing, Davis spoke about the impact of a career-altering injury that led to his struggles over the past several years. He lamented, “I’ve been struggling because basketball was taken from me,” indicating the deep connection he has with the sport.

“That’s all I know. I was expert at that,” he added, reflecting on how the loss of basketball led to a loss of identity.

Davis’s attorney at the sentencing, Sabrina Shroff, described the hardships he faced, including a period of such financial despair that he approached her for $800 to keep his phone operational.

However, Judge Caproni remarked that Davis did not fully cooperate with probation officers and had not taken adequate steps to address his circumstances.

Federal prosecutor Ryan Finkel pointed out during the sentencing that Davis was among the most affluent athletes involved in the insurance fraud scheme, emphasizing his status as a member of a championship team.

At 38 years old, Davis enjoyed a career in the NBA playing for teams such as the Celtics, Orlando Magic, and Los Angeles Clippers from 2007 until 2015. He previously led Louisiana State University to the NCAA championship game in 2006.