TCA 39-17-1103
Sports bribery
MISDEMEANOR AClass A Misdemeanor
Sentence enhancement may apply
What does this charge mean?
It is illegal to offer money or benefits to a sports player to make them not play their best, to offer money to an official to perform their duties improperly, or—if you're a player or official—to ask for or accept such benefits. Violations are Class A misdemeanors punishable by up to 11 months 29 days in jail and/or up to $2,500 in fines.
Penalty Details
ClassificationClass A Misdemeanor
Maximum Jail11 months 29 days
Maximum Fine$2,500
Penalty SummaryClass A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500
(a) A person commits the crime of sports bribery who: (1) Confers, or offers or agrees to confer, any benefit upon a sports participant with intent to influence the participant not to give the participant’s best efforts in a sports contest; (2) Confers, or offers or agrees to confer any benefit upon a sports official in return for an agreement from the official to perform the official’s duties improperly; (3) Being a sports participant, solicits, accepts or agrees to accept any benefit from another person upon an agreement or understanding that the participant will thereby be influenced not to give the participant’s best efforts in a sports contest; or (4) Being a sports official, solicits, accepts or agrees to accept any benefit from another person upon an agreement or understanding that the official will perform the official’s duties improperly. (b) Sports bribery is a Class A misdemeanor.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026
Quick Facts
MISDEMEANOR A
TCA Section39-17-1103
Max Jail11 months 29 days
Max Fine$2,500