Eugene “Big U” Henley, a California-based gang member who is allegedly a leader of the ‘Crips’ has been accused of murder, kidnapping, robbery, extortion, and fraud, federal authorities said on Wednesday. 

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The legal documents prepared against the gang leader state he had a few crossovers with the NBA and players around the league. Draymond Green and Shaquille O’Neal are named as players who had been defrauded by Henley, according to the LA Times.

“Henley also allegedly defrauded companies, donors, athletes and celebrities — including NBA star Draymond Green and Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal — persuading them to donate to his charities and later allegedly transferring the money to his personal bank accounts.”

Henley is often dubbed rap’s “Godfather,” for his role in giving young musicians opportunities with his resources.

He also was notorious in LA and reportedly had NBA players and other prominent athletes pay him a ‘check-in fee’ whenever they were in his city, according to the LA Times.

This also led to him protecting and defending players when required, as he did when a current NBA All-Star and a former NBA All-Star lost a combined $6.5 million in a rigged dice game.

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) looks back at the referee during a game against the Detroit Pistons.

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) looks back at the referee during a game against the Detroit Pistons.

Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

In a monitored meeting between Henley and someone identified only as “Victim-1,” Henley recounted that he “got into it,” with A.B after A.B. cheated a current NBA All-Star out of $1.5 million and a former NBA All-Star out of $5 million.

Henley also talked about charging the players $100,000 to get their money back.

Many NBA players find themselves caught up in such situations by virtue of their name and notoriety. The league tries to create pathways that protect their players, but not everyone can be protected at all times.

Sometimes these check-ins with local gangsters essentially ensure the millionaire athlete’s safety as well, but it isn’t dissimilar to the forceful ‘protection’ money criminal organizations have forced people to pay for years.