Former NBA Player Shares Update On Diddy After Being Locked Up Together: 'Holding It Down'

Former NBA player Sebastian Telfair received the perfect Christmas gift when he was released from prison two days before the holiday. In one of his first interviews as a free man, Telfair, who was sentenced to time behind bars for his role in attempting to defraud the NBA's health and welfare benefit plan, spoke about what it was like living with disgraced rapper Sean 'Diddy' Combs, who received a 50-month sentence in October 2025 after a jury found him guilty of transporting individuals for prostitution.

Former NBA Player Admits He Couldn't 'Imagine' Dealing With What Diddy Is Dealing With Behind Bars

🚨 EXCLUSIVE: In his first interview since being released from the same prison that houses Diddy, former NBA player Sebastian Telfair tells us what it was like being locked up with the music mogul. pic.twitter.com/Mk25NphAr7

— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) December 24, 2025

Speaking with TMZ, Telfair suggested that he has respect and admiration for Diddy, who was transferred to FCI Fort Dix to serve the remainder of his sentence. "My boy Diddy is in the spot too. I couldn’t imagine how Diddy felt, but Diddy’s holding it down, he’s doing what he’s got to do. Where he’s at, they’re going to help him," Telfair said.

While Telfair didn't share exactly how FCI Fort Dix would help the father of seven, the former NBA athlete implied that the next several months would be beneficial for the "Making the Band" creator. "We all know Diddy’s business," he said. "Diddy was living a rock star life. I’m glad he’s gonna get the time to relax and, as my boys will say on the inside, get some time for yourself. Diddy’s in good spirits, he’s still Diddy. Diddy is gonna be Diddy no matter where he’s at."

Sean 'Diddy' Combs Wrote An Emotional Letter To The Judge In His Case Before His Sentencing

Several individuals took the stand during Diddy's trial, including former sex workers who claimed they were hired by the rapper, as well as his ex-girlfriend of nearly a decade, Cassie Ventura. The latter recalled terrifying experiences with Diddy, including the time he kicked and dragged her across the floor of a New York City hotel.

Before his sentencing in October, Diddy wrote a moving letter to the judge presiding over his case, Judge Arun Subramanian, in which he claimed he was ready to take accountability for his wrongs. "I have no one to blame for my current reality and situation but myself," he wrote. "In my life, I have made many mistakes, but I am no longer running from them."

Diddy told Judge Subramanian that throughout his rise to fame, he made questionable decisions that severely impacted those around him. "My downfall was rooted in selfishness," he wrote. "I had been humbled and broken to my core."

Diddy also stated that he's learned meaningful lessons while already behind bars. "I have been putting in the work and working diligently to become the best version of myself to ensure that I never make the same mistakes again," he added, revealing he's utilized therapy, writing, reading, and exercise to help him deal with his personal issues.

Why Was Sebastian Telfair In Prison With Diddy?

According to a previous USA Today report, Telfair was among many retired NBA players indicted on fraud charges. Prosecutors alleged that Telfair submitted fraudulent reimbursement claims between 2017 and 2020 and pocketed a substantial sum.

The documents stated that some players claimed to have received medical attention when they actually didn't. Telfair pleaded guilty to the charges against him in 2023 and received a three-year probation sentence. Things went awry, though, when he failed to complete his court-mandated community service, which landed him in custody in the Garden State.

The NBA Has Been Plagued With Scandals

 

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Telfair isn't the first NBA figure to be embroiled in a scandal. Former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter was arrested and charged with wire fraud after investigators said the athlete provided bettors with non-public information, allowing them to secure substantial wins on different gambling platforms. After pleading guilty in court, Porter apologized for his conduct and admitted that he "knew what I did was wrong and unlawful."

The NBA eventually banned Porter, and commissioner Adam Silver later vowed to work hard to maintain the league's integrity. "Working closely with all relevant stakeholders across the industry, we will continue to work diligently to safeguard our league and game," he said.

Former NBA Referee Charged And Arrested After Admitting To Gambling On Games He Officiated

In 2008, Tim Donaghy, a former NBA referee, admitted to accepting thousands of dollars from professional gamblers for insider information on games he officiated. According to ESPN, Donaghy pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to "transmitting betting information through interstate commerce." Nearly 10 years later, Donaghy had another run-in with the law after police officers said he threatened to hit a man with a hammer. He was arrested and later released on $5,000 bond.