Student-Athlete Sues Bentley Over Expulsion for Alleged Pyramid Scheme

A former Bentley University student-athlete is suing the school after he was expelled just weeks before graduation for his alleged involvement in a pyramid scheme. The lawsuit claims the student, referred to as John Smith, was recruited by another student to participate in a Venmo-based money exchange that left other students at a loss.

According to the lawsuit, the scheme began in the fall of 2024. Smith was allegedly asked to recruit other students and teammates. The lawsuit states that nearly a dozen students transferred thousands of dollars back and forth using Venmo and CashApp, with one student, “Eli,” reportedly ending up with most of the money. Smith claims he was later confronted by a student who lost money, and that student reported him to the Bentley Police.

Smith alleges he was wrongfully expelled by the university’s Student Conduct Board after a hearing, claiming the school failed to submit his written statements in time. He says he was set to attend Bryant University’s MBA program as a graduate student-athlete, but the offer was revoked.

Other Bentley student-athletes who were told about the lawsuit expressed a mix of sympathy and caution. “You got to be really careful, especially when you’re handling money,” said one student. Another added, “If you scam people out of money, I think it’s probably right… you just have to think twice to be a little extra careful.”

Bentley University and the attorneys for John Smith have declined to comment on the ongoing lawsuit. This is a developing story.