Former NBA star Sebastian Telfair has offered a rare glimpse into life inside a federal prison, where he served time alongside disgraced music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs. Telfair, who was released just before Christmas, insists Combs is holding up well despite his circumstances.
Inside FCI Fort Dix: An Unlikely Meeting
Sebastian Telfair, 40, completed a six-month sentence at the low-security FCI Fort Dix facility in New Jersey. The one-time basketball prodigy, once compared to LeBron James, was jailed for violating the conditions of his supervised release linked to a fraud conviction. It was there he crossed paths with Combs, who is serving a sentence of more than four years after being convicted of prostitution offenses.
Speaking to TMZ just hours after his release, Telfair shared his observations. "My boy Diddy is in a spot too. I couldn't imagine how he feels," Telfair said. He added, "Diddy is holding it down. He's doing what he has to do and where he is at, they're going to help him. So he's going out clean."
Prison Incidents and Legal Appeals
The interview follows reports last month that Diddy was allegedly caught drinking homemade prison alcohol, often called 'moonshine'. The concoction was reportedly made from Fanta, sugar, and apples, left to ferment for weeks. This occurred despite Combs assuring a judge of his sobriety.
Meanwhile, Combs's legal team has filed an appeal to overturn his conviction. His lawyers argue to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan that the sentencing judge, Arun Subramanian, acted as a "thirteenth juror" and was unduly influenced by evidence from charges Combs was acquitted of in July. Those acquittals included racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. He was convicted under the Mann Act for transporting people across state lines for sexual crime. His scheduled release date is currently May 2028.
Telfair's Path and Future Plans
Telfair's own legal troubles stem from a healthcare fraud scheme involving several former NBA players. In 2024, he pleaded guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud and Wire Fraud. He initially avoided prison with time served but later violated his release terms by failing to complete community service and report to his probation officer.
Now a free man, Telfair claims to be rehabilitated and is focusing on his family, including his twin children. "I feel rehabilitated," he stated. "I did what I had to do, took care of myself. Now let's get back to my babies."
He also revealed a sporting comeback, having signed a contract to play in the Big3, the three-on-three league founded by Ice Cube. "The contract is signed, I'm coming for the MVP," Telfair declared, suggesting it could earn him "a couple of hundred thousand" dollars. He had previously sought a pardon from former President Donald Trump, though there is no indication this influenced his release, which was set for 27 December.
Reflecting on Combs's adjustment, Telfair concluded, "We all know Diddy's business because we got to see everything... Diddy was living rock star life so I'm glad he's going to get the time to relax... Diddy is in good spirits, he's still Diddy."
