NBL news: How Tim Johnston and Firepower doomed Sydney Kings

It was the con job that fooled the biggest names in Australian sport and left a trail of destruction so vast its impact is still felt today.

Firepower founder Tim Johnston arrives at the Federal Court, Perth. Johnston's company collapsed in 2008, leaving investors more than $100 million out of pocket.

It was the con job that fooled the biggest names in Australian sport and left a trail of destruction so vast its impact is still felt today.

Tim Johnston had everyone convinced — the likes of Wayne Carey, Steve Waugh and Russell Crowe trusted and invested millions in his company Firepower, the maker of a miracle pill that could supposedly lower fuel consumption and reduce emissions.

In the end, it was all too good to be true.

FULL STORY: The con job that rocked Australian sport to its core

Johnston took over as owner of the Sydney Kings in 2007, with grand plans for Firepower to join forces with the Russian military and the Chinese bus system.

But as things fell apart, so did Johnston’s Kings reign; the businessman clearing out and leaving his players without pay, prompting the NBL to terminate the club’s licence.

Tim Johnston, leaves the Federal court in Brisbane, after an arrest warrant was issued for him, over his failed Firepower business, and his failure to appear in Perth.

Sixteen years on, Sydney players, staff and coaches have reflected on the “life changing” impact the Firepower scandal had in a special CODE Sports investigation.

“That (Firepower) f…ed me up – I’ll never forgive him (Tim Johnston) and I’ll never get over it,” former Sydney Kings backup guard BJ Carter revealed to CODE Sports.

Carter lost his career, marriage and fell into a dark state of depression.

“It still affects me to this day. It was brutal and it ruined my life,” he said.

“It has taken me to some dark places mentally. Depression kicked in because of that and brought up a lot of childhood trauma after my dad committed suicide.

“Unfortunately for me the clearest year in my life was the Firepower year.”

Legendary mentor Brian Goorjian has returned to coach the Kings this season, sparking vivid memories of the most tumultuous year in his Hall of Fame career.

“The Firepower experience really put a dent in me because I struggled to front my players,” Goorjian said.

“I had to eyeball these guys every day and it broke my f…ing heart.”

Read the full Firepower saga on CODE Sports >