In a striking development. The NCAA has opened a formal investigation into 13 former men’s college basketball players. The investigation is for alleged violations of its sports betting rules.
The NCAA has declined to name the players until the investigation is over. However, the players attended Arizona State, Eastern Michigan, Temple, the University of New Orleans, North Carolina A&T, and Mississippi Valley.
What They’re Under Investigation For
The alleged violations include:
- Betting both for and against their own teams in games.
- Sharing inside information with third parties for gambling purposes.
- Manipulating game scoring or outcomes.
- Failing to cooperate with the NCAA’s investigative process.
These activities were flagged through the NCAA’s integrity monitoring program and from sources that observed unusual betting behavior. This includes text messages, direct messages on social media, and other forms of digital evidence. All of the players under investigation are no longer enrolled at their respective schools.
Context & Related Cases
This probe comes on the heels of another enforcement action in which three players. Mykell Robinson, Jalen Weaver, and Steven Vasquez were all banned for betting on their own games.
The NCAA reports that it monitors over 22,000 contests per year. This increases the risk that some athletes may compromise their integrity for financial gain.
Reactions and Potential Fallout
- NCAA President Charlie Baker emphasized the seriousness of the matter and called for more robust oversight. This includes the possible elimination of certain types of bets (such as prop bets).
- Schools involved have stated that they are cooperating with NCAA investigations.
- The investigation raises concerns about how student-athletes are educated about betting rules.
The bottom line is that all sports leagues, the NBA, NFL, MLB, college athletics, and beyond, must establish a clear, no-tolerance policy on gambling. If an athlete is caught betting or funneling money through someone else to place bets on their behalf, the consequence should be an immediate and permanent ban from their sport.