26 UI student-athletes are being investigated for online gambling, incl in Men’s Basketball, Football, Baseball, Men’s track & field & Wrestling

[Franisdaman]

Direct link to the story on the Iowa Baseball team:

Iowa Gambling Authorities Launch Investigation Against Hawkeyes Baseball After Player Suspensions

Read about how Iowa gambling authorities have launched an investigation after Hawkeyes baseball players were suspended over the weekend.

www.actionnetwork.com

Related tweet:

 

[Ronman]

Is this the issue that might take Gray Barta down?

 

[PlazaHawkeye]

Fire Barta!

 

[Franisdaman]

From the Iowa Office of Strategic Communication:


Sports Wagering Investigation


May 8, 2023

The University of Iowa and the Department of Athletics are aware of the sports wagering investigation and are fully cooperating. We have alerted the NCAA of the potential violations and we have hired outside counsel to assist in the investigative process.

The athletics department provides education on NCAA rules regarding the the prohibition of sports wagering as well as the potential consequences.

Additional Information

• The university has received information about 111 individuals.
  • This includes 26 current student-athletes from baseball, football, men’s basketball, men’s track and field, and men's wrestling, as well as one full-time employee of the UI Department of Athletics.
  • The vast majority of the individuals are student-staff, former student-athletes, or those with no connection to UI Athletics.
  • The list does not include any current or former coaches.

Timeline

May 2: University of Iowa leadership was notified of potential criminal conduct related to sports wagering that also suggested possible NCAA violations.

May 3: Law enforcement notified the university that additional information would be provided the following day.

May 4: The university received a list of individuals alleged to have participated in sports wagering.

May 5: The University of Iowa took the following action:

• notified several student-athletes that they would not be participating in upcoming competitions;
• alerted the NCAA to potential violations; and
• engaged outside legal counsel to advise the university and potentially lead an investigation.

May 8: The following message was sent to Department of Athletics staff and student-athletes.

Athletics Staff –

Last week the university and athletics department were made aware of potential NCAA violation related to sports wagering. The following statements from the State of Iowa Board of Regents and University of Iowa will be shared publicly shortly. We will follow-up with additional information as available.

Board of Regent Statement

The Board of Regents is aware of concerns related to online gambling involving individuals associated with the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. The Board of Regents and the universities will fully cooperate with any investigations related to these concerns. We are closely monitoring the situation and have confidence that University administrators at each institution will take all necessary steps to ensure ongoing compliance.

University of Iowa Statement

The University of Iowa and the Department of Athletics are aware of the sports wagering investigation and are fully cooperating. We have alerted the NCAA of the potential violations and we have hired outside counsel to assist in the investigative process.

The athletics department provides education on NCAA rules regarding the the prohibition of sports wagering as well as the potential consequences.


LINK:

Sports wagering investigation | Office of Strategic Communication

May 8, 2023 The University of Iowa and the Department of Athletics are aware of the sports wagering investigation and are fully cooperating. We have alerted the NCAA of the potential violations and we have hired outside counsel to assist in the investigative process. The athletics department...

osc.uiowa.edu

 

[General Tso]

Yay

 

[LarryMullenJr.]

Is this the issue that might take Gray Barta down?

I’m convinced, since so many want him gone, myself very much included, that he'll be around another 20 years.

 

[ShonnDeereGreene]

Put me in the camp of having zero sympathy for any athlete suspended or kicked off for gambling. We can debate all day long if the rule against gambling for ncaa players is stupid or not - that’s not the point. It is not allowed, they know it’s not allowed, and any violation of that is an intentional violation.

No matter what profession you pursue, there are always sacrifices you have to make. These players are playing a sport at the highest level - presumably with aspirations for an opportunity to play professionally - and all they are asked to do is uphold the integrity of the game.

It actually pizzes me off because it both hurts their team and teammates and brings negative publicity to the program.

 

[nu2u]

Put me in the camp of having zero sympathy for any athlete suspended or kicked off for gambling. We can debate all day long if the rule against gambling for ncaa players is stupid or not - that’s not the point. It is not allowed, they know it’s not allowed, and any violation of that is an intentional violation.

No matter what profession you pursue, there are always sacrifices you have to make. These players are playing a sport at the highest level - presumably with aspirations for an opportunity to play professionally - and all they are asked to do is uphold the integrity of the game.

It actually pizzas me off because it both hurts their team and teammates and brings negative publicity to the program.

Well stated.

 

[WestCoastHawkI]

I wonder who the men's basketball student is 👀

 

[gamedayron01]

Is this the issue that might take Gray Barta down?

I’m not fan of Gary Barta, but this time it’s not his fault.

 

[Mohawkeye]

Put me in the camp of having zero sympathy for any athlete suspended or kicked off for gambling. We can debate all day long if the rule against gambling for ncaa players is stupid or not - that’s not the point. It is not allowed, they know it’s not allowed, and any violation of that is an intentional violation.

No matter what profession you pursue, there are always sacrifices you have to make. These players are playing a sport at the highest level - presumably with aspirations for an opportunity to play professionally - and all they are asked to do is uphold the integrity of the game.

It actually pizzes me off because it both hurts their team and teammates and brings negative publicity to the program.

I don’t think that’s a controversial take.

 

[Bishop1971]

Put me in the camp of having zero sympathy for any athlete suspended or kicked off for gambling. We can debate all day long if the rule against gambling for ncaa players is stupid or not - that’s not the point. It is not allowed, they know it’s not allowed, and any violation of that is an intentional violation.

No matter what profession you pursue, there are always sacrifices you have to make. These players are playing a sport at the highest level - presumably with aspirations for an opportunity to play professionally - and all they are asked to do is uphold the integrity of the game.

It actually pizzes me off because it both hurts their team and teammates and brings negative publicity to the program.

I agree about the negative effects of this sends about our rep. Iowa State is getting investigated also. At least they weren't betting on their own games except Arland Bruce if the rumors are true. Explains why he fell down for no reason after a great play that would have been a td, instead we settled for a field goal. Watched Purdue and Wisconsin game and he crashed into Kaleb on a reverse that turned into a fumble then punt. The reverse was wide open also so would have been a big play. Dropping the punt in his last game that he knew he was playing. He should be investigated for sure. The rest seems to be betting on different sports or games that wasn't bets on Iowa's games except for Arland.

 

[Bishop1971]

Anyone know about the Iowa State betting investigation? Don't see much about it and Pollard is keeping it quiet. I also checked with director of athletic training and UNI is not being investigated.

 

[Husker Hank]

Now we know why Spencer Lee got pinned.

 

[Franisdaman]

Put me in the camp of having zero sympathy for any athlete suspended or kicked off for gambling. We can debate all day long if the rule against gambling for ncaa players is stupid or not - that’s not the point. It is not allowed, they know it’s not allowed, and any violation of that is an intentional violation.

No matter what profession you pursue, there are always sacrifices you have to make. These players are playing a sport at the highest level - presumably with aspirations for an opportunity to play professionally - and all they are asked to do is uphold the integrity of the game.

It actually pizzes me off because it both hurts their team and teammates and brings negative publicity to the program.

You nailed it. They knew they were not allowed to eat the apple. 26 current student athletes across FIVE Iowa sports teams decided to take a bite instead.

Note that one full-time employee of the UI Department of Athletics is also implicated; can't wait for that name to be disclosed. I wonder if that person has already been dismissed.

It is embarrassing. And the Iowa baseball team, last Wednesday, was projected as a 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Keaton Anthony is their star player. Or should I say, now that he's suspended indefinitely, he was their star player.

 

[Franisdaman]

I agree about the negative effects of this sends about our rep. Iowa State is getting investigated also. At least they weren't betting on their own games except Arland Bruce if the rumors are true. Explains why he fell down for no reason after a great play that would have been a td, instead we settled for a field goal. Watched Purdue and Wisconsin game and he crashed into Kaleb on a reverse that turned into a fumble then punt. The reverse was wide open also so would have been a big play. Dropping the punt in his last game that he knew he was playing. He should be investigated for sure. The rest seems to be betting on different sports or games that wasn't bets on Iowa's games except for Arland.

Wow. Lots of smoke here and you have a very good memory.

Can you imagine if the crappy season was not all on Brian, Spencer and the OL?

We are all just speculating of course. Hell, people to this day still talk about Ronnie Harmon and the Rose Bowl fumbles

And it's a reminder of how close Iowa was to a 10 or 11 win season last year.

10-7 vs Clown U
9-6 vs Illinois
24-17 to Little Debbie

 

[Franisdaman]

Anyone know about the Iowa State betting investigation? Don't see much about it and Pollard is keeping it quiet. I also checked with director of athletic training and UNI is not being investigated.

Involves 3 sports programs (not men's basketball)

 

[LarryMullenJr.]

Now we know why Spencer Lee got pinned.

I know you're completely and totally trolling, but Jesus, if this turned out to be the deal......I'd be done.

 

[HoustonREDHawk]

Some gambling is not that surprising, but hopefully it did not involve betting for or against Iowa and isn't shown to impact any results of games. If it is, this could be very bad news.

 

[Franisdaman]

I know you're completely and totally trolling, but Jesus, if this turned out to be the deal......I'd be done.

Some gambling is not that surprising, but hopefully it did not involve betting for or against Iowa and isn't shown to impact any results of games. If it is, this could be very bad news.

Right now there is no evidence that any game or match was thrown.

 

[FranklinHawk]

I agree about the negative effects of this sends about our rep. Iowa State is getting investigated also. At least they weren't betting on their own games except Arland Bruce if the rumors are true. Explains why he fell down for no reason after a great play that would have been a td, instead we settled for a field goal. Watched Purdue and Wisconsin game and he crashed into Kaleb on a reverse that turned into a fumble then punt. The reverse was wide open also so would have been a big play. Dropping the punt in his last game that he knew he was playing. He should be investigated for sure. The rest seems to be betting on different sports or games that wasn't bets on Iowa's games except for Arland.

Actually in the ISU game, pretty sure Pottebaum fumbled at the goal line 2 plays later so we didn't score at all.

 

[trippnschmidt]

Actually in the ISU game, pretty sure Pottebaum fumbled at the goal line 2 plays later so we didn't score at all.

And Bruce got the first down on the play.....

 

[HoustonREDHawk]

Ancient history, but was there ever any hard evidence that Ronnie Harmon threw the bowl game? I always found it weird, but I was amazed how quickly he went from being one of the best running backs in Iowa FB history to one of the most hated.

 

[HawkAttackDial911]

I wonder who the men's basketball student is 👀

For the sake of the team, it was Pat.

 

[Bishop1971]

Actually in the ISU game, pretty sure Pottebaum fumbled at the goal line 2 plays later so we didn't score at all.

That's right. Good memory!! Yeah but i don't think he actually fumbled. I think it was grabbed after he was down.

 

[Franisdaman]

33 states have legalized sports gambling since 2018. Alabama (where the baseball scandal occurred) is not one of those states.

NCAA rules prohibit all athletes, coaches and staff from betting on ANY SPORT (amateur, collegiate or pro) in which the NCAA conducts a championship. So, for example, a collegiate wrestler cannot bet on an NFL game.


This video is from tonight:

 

[lucas80]

Is this the issue that might take Gray Barta down?

Not even if he loses a lawsuit over it.
My opinion is that Gary's contract expires next June, and it won'd be renewed. Firing him now does nothing for you, except expose the university to another lawsuit. He'll be paid the remainder of his contract, given a hearty handshake, and be shown the door in June of 2024.

 

[HoustonREDHawk]

Strange that Alabama, ISU and Iowa would be the only schools under investigation.

 

[Franisdaman]

From today:

 

[Franisdaman]

The irony....

In Jan, 2023, the Elite Casino Resorts announced a $500,000 commitment to the Iowa SWARM collective in exchange for being the exclusive casino gaming partner.

Several other colleges have signed sponsorship deals with sportsbooks in recent years, worth millions, but those are unwinding.

* PointsBet’s deals with Maryland and Colorado were cut short.

* Michigan State and LSU are getting out of deals with Caesars.


Excerpt from an Athletic article regarding Michigan State:

Mo Hyder, Regional Vice President & General Manager of Rhythm City Casino Resort; Lisa Bluder, Head Coach of the Iowa Hawkeye’s Women’s Basketball Program; Damon John, General Manager Riverside Casino & Golf Resort; and Fran McCaffery, Head Coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes Men’s Basketball Program

The full story:

Alabama baseball spotlights college sports' ongoing gambling debate

Can college sports protect its personnel and keep control over the credibility of its product as legalized sports betting continues to grow?

theathletic.com

 

[Franisdaman]

75% of college students have placed some kind of bet within the last year.

A Virginia Tech football player was suspended 9 games for self-reporting legal betting on the NBA (it was an NCAA violation, of course). The suspension was reduced to 6 games on appeal.

Is that strict punishment still tenable?

"It creates an enormous disincentive for people to come forward before they’re caught."


Some more excerpts from the linked article above:

 

[karnack1955]

You nailed it. They knew they were not allowed to eat the apple. 26 current student athletes across FIVE Iowa sports teams decided to take a bite instead.

Note that one full-time employee of the UI Department of Athletics is also implicated; can't wait for that name to be disclosed. I wonder if that person has already been dismissed.

It is embarrassing. And the Iowa baseball team, last Wednesday, was projected as a 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Keaton Anthony is their star player. Or should I say, now that he's suspended indefinitely, he was their star player.

I disagree SR Dodighi is the star of this years team.
batting .357, 10 HR leads the team
52 rbi's leads the team
33 bb

Anthony stats .389
9 HR's
38 RBI's
24 bb
with those stat's you can use them to decide who helps the team more.the one stat they don't list is Batters LOB this stat is very important to use in a discussion like this

it is for that reason that Anthony batted 2nd. rather than 4th or 5th.

 

[WestCoastHawkI]

75% of college students have placed some kind of bet within the last year.

A Virginia Tech football player was suspended 9 games for self-reporting legal betting on the NBA (it was an NCAA violation, of course). The suspension was reduced to 6 games on appeal.

Is that strict punishment still tenable?

"It creates an enormous disincentive for people to come forward before they’re caught."


Some more excerpts from the linked article above:

I'd be curious what the criteria for a bet are. "I bet you $5 Iowa City isn't the capitol of Iowa", a wager a fantasy football league or is this strictly for sports betting.

 

[Franisdaman]

 

[Franisdaman]

The NCAA will conduct a separate student-athlete-only survey in the coming months (as if they will answer honestly).

Click on the link in the tweet to read the whole story.

 

[Franisdaman]

The UI gambling violations were reported on or after May 2 so what follows is good news. With the previous rules, in most cases, student-athletes who wagered on sports at any level would lose one full season of collegiate eligibility.

The announcement from today:

NCAA DI Council approves changes to reinstatement guidelines for sports wagering violations​

June 28, 2023
2:30 pm

The Division I Legislative Committee on Tuesday ratified a Division I Committee on Student Athlete Reinstatement decision to amend guidelines for reinstating the eligibility of student-athletes who commit violations relating to sports wagering. The Division I Council was briefed on those new guidelines during its meeting this week in Indianapolis.

For all wagering-related violations reported on or after May 2, the following guidelines will apply:

• Student-athletes who engage in activities to influence the outcomes of their own games or knowingly provide information to individuals involved in sports betting activities will potentially face permanent loss of collegiate eligibility in all sports. This would also apply to student-athletes who wager on their own games or on other sports at their own schools.
• If a student-athlete wagers on their own sport at another school, education on sports wagering rules and prevention will be required as a condition of reinstatement, and the loss of 50% of one season of eligibility will be considered.
• For all other wagering-related violations (e.g., wagering on professional sports), cumulative dollar value of the wagers will be taken into consideration with the following terms for reinstatement:
  • $200 or less: sports wagering rules and prevention education.
  • $201-$500: loss of 10% of a season of eligibility, plus rules and prevention education.
  • $501-$800: loss of 20% of a season of eligibility, plus rules and prevention education.
  • Greater than $800: loss of 30% of a season of eligibility, plus rules and prevention education.

For cumulative wagering activities that greatly exceed $800, NCAA reinstatement staff are directed to consider whether additional loss of eligibility, including permanent ineligibility, are appropriate.

"These new guidelines modernize penalties for college athletes at a time when sports wagering has been legalized in dozens of states and is easily accessible nationwide with online betting platforms," said Alex Ricker-Gilbert, athletics director at Jacksonville and chair of the DI Legislative Committee. "While sports wagering by college athletes is still a concern — particularly as we remain committed to preserving the integrity of competition in college sports — consideration of mitigating factors is appropriate as staff prescribe penalties for young people who have made mistakes in this space."

Previous reinstatement guidelines, which were implemented prior to the broader legalization of sports wagering, stipulated that in most cases, student-athletes who wagered on sports at any level would lose one full season of collegiate eligibility.

The council directed the national office to continue to explore issues around rules education and integrity monitoring and requested additional updates on these topics.

DI approves changes to reinstatement guidelines for sports wagering violations - NCAA.org

The Division I Legislative Committee on Tuesday ratified a Division I Committee on Student Athlete Reinstatement decision to amend guidelines for reinstating the

www.ncaa.org

 

[Franisdaman]

 

[Ronman]

Ancient history, but was there ever any hard evidence that Ronnie Harmon threw the bowl game? I always found it weird, but I was amazed how quickly he went from being one of the best running backs in Iowa FB history to one of the most hated.

Hayden never pointed a finger at him, but there were so many factors that just didn't smell right.

 

[Ronman]

Not even if he loses a lawsuit over it.
My opinion is that Gary's contract expires next June, and it won'd be renewed. Firing him now does nothing for you, except expose the university to another lawsuit. He'll be paid the remainder of his contract, given a hearty handshake, and be shown the door in June of 2024.

Taking him down my include the option of not renewing his contract.

 

[Franisdaman]

Good story (click on link in tweet to take you to it).