Iowa and Iowa State officials have confirmed that dozens of athletes are being investigated for allegedly violating NCAA online gambling regulations.
University of Iowa officials issued a statement Monday that 26 athletes in football, men’s basketball, baseball, men’s track and field and wrestling, are under investigation by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
Later Monday, Iowa State stated that 15 football, wrestling, and track and field athletes are being investigated.
According to the Des Moines Register, rumors had swirled about a potential gambling issue with the Iowa Hawkeyes since May 2, when four baseball players were not uniform for a series against Ohio State. One hundred eleven people with ties to the University of Iowa, including the 26 athletes, have been flagged.
“We have alerted the NCAA of the potential violations, and we have hired outside counsel to assist in the investigative process,” the university announced in a statement.
Iowa State officials also stated the investigation.
“Iowa State University and its Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is aware of online sports wagering allegations involving approximately 15 of our active student-athletes from the sports of football, wrestling and track & field in violation of NCAA rules. The university has notified the NCAA and will take the appropriate actions to resolve these issues,” the ISU statement said.
Statement from Iowa State on gambling allegations with student-athletes. pic.twitter.com/f8rSXCiLtD
— Chris Williams (@ChrisMWilliams) May 8, 2023
Iowa State senior associate athletics director Nick Joos refused to comment on possible suspensions, telling the Register: “It’s an ongoing process, and until it is complete, we can’t comment further.”
NCAA sports wagering rules prohibit athletes or employees from betting on sports at any level, including professional competition or sharing information for betting purposes. The Alabama Crimson Tide recently fired baseball coach Brad Bohannon following allegations he shared information with a bettor.
