When reports surfaced that the Ohio Casino Control Commission was looking into suspicious wagering activity, many wondered if this was a one-time event or just the tip of the iceberg. It appears that it is the latter.
The probe into the suspicious wagering activity ended with the firing of Alabama baseball head coach, Brad Bohannon.
“Alabama director of athletics Greg Byrne announced he has initiated the termination process for head baseball coach Brad Bohannon for, among other things, violating the standards, duties, and responsibilities expected of University employees,” said Alabama in a press release. “Bohannon has been relieved of all duties and Jason Jackson will serve as the interim head coach. There will be no further comment at this time pending an ongoing review.”
It wouldn’t be long before we saw more reports surface about teams being investigated. On Monday, two more schools were reportedly dealing with investigations stemming from wagers being made. In the state of Iowa, both Power Five schools were reporting violations.
The Iowa Hawkeyes provided information on their potential violations through a press release.
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.
According to the release, the university received information on 111 individuals. That number included 26 student-athletes across baseball, football, men’s basketball, men’s track and field, and men’s wresting. One individual is a full-time employee of the UI Department of Athletics.
Iowa State released a statement on Monday afternoon as well.
“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 NCA rules. The university has notified the NCAA and will take the appropriate actions to resolve these issues.”
NCAA rules prohibit athletes, coaches and staff from betting on amateur, collegiate and professional sports in which the NCAA conducts a championship.
What remains to be seen is how the NCAA will handle any punishments for all parties involved. One thing you can be sure of, this is just the tip of the iceberg.