Three NCAA Men's Basketball Players Banned in Gambling Probe

The gambling bug has bitten many athletes, coaches, and even officials in the past, and on Wednesday, it got another.

Three NCAA men’s basketball players were permanently banned from further participation after an investigation uncovered that they bet on their own teams during the season. Fresno State’s Mykell Robinson and Jalen Weaver, and San Jose State’s Steven Vazquez, reportedly won thousands of dollars in wagers and shared them with each other following the payout. According to the discovery, two of the players manipulated their performances in an effort to ensure they won their wagers.

The NCAA Rules Committee immediately revoked their eligibility, and the universities un-enrolled them. Robinson, Weaver, and Vazquez, refused to comment on their ban.

The undercover investigation began in January when a Nevada sportsbook operator flagged mysterious prop bets on Robinson. Text messages unveiled Robinson telling Vazquez that he would underperform in specific statistical categories to ensure a winning bet. There were also wagers on Weaver, Robinson’s teammate at Fresno State.

Fresno State’s January 7 game against Colorado State caught the sportsbook’s attention, with Robinson placing three longshot wagers, which paid out more than $15,000. The money was then transferred through Apple Pay to Robinson’s mother in an effort to cover it up. Robinson reportedly placed 13 bets during the season. 

Law enforcement indicated that the three men failed to cooperate with the investigation; however, Fresno State willingly complied and released a statement.

“The university proactively shared reported information concerning sports wagering activity with the NCAA and worked collaboratively with the NCAA staff throughout the investigation,” the school said in a statement. “While the eligibility consequences for the former student-athletes are significant, the case ultimately resulted in a Level III/Secondary violation and no sanctions for the institution. The university continues to have confidence in the Fresno State Athletics’ culture and is grateful to conclude this matter.”

Other investigations are currently ongoing in various college and professional sports related to gambling. Current rules prohibit athletes and staff from betting in a sport that has a national championship.