• Loading stock data...
Sunday, November 10, 2024
DEADLINE EXTENDED: The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open through Nov. 13 Learn More

Criminal Probes For Player Gambling Put Pressure On NFL, NCAA Policies

  • Series of charges show rising criminal prosecution around what had been internal issue
  • Leagues of all types continue to grapple with updating player policies
Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK

A fast-rising issue in many leagues including the NFL, player gambling will carry ramifications no longer confined to internal enforcement structures, but rising to the level of criminal prosecution.

This week, Iowa authorities charged four current and former Iowa State Cyclones athletes, including starting quarterback Hunter Dekkers and current Denver Broncos lineman Eyioma Uwazurike, with allegations including records tampering and placing dozens of bets on Iowa State sporting events.

The Iowa probe also resulted in charges for three other college athletes, including Iowa kicker Aaron Blom, who has been accused of placing 170 bets prior to turning 21.

That developing situation parallels a separate one in Colorado in which Uwazurike also faces a criminal investigation by that state’s attorney general into bets made in violation of state law, which prohibits players from betting on sports in which they are a participant.

Ten NFL players have been suspended for gambling violations this year, including Uwazurike.

Changing Times

Since the landmark 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing states to establish their own sports betting laws, the industry has grown dramatically, and each major sports league expanded its own internal rules for players and coaches. Those rules have primarily focused on tight restrictions on betting on their own sports and banning wagering at team facilities. Many governing bodies, including the NCAA, have since toughened those internal policies.

Dekkers’ attorney Mark Weinhardt argues the issue should stay an internal one.

“This prosecution interferes with and politicizes what is the business of Iowa State University and the NCAA,” he said. “The investigation at the Iowa universities is the tip of an iceberg. Thousands and thousands of college students place bets — usually very small ones — with shared accounts. That is for the schools and the NCAA to police.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Bucks Limited by Salary Cap Woes Amid Early-Season Struggles

Milwaukee is one of four teams above the NBA’s second apron this season.

Rays Future Stadium Deal in Hands of Newly Elected Officials

Newly elected county commission members are expressing heightened skepticism of the club’s agreement.

Why 23-Year-Old Phenom Roki Sasaki Will Be MLB’s Biggest Bargain

The star pitcher’s youth and talent make him highly coveted by all 30 teams.

Goodell: NFL Eyeing 8 International Games In 6 Countries Next Season

The Giants-Panthers game in Germany concludes the NFL’s five-game 2024 international slate
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

First College Football Playoff Rankings Mark New Era

0:00

Featured Today

Former President Donald Trump waves to the crowd as he exits the putting green with his aide Walt Nauta, left, during the final round of the LIV Golf Bedminster golf tournament at Trump National Bedminster on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023.
opinion

Trump Win Puts Sports Back in the White House

With Trump back in the White House, sports get more political again.
Members of the NY Giants run onto the field to start the game between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.
November 8, 2024

The NFL Is Becoming the League With No Borders

Where will the NFL go next? International expansion will only get bigger.
November 5, 2024

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion
November 2, 2024

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.
DraftKings

DraftKings Lowers Full-Year Guidance After Brutal NFL Outcomes

DraftKings cited a tough start to the fourth quarter in lowering its 2024 guidance.
Nov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (8) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after scoring against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
November 6, 2024

Missouri Becomes 39th State to Legalize Sports Gambling

Missouri was the only state with sports gambling on its ballot this election cycle.
Sports betting Analyst Steve Coughlin gives out high-fives on the set of ESPN's College Game Day at the University of Texas, ahead of the Longhorns' game against the Georgia Bulldogs in Austin, Oct. 19, 2024.
November 7, 2024

ESPN Bet at Critical Point As Penn Reports Quarterly Earnings

The two sides agreed to a 10-year deal last August.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
November 5, 2024

On the Ballot: Sports Betting, Former Athletes Impacting the 2024 Election

Several U.S. Senate candidates have sports backgrounds, while Missouri voters will consider legalizing sports betting.
Tony Hinchcliffe at Donald Trump rally.
November 4, 2024

Sports Betting Companies Holding Comic at Arm’s Length After Trump Rally

Hinchcliffe drew criticism over his comments at a rally for Trump.
November 1, 2024

Polymarket Is Pushing Into Sports Betting

Once the ballots are counted, Polymarket needs to take on sports.
October 29, 2024

Parent of Action Network, Playmaker HQ Cuts More Than 100 Jobs

Better Collective laid off dozens of employees this week.