Iowa is appealing the NCAA’s gambling-related, full-season suspension for defensive tackle Noah Shannon, head coach Kirk Ferentz said Wednesday.
Ferentz told the Des Moines Register that Shannon wagered on another sports team at Iowa — not football.
“In Noah’s case, he has not committed a crime at all, nothing criminal,” Ferentz said. “I just feel like it’s a little bit harsh. … I’m hopeful that they’ll reconsider his case.”
Ferentz said Shannon, a 6-foot, 295-pound fifth-year senior from Aurora, Ill., will be allowed to practice with the Hawkeyes during his appeals process.
Shannon has not been charged in the state’s ongoing criminal investigation into illegal sports wagering by college athletes.
Shannon has started 28 games since arriving in Iowa City in 2018. He was honorable mention All-Big Ten in 2022 and was listed as a starter heading into the 2023 season. Shannon has recorded 107 tackles and 4.5 sacks.
“One big thing for me is I’ve been telling myself: I’m not going to let this define me in any way, shape or form,” Shannon said at Iowa’s media day earlier this month. “Life goes on. So whenever — I don’t know when the NCAA will come out with the ruling, but I’ll be ready.”
The university announced Tuesday that 11 football and wrestling athletes will have their eligibility impacted as a result of the investigation. Iowa kicker Aaron Blom and wide receiver Jack Johnson have been charged with tampering with records in the case, as have two former players.
The Hawkeyes open the season at home against Utah State on Sept. 2.
–Field Level Media