The Iowa Hawkeyes sent out a press release Monday evening indicating that there is an ongoing investigation over allegations that 26 current student-athletes have partaken in sports wagering.
“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,” Statement from the Iowa Hawkeyes.
“The athletics department provides education on NCAA rules regarding the the prohibition of sports wagering as well as the potential consequences.”
According to the university, it has received information from 111 individuals. The list includes 26 current student-athletes from baseball, football, men’s basketball, track and field, and men’s wrestling as well as one full-time employee of the university.
The timeline dates back to May 2 when Iowa was notified of “potential criminal conduct related to sports wagering that also suggested possible NCAA violations.”
According to the release, law enforcement notified the university of additional information. By May 5, Iowa officials had notified several student-athletes that they would not be taking part in upcoming competitions.
This comes on the heels of the Iowa State Cyclones releasing a statement earlier on Monday indicating that they are aware of gambling allegations against 15 current student-athletes.
The regents for both universities released a joint statement after the Hawkeyes’ allegations were made public record.
“The Board of Regents is aware of concerns related to online gambling involving individuals associated with the University of Iowa and Iowa State University.
The Board of Regents and the universities will fully cooperate with any investigations related to these concerns. We are closely monitoring the situation and have confidence that University administrators at each institution will take all necessary steps to ensure ongoing compliance.”
It was late last week that the Alabama Crimson Tide fired head baseball coach Brad Bohannon amid a probe of suspicious sports wagering activity relating to the program.
This has a chance of morphing into a major scandal. Sportsnaut will have more information when it becomes available.