Fresno State basketball players allegedly bet on games they played in
The Fresno State mens basketball program is in hot water after allegations surfaced about players being involved in prohibited sports betting. According to , three athletes are at the centre of the controversy, with two of them accused of placing bets on games they actually played in.
The university didnt waste any time responding, with Forward Mykell Robinson being dismissed from the team, while guards Jalen Weaver and Zaon Collins received a suspension. Concerningly, Robinson and Weaver allegedly bet against their own team, wagering that Fresno State would fall short in points and rebounds, something that directly violates NCAA rules.
NCAA regulations on sports betting
Under the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) regulations, student-athletes, coaches, and athletic staff are strictly prohibited from betting on sports or sharing inside information with gamblers. This rule applies to all levels of sports, whether its college, professional, or even amateur competitions.
Discovery and investigation
The scandal unraveled when head coach Vance Walberg reportedly discovered the betting activity and immediately alerted university officials. Fresno State launched an internal investigation, which has since been escalated to the NCAA. The school is now working closely with the NCAA to determine the extent of the violations and what penalties may follow.
Impact on the team
The timing couldnt be worse for the Bulldogs. Losing Weaver and Collins, two of the teams top scorers, is a massive setback for an already struggling squad. Weaver has been putting up 12.5 points per game, while Collins is right behind him with 12 points and leads the team with 4.7 assists per game.
Robinson, who hadnt played since January 11, was averaging 10.3 points and 6.2 rebounds before being removed from the roster. With key players missing, the Bulldogs are now forced to rely on younger, less experienced teammates to fill the gaps.
Athletic departments silence and fan reaction
Fresno States athletic department has remained tight-lipped about the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have been feeling the impact on the court, recently suffering their 10th straight loss in an overtime battle against Air Force.
With only seven active players available for that game, the team is scraping by. Not surprisingly, fans are growing increasingly frustrated with the teams performance, with some calling for major changes in coaching and leadership.
Broader consequences for the program
This is the latest scandal in a string of seemingly unrelated college basketball investigations, and adds to an already rough season for Fresno State who have set a program record for the most losses in a single season at 5-23. The fallout from this investigation could have serious consequences, not just for the players involved, but for the future of the program itself.
Recruiting efforts could take a hit, as potential prospects may reconsider joining a program mired in controversy. Boosters and donors may also pull financial support, further complicating the schools ability to recover.
Awaiting NCAAs decision
As the investigation continues, the basketball world and Fresno State fans are waiting for more details and any potential disciplinary actions from both the university and the NCAA. This situation serves as a harsh reminder of just how seriously sports betting violations are taken in collegiate athletics, and the consequences that come with them.
While the university scrambles to contain the damage, questions remain about how this could have happened under the administrations watch and what changes need to be made to prevent similar scandals in the future.
