Fresno State head coach Vance Walberg is expected to return next season despite an ongoing gambling investigation into his college basketball program. A very specific clause in his contract makes it so that he cannot be fired for cause because his players allegedly bet on their games…
… unless he does not cooperate!
Before we get into the clause, let’s first take a look at what is going on with the alleged betting scandal. Senior Jalen Weaver and sophomore Zaon Collins were recently “withheld from competition as the university reviews an eligibility matter.” Junior Mykell Robinson, who has not played since Jan. 11, was removed the team right away. Weaver was kicked off not long there after. Their dismissals stem from the same “eligibility matter” and it is unclear if there are more players involved.
Either way, Weaver and Robinson allegedly bet on their own college basketball games while in the lineup. They are accused of betting on rebound and point total unders, which may have had an impact on their performance. Collins allegedly bet on professional sports, which is still against NCAA rules, but likely explains why he is still on the team— for now.
We do not know what games are involved in this latest betting scandal. We do not know if the bets hit. Thus, it is too early to claim that Weaver and Robinson were shaving points or fixing games.
All three players included in the investigation were important starters for the Bulldogs who received big minutes during the disappointing 5-23 season. Two of the three are gone. One is in limbo.
Per NCAA rules, any athlete who gambles on his/her own games will face a permanent loss of eligibility in all sports. Athletes who bet on pro sports will be disciplined on a scale based on money wagered.
Fresno State head basketball coach Vance Walberg can’t be fired for the actions of his players.
Even though the Bulldogs are terrible this year, their 68-year-old head coach is expected to return for the 2025-26 season. Walberg can still be fired for cause but as of right now, that is not the case.
The investigation into alleged gambling within the program does not constitute as cause by itself. Fresno State could fire him if he fails to comply with the NCAA infractions process. He could also be let go if the NCAA finds that he failed to report any violations.
According to The Fresno Bee, Vance Walberg is currently in the clear.
Walberg and his staff are not part of the investigation. He has been as helpful as can be.
— Anonymous source, via The Fresno Bee
The NCAA and Mountain West Conference continue to monitor the investigation. Fresno State will release more information as it becomes known. It is a fluid situation and Walberg could be fired down the road for more reason than one. However, his job is safe… for now.