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The Iowa State Cyclones are the latest athletic department to be wrapped up in a sports betting investigation. Earlier in the week, we saw a pair of notable baseball programs involved in the controversy.
In the Cyclones’ case, the football team could be a target. Fans online have been quick to comment on the news.
Gambling cases in college sports have been a hot topic of late. While it’s not necessarily a surprise with the relative ease of placing legal sports bets these days, consequences could still be severe for coaches and athletes.
Alabama recently fired head baseball coach Brad Bohannon for his link to “suspicious activity” at the sportsbook. He was reportedly on the phone with a person placing a large bet against his Crimson Tide in Ohio.
On Monday, another baseball investigation was opened, this time with a focus on the Iowa Hawkeyes. Four players, including top hitter Keaton Anthony, were unavailable for a recent series against Ohio State.
The Iowa gaming commission is now looking into the program.
Now, we could have our first major football program involved.
News is circulating about Iowa State, which the school responded to in a statement Monday.
“Iowa State University and its Department of Athletics is aware of the online sports wagering allegations involving approximately 15 of our active student-athletes from the sports of football, wrestling, and track and field in violation of NCAA rules. The university has notified the NCAA and will take the appropriate actions to resolve these issues.”
While we don’t yet know if/which players could be involved, fans have been quick to comment on the uptick in sports gambling issues at the college level.
They rushed to social media to post their reactions and outlook on the future.
One person wrote, “Hope I’m wrong, but I think we’ll hear of other programs and athletes in the coming weeks and months.”
Another follower said, “This is getting out of hand.”
It’s worth noting the NCAA’s stance on sports betting. Though it is legal, it is a violation of NCAA rules.
It seems the first domino has fallen, and details of these issues are beginning to be uncovered. We’ll see if this has any effect on Iowa State’s upcoming football season.