The NCAA is investigating 13 former men’s basketball players from six universities over betting violations. All players have already left their programs, but the cases highlight growing risks around legalized sports wagering. On September 10, three cases wrapped quickly: Mykell Robinson, Steven Vasquez, and Jalen Weaver were dismissed for betting on their own teams, a fundamental NCAA breach. The other cases span schools including Eastern Michigan, Temple, Arizona State, New Orleans, North Carolina A&T, and Mississippi Valley.
Why These Cases Matter for College Sports
Student-athletes violated one of the NCAA’s most critical rules: betting on their own programs. Some shared insider information, while others allegedly manipulated scoring or outcomes. Several players also refused to cooperate with investigators, compounding their violations. NCAA President Charlie Baker stressed the gravity of the issue, saying, “The NCAA monitors over 22,000 contests every year and will continue to aggressively pursue competition integrity risks.”
What the Investigation Found So Far
The rise of legalized betting has created integrity threats college sports never faced before. Baker noted this expanded access gives athletes more opportunities to engage in prohibited behavior. Importantly, the NCAA clarified that no schools or staff are under investigation. Instead, Baker is pressing regulators and sportsbooks to ban prop bets on college contests and give sports leagues more influence in shaping gambling policies.
How This Changes College Basketball Moving Forward
The NCAA won’t reveal player names until the infractions process concludes but made the probe public due to widespread reporting. The investigation follows mounting concern about harassment of student-athletes tied to betting losses. On August 27, the NCAA partnered with Venmo to help address gambling-related abuse online. With 13 players across six schools implicated, officials warn the betting boom is fueling unprecedented integrity risks — and bigger industry reforms may be on the horizon.
