UPDATE: As the college basketball season is set to tip off on October 30, 2023, a widening NCAA gambling investigation is raising alarms across multiple institutions. The probe, linked to allegations surrounding the NBA betting scandal, has already led to the dismissal of one player and the withholding of at least two others from competition due to urgent eligibility concerns.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, 30 current and former men’s basketball players are under scrutiny for potential betting violations. Just last week, the NCAA confirmed it had opened investigations that could have significant implications for college basketball programs nationwide.
At Western Michigan, senior guard Justice Williams has been sidelined from all competitions “pending the results of a recent NCAA investigation of events that precede his enrollment,” as confirmed by the school. Williams, who did not participate in an exhibition game on October 25, 2023, previously played at LSU and Robert Morris. Attempts to contact him for a statement were unsuccessful.
In a similar situation, Amarr Knox, a guard for Eastern Kentucky, has also been deemed ineligible. Knox transferred from Alabama State, which is reportedly a focus of the ongoing investigation. Eastern Kentucky confirmed his ineligibility under NCAA rules but refrained from additional comments.
Earlier this week, Wisconsin announced the dismissal of senior forward Elijah Gray due to “events preceding his enrollment.” Gray had previously played at Fordham and Temple. Meanwhile, Dayton is withholding sophomore guard Adam Njie from play after receiving notification from the NCAA about potential eligibility issues linked to prior events. Njie had previously played at Iona, and athletic director Neil Sullivan stated that he will not participate in athletic competition during the ongoing review.
In a broader context, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has also launched an investigation into allegations of point shaving in college basketball. Sources indicate that federal authorities have interviewed multiple college athletes in connection with these allegations.
Compounding the urgency, some of the same individuals indicted in the NBA betting scandal have been reportedly linked to suspicious betting activities involving college basketball games. Notably, Marves Fairley, who was federally indicted last week, allegedly placed questionable wagers on college basketball games and has since been banned from betting companywide. Fairley has denied any involvement in point-shaving schemes.
The NCAA’s investigations initially targeted 13 former men’s basketball players at six schools, including Arizona State, Temple, and North Carolina A&T. As the college basketball season approaches, the stakes are rising, and further indictments are anticipated.
With the season set to launch in just a few days, the implications of the NCAA’s findings could significantly impact teams, players, and the integrity of college basketball as a whole. Fans and stakeholders across the sport are urged to stay tuned for developments as this story unfolds.