The era of legalized, normalized, and heavily monetized sports gambling is not unfolding as smoothly as its proponents would have us believe. While those profiting from it claim that legalization allows for safeguards to be implemented, the reality is more complex. Making sports betting legal also makes it widely and easily accessible to millions who otherwise wouldn’t seek out a bookie. The stigma surrounding sports gambling has been stripped away, making it as normal and acceptable as buying a pack of cigarettes or a bottle of alcohol.
Legalized sports betting introduces unprecedented temptations and justifications for individuals who might be inclined to try and make some easy money. Unfortunately, more and more people are realizing that “easy money” often comes with a steep price.
Recently, the NCAA has taken action against six men’s college basketball players from three schools—New Orleans, Mississippi Valley State, and Arizona State—for gambling violations. Interestingly, none of these players are currently attending the schools where the violations occurred. According to reports, these players allegedly lost or attempted to lose games by more points than the spread as part of a conspiracy with gamblers.
In a separate investigation, the NCAA uncovered that Donovan Sanders and Alvin Stredic were offered money to throw a January 2025 Mississippi Valley State game against Alabama A&M. Sanders was also overheard discussing plans to throw a December 2024 game against Tulsa.
Additionally, former Arizona State forward B.J. Freeman reportedly shared inside information with a former teammate, who used that intel to place bets on Freeman’s performance in a daily fantasy sports contest.
ESPN had previously reported on an NBA gambling ring that placed “suspicious bets” on men’s college basketball games, including contests involving Mississippi Valley State. Some of the same betting accounts also placed large wagers on prop bets related to former NBA player Jontay Porter—who has since been banned for life—and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, who is currently under indictment in a prop-bet scheme.
The NCAA deserves credit for thoroughly investigating these violations and publicly disclosing their findings. In contrast, sports leagues often prefer to sweep scandals under the rug, as acknowledging internal corruption tends to invite external scrutiny that can damage the league’s reputation.
As sports gambling continues to grow in scale and influence, it is clear that the challenges surrounding integrity and fair play remain significant—and far from resolved.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/ncaa-bans-six-mens-basketball-players-for-gambling