NCAA Cracks Down: Three Basketball Players Banned for Sports Betting Manipulation
September 10, 2025 – The NCAA has issued a stark warning about the growing threat of sports betting influence, permanently banning three men’s basketball players - Mykell Robinson and Steven Vasquez of San Jose State, and Jalen weaver of Fresno State – for deliberately manipulating game performance for personal betting gain. The announcement, made today, underscores the association’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of collegiate athletics in the face of increasingly elegant threats.
The investigation, triggered by a Nevada sportsbook flagging suspicious activity, revealed a coordinated effort to exploit prop bets. Specifically, the players conspired to ensure Robinson’s statistical performance fell under pre-resolute lines, allowing them and a third party to profit from their wagers.”This case demonstrates a clear and purposeful attempt to undermine the principles of fair play,” stated the NCAA Committee on Infractions.”The actions of these student-athletes represent a serious breach of ethical conduct rules and will not be tolerated.”
The scheme came to light after unusual prop bets were placed on Robinson during a January 7th game against Colorado State. A subsequent investigation of Robinson’s phone revealed interaction with Vasquez, a former teammate, detailing a plan to influence the outcome of bets on Robinson’s point totals. The players collectively wagered $2,200 and reaped a payout of $15,950 from the manipulated game.
Further investigation revealed Robinson engaged in 13 similar prop bets throughout the season, raising concerns about the potential for wider-spread manipulation.
All three athletes have been released from their respective teams and are no longer enrolled in their universities. The NCAA’s decision to impose a permanent ban sends a strong message to student-athletes and the wider sports betting community: the integrity of the game is paramount, and any attempt to compromise it will be met with severe consequences.The Rise of Sports Betting and Collegiate Athletics
This case arrives at a critical juncture for college sports. With the rapid expansion of legal sports betting across the United States, the NCAA is facing unprecedented challenges in protecting its games from external influence. The organization has implemented new policies and monitoring systems, but today’s announcement highlights the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to combat this evolving threat.
key Takeaways:
Permanent Bans: Mykell Robinson (San Jose State), Steven Vasquez (San Jose State), and Jalen Weaver (Fresno State) are permanently banned from NCAA competition.
Intentional Manipulation: The
