Fresno

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