In light of recent gambling scandals at Iowa State, the University of Iowa and Alabama, U.S. Integrity in partnership with RealResponse announced a new tip line for professional and collegiate athletes, coaches, trainers, and support staff to allow them to safely and anonymously report gambling-related issues.
According to a press release, "Athlete Alert Powered by RealResponse" provides individuals an anonymous way to help them deal with physical threats, harm, and/or emotional abuse from fans related to gambling. Similarly, it is an anonymous and safe place for those participants to share their experiences and information related to corruption and integrity-related concerns such as the misuse of insider information, match-fixing, game manipulation, and/or illegal wagering.
“Nothing is more important than the health and wellbeing of the professional and student-athletes who have committed their lives to compete at the highest levels, and it is our job to help protect that paradigm,” said U.S. Integrity co-founder and CEO Matthew Holt. “The implementation of Athlete Alert Powered by RealResponse is another example of how we help our partners to stay one step ahead of any bad actors. An anonymous text to 843-USI-TIPS can help limit and prevent acts or threats of physical and emotional harm or intimidation – while thwarting attempts to undermine the integrity of sports competitions.”
The partnership provides those closest to athletic competitions with a direct line of communication to officials who can swiftly verify information and then elevate concerns to law enforcement, regulatory bodies as well as those responsible for creating and maintaining fair play and competition.
“Athlete Alert Powered by RealResponse is simple and easy to use and it confidentially elevates the voice of professional and student-athletes and the others who are the closest to competition,” said RealResponse founder and CEO David Chadwick. “Putting tools like 843-USI-TIPS in the hands of participants and competitors protects and enhances the integrity and purity of competition, while ensuring their anonymity and safety.”
