The University of Iowa athletic department issued an official statement on Tuesday pledging support throughout the appeals process for any students suspended for gambling.
As reported by On3.com, the statement came after six members of the Hawkeye men's wrestling team were suspended, including four for their entire senior seasons. The university and athletic department have been cooperative with the NCAA, the statement said, specifically the association's student-athlete reinstatement (SAR) staff.
“NCAA guidelines set forth a process for an appeal of the SAR staff’s decision. The University will support student-athletes choosing to move forward with this process,” the statement said.
NCAA punishments for improper sports wagering among athletes include a lifetime loss of eligibility, On3.com's Andrew Graham reported.
“The University of Iowa and the UI Athletics Department have been working cooperatively with the NCAA Student-Athlete Reinstatement (SAR) staff to determine the eligibility of student-athletes who were involved in sports wagering. The institution has received the SAR determinations for the 11 individuals who are current student-athletes,” the statement said. “Because this information is protected through the Family Education Right and Privacy Act, specific information will only be released once we have received the student’s consent.”
A number of athletes alleged to have placed improper wagers while at Iowa have since transferred to other schools or graduated. The statement from Iowa indicates that, among current athletes enrolled at the school, 11 have received a ruling, of sorts, from the SAR wing of the NCAA.
Iowa football player Noah Shannon is one of the suspended athletes. Head football coach Kirk Ferentz told reporters Wednesday that the school would appeal the NCAA’s decision.
As reported by The Associated Press, Shannon has not been charged in the state’s criminal investigation of illegal sports wagering by athletes at Iowa and Iowa State. The senior has started 28 games and came out of spring practice listed No. 1 at left defensive tackle.
Ferentz said Shannon made at least one wager on an event involving a Hawkeyes team in another sport, which is an NCAA violation punishable by a permanent loss of eligibility.
Shannon said on Aug. 11 he had cooperated with the NCAA and provided information.
“They’re taking their time doing their investigation, and I can’t be mad at them for that,” he said. “I mean, I broke a rule. I owned up to it.”
Ferentz said Shannon, who spent the offseason rehabbing an injury, will be allowed to practice and otherwise be with the team. The suspension only prohibits him from playing in games.
“In Noah’s case, he has not committed a crime at all. Nothing criminal,” Ferentz said. “I just feel like it’s a little bit harsh. I think it’s punitive, me personally, and I’m hopeful they’ll reconsider his case.”
According to AP reporter Eric Olson, Ferentz did not update the status of two other current football players, both walk-ons. Kicker Aaron Blom is suspected of placing a bet on an Iowa football game, as well as multiple bets on other contests involving other Iowa teams. Jack Johnson, a receiver, is alleged to have made bets on Iowa football and men’s basketball games.
