The Fresno State University men’s basketball team is under investigation by the university, the Mountain West Conference and the NCAA for a sports betting violation. One player has been removed from the team and two have been suspended in the wake of the allegations.
The Fresno State University men’s basketball team is under investigation by the university, the Mountain West Conference and the NCAA for a sports betting violation. One player has been removed from the team and two have been suspended in the wake of the allegations.
According to ABC30, “Fresno State has removed junior forward Mykell Robinson,” and suspended “guards Jalen Weaver and Zaon Collins.” All three are accused of sports gambling.
The allegations accuse Robinson and Weaver of betting on their own games, and Collins is accused of placing bets on professional sports. The Bulldogs’ bets on their own team’s performance included underperformance on points and rebounds, and it calls into question the team’s current 10-game losing streak. The team record currently sits at 5-23, the most losses on record for the Bulldogs.
According to The Fresno Bee, which first reported the investigation, “The NCAA prohibits betting on games or providing information to any individuals involved in or associated with any type of sports betting activities involving intercollegiate, professional or amateur games or competition.”
The Fresno Bee went on to report that despite the players’ gambling investigation, university officials have confirmed that the Bulldog’s head coach, Vance Walberg, is not a part of the investigation. He was the one to notify Fresno State administration, and he did not violate any university reporting policies for sports gambling.
Without Weaver, Collins and Robinson on the roster, Fresno State could be down to as few as seven men’s basketball players suited up to play in upcoming games. Robinson was removed from the team first, with Collins and Weaver receiving suspensions just moments before the Bulldogs’ game in Colorado Springs.
"The University and Athletics Department will have no further comments regarding the matter at this time," Fresno State Athletics said.
