The NCAA has adjusted its penalties for student-athletes who gamble on college sports at their own school. In the past, such actions resulted in permanent loss of eligibility, but now a one-year suspension and loss of eligibility will be the consequence. Before being reinstated, student-athletes must undergo sports wagering rules and prevention education.
Jon Steinbrecher, MAC commissioner, clarified that while Division I members do not condone sports wagering, the focus remains on the integrity of competition. The NCAA prioritizes preventing such behaviors while accommodating opportunities for education. The new rules apply to cases involving student-athletes serving current suspensions for wagering on their own team, reported after May 2 of this year. The council intends for potential rules changes to be considered before further adjustments are made.
The updated penalties may benefit student-athletes implicated in betting scandals at Iowa and Iowa State. CBS Sports’ Shehan Jeyarajah highlighted that DeShawn Hanika, an Iowa State tight end, was cited for betting on an Iowa State basketball game. However, there are still nine Iowa and Iowa State football players who bet on their own games and could face permanent loss of eligibility.
