Fresno State men’s basketball team is currently embroiled in a sports gambling scandal, with two of its players, Jalen Weaver and Zaon Collins, allegedly betting on games they played in. The team removed forward Mykell Robinson from the roster and suspended Weaver and Collins for violating NCAA rules. These rules strictly prohibit student-athletes, coaches, and athletics staff members from engaging in any form of sports betting. The alleged bets involved Weaver and Robinson placing bets that their team would fall short of their projected points and rebounds totals, a clear violation of NCAA regulations.
The head coach of Fresno State men’s basketball, Vance Walberg, was the one who discovered the alleged gambling activity of his players and promptly informed the university. After an initial internal investigation, the NCAA launched an investigation of its own into the matter. Weaver and Collins have been withheld from competition as the university reviews the situation, while Robinson has not been with the team since January 11. The players’ alleged involvement in sports betting has put a spotlight on the team and raised questions about their eligibility to compete in NCAA sanctioned games.
Weaver and Collins are two of the Bulldogs’ top scorers this season, with Weaver averaging 12.5 points per game and Collins close behind at 12.0 points per game. Collins also leads Fresno State in assists per game with 4.7. The absence of these key players has had a significant impact on the team’s performance, as evidenced by their current 5-23 record, which includes a 10-game losing streak. This season has been marked by disappointment for the Bulldogs, who are facing the most losses in a single campaign in the history of the program.
In response to the ongoing scandal, Fresno State Athletics has decided not to provide further comments on the matter at this time. The university is working to review the eligibility of Weaver and Collins as they navigate the fallout of the alleged sports gambling incident. The Bulldogs’ recent game against Air Force saw them dress only seven players due to the absence of three key team members, an unconventional situation for a Division I basketball program. The team’s struggles on and off the court have raised concerns about the impact of the scandal on the future of the program and the reputation of Fresno State Athletics.
The sports gambling scandal involving Fresno State men’s basketball has led to a federal investigation and put a spotlight on the issue of integrity in college athletics. The alleged actions of Weaver and Collins have violated NCAA rules and raised questions about the oversight and monitoring of student-athletes by coaching staff and university officials. The implications of this incident extend beyond the basketball court, affecting the reputation of the university and the NCAA as a whole. The Bulldogs’ current struggles on the court mirror the challenges they face off the court, as they navigate the fallout of the scandal and work to rebuild trust with fans and supporters. The future of the program remains uncertain as they work to address the consequences of the sports gambling scandal and move forward with a renewed focus on integrity and compliance with NCAA regulations.
