An NCAA brochure intended for student-athletes quotes Stevin Smith, a former student-athlete who went to prison for point-shaving in 1997: “Play the game; don’t let the game play you.”
An NCAA rule states that anyone with responsibility in an athletics department — such as student-athletes, coaches and conference office staff members — may not place a bet on any sporting event. This includes amateur or professional games, fantasy leagues, sports pools or March Madness.
“This particular rule is very hard to monitor,” said Steve Kirschner, senior associate athletic director for communications. “It’s very easy to play these games without using their real names.”
According to the NCAA website, sports wagering is considered anything that requires an entry fee and offers an opportunity for winning a prize — which can include fantasy sports competitions.
The NCAA says it established rules to prevent sports wagering because the gambling compromises game integrity and “also is an entry point into other behaviors that may compromise student-athlete health and well-being.”
“The rule kind of makes sense, because if you play in a league with all the boosters, then it could be a way to pay the student-athletes,” first-year Trent Martensen said.
Student-athletes who violate the rule face ineligibility. Violators cannot play at any NCAA school for a minimum of one year for offenses such as betting via the internet or a third party. Attempting to influence the outcome of any game or betting on any game at the athlete’s own school can lead to permanent ineligibility.
Kirschner said concern about the topic is a recent one.
