Former Abilene Christian University men’s basketball player, Airion Simmons, has been declared permanently ineligible by the NCAA after admitting to sports betting violations. These were related to an alleged betting scheme to manipulate an Abilene Christian University basketball game. The case also led to federal fraud and sports wagering charges involving Simmons and two known bettors.
According to the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions, Simmons knowingly shared insider information and agreed to manipulate his performance during an Abilene Christian men’s basketball game.
In September 2025, a Division II school reported secondary sports betting violations after a former Abilene Christian player transferred to the program and disclosed prior misconduct within the team.
The player alleged that Simmons and another teammate attempted to pressure him into participating in a scheme to intentionally lose a game in exchange for money. He also described receiving a FaceTime call involving Simmons, another teammate, and a known bettor, during which the bettor instructed the group to lose the game for payment.
In a December 2025 interview, Simmons admitted another known bettor contacted him with an offer to make “quick money” by underperforming in the March 2024 game. Simmons said he disclosed information about his hand injury, along with the status of another teammate, before being offered $3,500 to “play bad.” He later exited the game and did not return after playing 11 minutes.
Simmons also admitted to meeting an individual in a Dallas parking lot to collect cash connected to the scheme.
Federal authorities later became involved in the case. In January 2026, Simmons and two known bettors were indicted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on charges including bribery in sports wagering contests, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud related to the March 2024 game.
The NCAA classified Simmons’ actions as Level I ethical conduct violations, the most serious category under NCAA enforcement rules. This case is the latest betting scandal in the NCAA. Earlier this year, the NCAA uncovered a point-shaving scheme that lasted over two years, including several players.
The Simmons case is another major warning sign for the NCAA, as concerns grow over the influence of sports betting on college sports. Cases such as these raise major issues around game integrity.
College athletes are considered particularly vulnerable to gambling schemes because many lack the financial security and professional support systems available to pro athletes. Even with NIL opportunities now available, many players still face financial pressure, making them easier targets.
The increased popularity of player prop betting has also intensified integrity concerns, since these are focused on player outcomes, which are easier to manipulate. There has been a push for restrictions on college player prop betting since it exposes student-athletes to harassment and corruption risks.
If cases like this keep happening, there’s a good chance that changes will be made with sports betting on college sports.
