One day NCAA student-athletes may be legally allowed to bet on NFL and NBA games. However, even though it has been previously reported that the Association approved lifting its ban on pro sports betting, the rule change has been rescinded.
The NCAA released a statement earlier this week explaining the decision.
“After a procedural 30-day period, two-thirds of the Division I member schools have voted to rescind a previously approved rule change that would have allowed student-athletes and athletics departments staff members to legally participate in sports betting on professional sports only.
“Because sports betting rules are common legislation, the ban on all forms of betting – for sports in which the NCAA sponsors a championship – will remain in place for all three NCAA divisions.”
November 1 was the original date that NCAA student-athletes and athletics department personnel were going to be permitted to bet on pro sports. The NCAA Administrative Committee had adopted the proposal, and it was later approved by Division II and III management councils.
That date was later pushed back to November 22, at which point the NCAA changed its mind.
In terms of why the NCAA was even considering giving the green light to pro sports betting, John Whitman, who is chair of the Administrative Committee, issued a statement regarding why the pro sports betting ban was being lifted. “Protecting the integrity of college games” and “encouraging healthy habits for student-athletes who choose to engage in betting activities in professional sports” were part of the thinking behind the adopted proposal.
Ever since the proposal was adopted, some have been strongly against it. Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey was one of the vocal individuals as he urged the NCAA to rescind the policy change. He cited the importance of “keeping collegiate sports participants separated from sports wagering activity at every level.”
On October 31, NCAA president Charlie Baker received a letter from Congress regarding concerns surrounding the Association changing its sports betting policy. Congress wanted more information on why the Association was allowing student-athletes to bet on pro sports. Additionally, they wanted to know how the NCAA was engaging with all involved parties to address concerns surrounding the rule change.
News of the sports betting rule change didn’t exactly come at a great time. It was announced right around the time the NBA was dealing with an illegal gambling scandal that included the FBI making several arrests.
Even though NCAA student-athletes are banned from betting on college sports, incidents of illegal betting are constantly being monitored. Several recent investigations have resulted in former Division I men’s basketball players being declared permanently ineligible.
One of the players is former Temple University guard Hysier Miller. The investigation of Miller revealed that he placed dozens of sports bets, including three wagers against the Owls basketball team.
By keeping the current rules intact, NCAA student-athletes avoid dealing with gambling-related temptations, even in legal, regulated markets.
