Associated Press, ESPN
One of the state agencies involved in the ongoing investigation of alleged sports wagering violations by Iowa and Iowa State athletes announced Thursday no evidence had been discovered to suggest the outcome of any contest involving the schools was affected by gambling interests.
A total of seven current or former athletes at the two schools were criminally charged this week, notably ISU quarterback Hunter Dekkers and ex-Iowa basketball player Ahron Ulis.
All seven are charged with tampering with records, and all are suspected of placing bets on contests involving their own schools. Four are alleged to have wagered on games involving their own teams.
The seven athletes are suspected of combining for more than 5,000 wagers totaling more than $100,000 that were placed between January 2021 through May 2023.
In addition to facing criminal charges, the current athletes could forfeit all or part of their remaining eligibility for violating NCAA gambling rules.
The Iowa Racing and Gambling Commission said in a statement it had reviewed how wagering lines moved, number of wagers, size of wagers, types of wagers and the settlement of related wagers. The commission also worked with organizations that monitor integrity of contests, sportsbooks and gambling markets in other states.
“In light of recent charges filed in the state regarding possible sports wagering violations by student athletes, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) would like to affirm that it does not currently have any information that would call into question the integrity of any sports wagering contest or event involving the University of Iowa or Iowa State University,” the IRGC said.
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