NBA betting investigation: Multiple college programs involved in scandal, per report

As a gambling ring is being investigated for its role in NBA games, college basketball has reportedly been brought into the mix.

Per David Purdum of ESPN, three college basketball programs — Eastern Michigan, Mississippi Valley State, and North Carolina A&T — were bet against by sportsbooks in the ring. Purdum did reach out to all of them for comment but either did not provide one or did not get back to him.

“A gambling ring currently under federal investigation for its role in two NBA betting cases also was involved in unusual wagering activity on at least three men’s college basketball programs this season, sources told ESPN on Monday,” Purdum said in his report.

“Sportsbook accounts connected to the gambling ring bet against North Carolina A&T, Mississippi Valley State and Eastern Michigan in games this season, sources said.”

A statement from the NCAA was provided in the report and stated the seriousness of the three schools being involved. However, due to the ongoing investigation and rules in place, they were not able to fully comment on the situation.

“The NCAA takes sports betting very seriously and is committed to the protection of student-athlete well-being and the integrity of competition,” the statement said. “The Association works with integrity monitoring services, state regulators and other stakeholders to conduct appropriate due diligence whenever suspicious reports are received. Due to confidentiality rules put in place by NCAA member schools, the NCAA will not comment on current or potential investigations.”

Purdum reports in the case of Eastern Michigan and North Carolina A&T, both were flagged for suspicious activity by “betting integrity monitors” for wagers regarding first-half spreads.

Looking at Eastern Michigan, games against Wright State and Central Michigan this season. In both cases, the Eagles went into the locker room behind. They came back to beat Wright State but had no such luck against their in-conference foe.

Just one game was mentioned by Purdum for North Carolina A&T, occurring not too long ago. Jan. 9 against Deleware, the first-half line moved up to Deleware -3.5 from -2 ahead of tip while the full-game line remained at -4. The Fightin’ Blue Hens would go on to cover that spread, leading by six at the half.

The accounts making these bets have been tied to former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter, who was banned from the NBA and is facing criminal charges. Terry Rozier is involved as well from his time with the Charlotte Hornets.