NCAA Permanently Bars Three Players for Betting on Own Games

Three Division I college basketball players have had their eligibility permanently revoked by the NCAA after an investigation revealed they engaged in betting on their own games. The players, who were associated with Fresno State and San Jose State, were found to have violated NCAA rules during the 2024-25 regular season.

The NCAA Committee on Infractions released its findings, detailing the actions of Mykell Robinson, Steven Vasquez, and Jalen Weaver. The investigation uncovered that the three players not only placed bets on their own games but also on each other’s matches. In a particularly concerning detail, two of the players manipulated their on-court performances to ensure specific bets would succeed.

According to the NCAA, in January 2025, Robinson, who was still attending Fresno State, and Vasquez, a San Jose State player at the time, discussed plans via text message. Robinson indicated his intention to underperform in various statistical categories during a regular-season game. Additionally, Robinson placed multiple bets on Weaver, his teammate at Fresno State.

The investigation further revealed that Vasquez and Robinson did not cooperate with NCAA enforcement staff while they sought to clarify the circumstances surrounding the allegations. As a result of these violations, all three players have been released from their respective teams and are no longer enrolled at their schools.

The actions taken by the NCAA reflect the organization’s commitment to maintaining integrity in college sports. The findings serve as a stark reminder of the repercussions for athletes who engage in gambling activities that compromise the fairness of competitive play.

This decision comes at a time when discussions around sports betting are becoming increasingly prevalent in various jurisdictions. The NCAA’s actions underscore its stance on ensuring that players adhere to established rules and maintain the integrity of college athletics.