One current student at Iowa State University and a former player from the football program are now facing felony charges as a result of an investigation into alleged sports betting breaches by students and coaching staff.
Most serious charges in investigation carry punishments of up to five years in jail
Court documents filed in Story County show that current student Paniro Johnson, an Iowa State wrestler, and former student and football player Eyioma Uwazurike have been charged with a Class D felony of identity theft. These are the most serious charges brought to date in the illegal sports betting investigation that has seen students and coaching staff from both Iowa State University and University of Iowa charged with sports betting breaches.
Eyioma Uwazurike now plays for the Denver Broncos but has been suspended by the NFL for placing wagers during his rookie season in 2022. On July 24th 2023 he was suspended for one year for breaching the NFL’s gambling policy.
Uwazurike has been charged with placing over 800 wagers totaling more than $21,000 during his time as an Iowa State footballer. The wagers were placed between February of 2021 and July of 2022 and included bets on two Iowa State games in 2021.
According to court documents, Johnson, who is in his second season on the wrestling team, is alleged to have wagered more than $45,000 across almost 1,300 bets.
The documents detail how both men paid separate individuals to create accounts on sports betting apps which they could then use.
If found guilty, both athletes could face up to five years in jail and fines ranging from $750 to $7,500. The men also face an earlier charge of tampering with records which carries a jail sentence of up to two years.
Both Uwazurike and Johnson have pled not guilty and will face trial on October 24th 2023.
16 Iowa students and staff charged
The latest charges mean that 16 current and past students and coaching staff members from both Iowa State and University of Iowa have been charged with illegal sports betting. The majority of the individuals have been charged with tampering with records to conceal their identity and use of sports betting apps.
As a result of the investigation and charges, Iowa State has confirmed that one of its football players, Jirehl Brock, left the program. Meanwhile, University of Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz has said that the school will appeal the suspension of Noah Shannon for his involvement in sports betting.
NCAA eligibility under threat
Under NCAA rules, it’s likely that any current players found guilty following the investigation would also lose their eligibility status for a portion of the season.
In June of this year, The NCAA published new guidelines for the reinstatement of players following sports betting breaches. The guidelines list punishments relating to the amount wagered. Based on Johnson’s alleged activity, his case will need to be reviewed by a panel and could see the wrestler permanently banned from NCAA sports.
Ciaran has been working within the Gambling Industry as a deep analyst since 2019. His deep knowledge and understanding of all the gambling regulations, and processes makes him a true asset, and an always valuable point of view for Gambling Industry News, allowing us to cover every topics from a brand new perspective.