NCAA calls for states to ban prop bets on college players
In the midst of March Madness, the NCAA is pushing for states with legal wagering on sporting events to ban prop bets on college athletes.
“Sports betting issues are on the rise across the country with prop bets continuing to threaten the integrity of competition and leading to studentathletes getting harassed,” NCAA President Charlie Baker said Wednesday in a statement. “The NCAA has been working with states to deal with these threats and many are responding by banning college prop bets.”
Prop bets — short for proposition bets — allow gamblers to wager on statistics a player will accumulate during a game rather than the final score.
Earlier this month, U.S. Integrity, a company used by many professional sports leagues and college conferences to monitor betting activity, flagged a Temple men’s basketball game for wagering irregularities.
The American Gaming Association estimates $2.7 billion will be bet this year on March Madness through legal sportsbooks.
Several states including Colorado, Arizona, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania and Oregon have rules prohibiting prop betting on college athletes that predate the NCAA’s recent push. Others such as Illinois, Connecticut and Iowa do not allow college athlete prop bets involving in-state teams.
Kentucky sticks with Calipari
Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart confirmed on social media that John Calipari will return as men’s basketball coach despite calls for his firing following the Wildcats’ third consecutive early exit from the NCAA Tournament.
Barnhart posted Tuesday night on X, that he “can confirm that he will return for his 16th season as our head coach.”
Louisville hires Kelsey: Louisville has reached an agreement with College of Charleston coach Pat Kelsey to become the school’s next men’s basketball coach.
Moving out: Iowa’s Patrick McCaffery, son of Hawkeyes coach Fran McCaffery, has entered the transfer portal, the school said Wednesday.
Clowney signs with Panthers
The Panthers bolstered their pass rush, agreeing to terms with free agent Jadeveon Clowney, who the Texans selected No. 1 overall in the 2014 draft.
Clowney agreed to a two-year, $20 million contract worth up to $24 million with incentives.
Rams sign White: Former All-Pro cornerback Tre’Davious White agreed to terms on a oneyear, $8.5 million deal Los Angeles.
Late Yarborough gets home tribute
Darlington Raceway will pay tribute to the late NASCAR Hall of Famer Cale Yarborough by displaying his No. 29 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass during its throwback weekend at the Goodyear 400 in May.
Yarborough, a native of Sardis, S.C., and threetime Cup champion, died on New Year's Eve at age 84.
Wizards, Caps staying put: The NBA’s Wizards and NHL’s Capitals are staying in Washington after ownership and the city reached an agreement on a $515 million, publicly funded arena project.
Djokovic eyes new coach: Novak Djokovic has split with coach Goran Ivanisevic, ending their association that began in 2018 and included 12 Grand Slam titles for world’s top-ranked player.