The Ohio University Police Department is investigating several members of the Ohio baseball team based on allegations of their possible involvement in illegal sports betting, Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt confirmed yesterday.
The inquiry was prompted by an anonymous e-mail that Hocutt and baseball coach Joe Carbone received in late November. The Post obtained a copy of the e-mail that claimed upwards of 50 people were regularly placing bets and receiving cash payouts in the thousands of dollars.
It also alleges that those involved bet on Ohio sporting events as well as other sporting events; however, Hocutt told The Athens Messenger that he does not believe the situation involves wagering on Ohio sports.
Hocutt declined to discuss any specifics of the case when contacted by The Post, including names of the players under investigation or the type of betting that may have taken place. Carbone also said he had no comment.
As it goes along we will be open and transparent
said Hocutt, who added this is the only allegation of sports wagering he has received during his tenure at Ohio. We will share the facts that we can as we can but with this being an open investigation I'm not at liberty to discuss any details.
Multiple sources said that they expect the results of the investigation to be made public some time early this week.
Athletes are required by the NCAA to sign a waiver at the beginning of every school year testifying that they have not participated in nor are they aware of any sports wagering activities.
Hocutt did not want to speculate on any action that would be taken if the accusations were proven to be true but stated that the university would adhere to the NCAA policy.
Betting on Ohio sports would result in permanent ineligibility according to the NCAA, while betting on other sports, whether collegiate or professional, would result in at least a year ban from competition and the loss of that year's eligibility.
Hocutt said he believed the university was not negligent about (emphasizing wagering) when we revised our student athlete code of conduct a year ago
and noted that the athletic department has sought to educate student athletes on the repercussions of sports wagering through regular meetings with each teams and special programs.
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Katie Carrera
