The NCAA announced three men’s basketball players at Fresno State and San Jose State collaborated to manipulate performance for the purpose of sports betting, as the organization said they bet on their own games and provided information for others to do so.
The players, San Jose State’s Mykell Robinson and Steven Vasquez, as well as Fresno State’s Jalen Weaver, were released from their teams, are no longer enrolled at their schools and permanently banned from the NCAA for violating ethical conduct rules, the NCAA Committee on Infractions announced.
The investigation began in January after a sports integrity monitoring service notified Fresno State a Nevada sportsbook operator flagged suspicious prop bets placed on Robinson for the Jan. 7 game against Colorado State. Fresno State and the NCAA enforcement staff then found on Robinson’s phone he conspired with Vasquez, his former roommate at Fresno State for the 2023-24 season, to place bets on his under-line totals for the Jan. 7 contest.
Robinson finished the game with three points, two rebounds, one three-pointer and no assists ‘to ensure the under-line bets won,’ according to the investigation, which resulted in a $15,950 total payout from a combined $2,200 of betting by Robinson, Vasquez and a third party. During that season, Robinson placed 13 daily fantasy sports over-line and under-line prop bets, including on his own performance.
The NCAA said Robinson also placed bets on Weaver, a former teammate at Fresno State, in December 2024 after the two exchanged information on their respective betting lines. Weaver placed a prop bet for himself, Robinson and another unnamed student-athlete.
Vasquez and Robinson informed the enforcement staff they didn’t want to participate in the investigation, the NCAA said, while Weaver participated in the investigation, admitted to the betting and agreed to the punishment. The cases were resolved in coordination with Fresno State and San Jose State.
Robinson was removed from the roster after playing his final game on Jan. 11, while Weaver told ESPN he was dismissed from the team and planned to enter the transfer portal.
Fresno State said in a statement ot USA TODAY Sports while the consequences are significant, it will not face any sanctions.
‘Fresno State holds itself to the highest standards of integrity, character and sportsmanship, and has an unwavering commitment to compliance with all NCAA and conference rules. The University proactively shared reported information concerning sports wagering activity with the NCAA and worked collaboratively with the NCAA staff throughout the investigation,’ the statement read. ‘The university continues to have confidence in the Fresno State Athletics’ culture and is grateful to conclude this matter.’
NCAA athletes that bet on their own games lose their eligbility permanently and sports betting in any form is prohibited, although there has been movement to allow athletes and athletics staff members to bet on professional sports events
