“On May 8, University of Cincinnati Athletics began an internal review of potential NCAA infractions involving the baseball program. Although the review is ongoing, Sprague and Nagel have been dismissed based on initial findings. UC is cooperating with the NCAA in this matter. Since this is an ongoing investigation, we will not be commenting further at this time.”
Fox 19 Now sources allege the coaches themselves weren’t betting. Still, a parent of one of the Bearcats players discussed sports betting with the Bearcats baseball personnel. Sprague and Nagel didn’t disclose these conversations to school officials, which is against NCAA regulations.
The nature of the alleged conversations between the parent and the coaches weren’t revealed. Still, the Fox19 Now sources contend that no lineups were changed, nor did any coaches make any decisions to impact the game negatively.
Sprague and Nagel were not fired for gambling or for match-fixing. They were sacked because they failed to report the alleged conversation to school officials and the NCAA.
Fox19 Now sources also claim this investigation is ongoing, with no player or coach other than Sprague and Nagel. Furthermore, no decision has been made regarding Head Coach Scott Googin. Still, the Bearcats baseball team is competing in the American Athletic Conference tournament in Clearwater, Florida, and Sprague and Nagel were not on the trip.
NCAA Is Clear about Athletes and Coaches Gambling
The NCAA is crystal clear in its gambling rules, prominently featured on the website. Most, if not all, University Athletic Departments provide their players with written copies of the rules. NCAA rules expressly prohibit athletes, coaches, and athletic department officials and are mentioned clearly on the NCAA website.
- “to wager or risk anything of value on any sport sponsored by the NCAA at any level, including college and/or professional”
- “to share information for sports wagering purposes”.
This means no March Madness brackets, fantasy sports leagues, Daily Fantasy Sports contests, office pools, and Super Bowl Squares. It also means athletes, coaches, and athletic department personnel aren’t allowed to share with anyone regarding disciplinary actions taken by the school, proposed lineup changes, and injury information.
The punishment for sports betting or gambling violations can also be found on the NCAA website.
“Student-athletes who violate NCAA sports wagering rules will be ineligible for competition, subject to appeal to the Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement. Penalties will be considered on a case-by-case basis based on the guidelines for the division in which the student-athlete participates. Institutional staff members found in violation of NCAA sports wagering rules will be subject to disciplinary or corrective action as outlined in the rules governing the NCAA infractions process.”
The NCAA hasn’t taken any additional action against Sprague and Nagel yet, but we will let you know when they do.
