Federal officials are investigating Hysier Miller for allegedly manipulating NCAA basketball games he played in for the Temple Owls, ESPN reported Thursday, citing sources.
The investigation stems from a March 7 college basketball game, which was flagged by U.S. Integrity for unusual wagering activity. The sports betting monitoring company alerted the American Athletic Conference and U.S. sportsbooks after it saw the line for a UAB and Temple game consistently shift throughout the day.
The following day, Temple issued a statement saying, “We are aware of the social media posts regarding last night’s men’s basketball game. We will review the reports thoroughly in accordance with university and NCAA policies. While we can’t comment any further at this time, we take this matter very seriously.”
Last season, Miller was Temple’s leading scorer, averaging 15.9 points per game. During the UAB game, however, Miller only managed to score eight points, while turning the ball over three times. At the time, SI sources reported that the March 7 game wasn’t the only Temple game U.S. Integrity was reviewing. Last season, Temple failed to cover the spread in 10 consecutive games.
During the off-season, Miller transferred to Virginia Tech. However, the school dismissed Miller prior to the start of this season, stating that it was “due to circumstances prior to his enrollment.”
Federal authorities are now investigating whether Miller bet on – and shaved points in – games he played for the Temple Owls.
“Hysier Miller has overcome more adversity in his 22 years than most people face in their lifetime. He will meet and overcome whatever obstacles lay ahead,” Miller’s attorney, Jason P. Bologna, said in a statement made to ESPN.
Bologna revealed Friday that Miller was interviewed by the NCAA for a lengthy period.
"Hysier Miller fully cooperated with the NCAA's investigation. He sat for a five-hour interview and answered every question the NCAA asked," Bologna said, according to the Associated Press. "He also produced every document the NCAA requested. Hysier did these things because he wanted to play basketball this season, and he is devastated that he cannot."
School statement on media reports
Temple president John Fry acknowledged the reports in a statement made to the school on Thursday.
"While it is disappointing to see Temple mentioned in this context, we know that it is not representative of our athletics program," he wrote.
So far, Temple has not been asked for information from law enforcement but Fry said the school “will cooperate fully” if contacted.
If the allegations prove true, it would be the first college basketball point-shaving scandal in the country’s legalized sports betting era. The most famous college scandal dates back to the 1978-79 season, when Boston College basketball players were bribed by organized crime figures.
Professional basketball, however, has booked a recent case of game manipulation. Earlier this year, former NBA player Jontay Porter pleaded guilty to charges associated with his participation in a gambling scheme during his tenure with the Toronto Raptors.
