Four New Orleans men’s basketball players are serving possible gambling-related suspensions, according to multiple reports.
College basketball analyst Jeff Goodman first reported on social media that James White, Dae Dae Hunter, Jamond Vincent, and Jah Short, who haven’t played since Jan. 27, are under investigation for violating the NCAA’s gambling policy.
White leads the team by averaging 19.2 points per game. Since the suspensions, the 4-25 Privateers have lost all eight games to extend their losing streak to 11 contests.
The school has only said that the players were suspended for an unspecified violation of team rules. New Orleans athletic director Vince Granito told the Associated Press that “at this time, I don’t have any more information” on the infractions.
Reported ties to a scheme
ESPN reported on Wednesday that a sports betting ring under federal investigation and behind former NBA center Jontay Porter’s federal case, as well as multiple unusual wagering activities on college basketball games, bet on at least two New Orleans contests this season.
The report said accounts from those bettors wagered on the Privateers’ Dec. 28 game against McNeese State and again on Jan. 11 against Southeastern Louisiana. Three other games saw significant line movement, according to ESPN.
The bigger scandal
Games involving Temple, North Carolina A&T, Eastern Michigan, and Mississippi Valley State are also reportedly tied to the federal probe that’s also looking into a 2023 NBA game involving Miami guard Terry Rozier when he played for the Charlotte Hornets.
Four men have been charged with wire fraud conspiracy while Shane Hennen, the alleged mastermind behind the betting scheme, has also been arrested and is working on a plea deal.
Porter was banned by the NBA and is awaiting sentencing for his role in the scandal.
Two Fresno State players and one former player reportedly committed gambling violations, but none are tied to the bigger scheme.
