Investigation Reveals Coordinated Effort to Influence Game Outcomes Through Prop Bets

The NCAA has permanently banned three Division I men’s basketball players for their involvement in a sports-betting scheme that manipulated game outcomes. According to a press release issued on Wednesday, the student-athletes—Mykell Robinson, Steven Vasquez, and Jalen Weaver—participated in a coordinated effort to bet on their own games, each other’s games, or provide information that allowed others to do so during the 2024-25 regular season.

The investigation was triggered by suspicious prop bets placed on Robinson, which were flagged by Fresno State and a sports betting integrity monitor. The NCAA found that the three players shared information on individual betting lines to manipulate outcomes for financial gain. Robinson and Vasquez, who were roommates at Fresno State during the 2023-24 season, discussed via text messages in January 2025 that Robinson planned to underperform in several statistical categories during a regular-season game. They and a third party bet a combined $2,200 on Robinson’s underperformance, which resulted in a $15,950 payout.

Robinson also placed 13 daily fantasy sports prop bets totaling $454, and he collected $618 on one occasion. Additionally, Robinson placed multiple bets on Weaver, his teammate at Fresno State, after exchanging information about their betting lines. Weaver, in turn, placed a $50 prop bet on a parlay involving himself, Robinson, and a third student-athlete, winning $260.

The NCAA’s default punishment for athletes who bet on their games is permanent ineligibility, though reinstatement is possible with the help of a school. Robinson, Weaver, and Vasquez are no longer enrolled at their previous institutions. Robinson and Vasquez did not cooperate with the investigation, while Weaver admitted to the violation.

According to the NCAA release, the three players were involved in a complex scheme to manipulate game outcomes. The investigation revealed that Robinson and Vasquez had a history of betting on each other’s games, with Vasquez later transferring to San Jose State. Weaver, who started 24 of his 25 games for Fresno State last season, averaging 12.5 points per game, also participated in the scheme.

The NCAA stated that Fresno State and San Jose State were not penalized for the players’ misconduct, as the schools cooperated with the investigation and took steps to prevent future instances of sports-betting manipulation. The NCAA emphasized that the default punishment for athletes who bet on their games is permanent ineligibility, and that reinstatement is only possible with the help of a school.

The NCAA’s decision to impose permanent ineligibility on the three players sends a strong message about the importance of maintaining the integrity of college sports. The investigation highlights the need for schools to take proactive steps to prevent sports-betting manipulation and ensure that their athletes are not involved in such schemes.

Key Statistics:

Robinson played in 17 games for Fresno State last season, starting 16, and averaged 10.3 points per game.

Weaver started 24 of his 25 games for Fresno State last season, averaging 12.5 points per game.

Vasquez appeared in 29 games over four seasons – three with Fresno State and last season for San Jose State.

The NCAA investigation found that the three players shared information on individual betting lines to manipulate outcomes for financial gain.

The investigation revealed that Robinson and Vasquez had a history of betting on each other’s games, with Vasquez later transferring to San Jose State.