An unnamed member of Loyola University’s Men’s Basketball team was involved in a gambling violation and was released from the team. The university quickly addressed the situation, ensuring the integrity of their athletic program and Loyola will move forward without punishment from the NCAA. WBAL-TV 11 reported that Men’s Basketball Head Coach Tavaras Hardy was also released the same week after the season ended with 7-25. These two events are not connected.
A recent press release has come out from Loyola University Maryland regarding the violation.
It said, “Loyola was made aware of an individual’s gambling violation that was promptly reported to the NCAA. The individual was immediately removed from the program, and the NCAA accepted the self-report and took no further action.”
It continued, “The conference office investigated to ensure the integrity of league contests by reaching out to the U.S. Integrity, the conference’s monitoring partner. The U.S. Integrity analyzed contests and no anomalies were discovered. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency provided contact information on operators licensed in the state, and those operators confirmed all previously known information.”
This news has sparked a mix of confusion and curiosity among the student body in recent days, with questions of who and why. Nick Paolini ‘24 wanted to know what the player was betting on if there were no anomalies discovered.
Paolini said, “I’m really surprised to hear about something like this coming from a small university like ours. I feel like this is something you only see with the big state colleges, but it really can happen anywhere.”
NCAA athletes are under very strict rules, especially when it comes to gambling , they are not allowed to bet on any other collegiate sports and professional sports.
Brandon Tuccio ‘24 was among many others who were shocked to hear about this happening at our university.
Tuccio said, “I hate to see this happening. I’m just glad to know there were no anomalies and the bets I placed on games weren’t affected.”
The gambling violation at the university has brought attention to the integrity of collegiate sports, including those at smaller institutions. The university’s response, in collaboration with the NCAA and U.S. Integrity demonstrates a dedication to upholding fair play and accountability. Tuccio, among many others, also mentioned he looks forward to what Loyola does to come back from this and hopes the Men’s Basketball team makes a strong recovery.
