Date: November 25, 2024, 05:33h.
Last updated on: November 25, 2024, 05:34h.
Hysier Miller, a former Temple University Men’s basketball standout, is currently under investigation for a potential betting scandal, as reported by ESPN.
The 22-year-old guard was the top scorer for the Owls in the 2023-24 season before transferring to Virginia Tech. However, he was removed from the program due to suspicions of unusual betting activities.
The U.S. Integrity agency flagged the Owls’ game against the UAB Blazers on March 7 for a significant shift in the point spread on the day of the match.
Suspicious Swings
The point spread for the game unexpectedly changed by six points in the morning, prompting some sportsbooks to suspend betting. This type of movement is typically linked to an injury to a key player.
On that evening, Miller performed poorly, scoring only eight points, well below his season average of 15.9 points.
While Miller has not faced any charges, his attorney, Jason Bologna, stated that his client has fully cooperated with the NCAA’s investigation.
“He sat for a five-hour interview and answered every question the NCAA asked. He also produced every document the NCAA requested,” Bologna said. “Hysier did these things because he wanted to play basketball this season, and he is devastated that he cannot. Hysier has overcome more adversity in his 22 years than most people face in their lifetime. He will meet and overcome whatever obstacles lie ahead.”
Since the legalization of sports betting on a state-by-state basis, college betting scandals have emerged at various universities, including Alabama, Iowa, and Iowa State. This increase in exposure may be due to the regulated nature of sports betting.
Jontay Porter Scandal
In the professional basketball realm, the NBA faced a scandal involving Toronto Raptors’ power forward, Jontay Porter, who deliberately underperformed in two games for the benefit of a gambling syndicate.
Porter received a lifetime ban from the NBA in April and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a federal court in July.
Porter cited a gambling problem as the reason for his involvement in the scheme.
He became the first player to be banned for life from the NBA for gambling since Jack Molinas in 1954, who was involved in a notorious points-shaving scandal.