In a scandal that could further upend an already struggling program, allegations have emerged that key Fresno State men’s basketball players placed bets on games in which they actively participated. Multiple reputable sources, including the Associated Press and Fox News, report that the controversy centers on junior forward Mykell Robinson and guards Jalen Weaver and Zaon Collins, whose alleged actions have raised serious NCAA compliance concerns.

The situation came to light ahead of Saturday’s game against Air Force. Fresno State announced just 30 minutes before tipoff that Weaver and Collins were being “withheld from competition as the University reviews an eligibility matter.” According to AP, Robinson, who has not played since January 11, has been removed from the roster entirely. The allegations suggest that Robinson and Weaver placed bets on the Bulldogs underperforming on points and rebounds, while Collins is accused of wagering on professional sports. If confirmed, such actions would represent a clear violation of NCAA rules that strictly prohibit any form of sports wagering by student-athletes. 

Head coach Vance Walberg is said to have been the first to notice irregularities and promptly alerted the administration, triggering an internal investigation that now has the NCAA involved. While university officials have refrained from commenting further, sources indicate that the probe could have far-reaching ramifications—not only for the players involved but also for Walberg, whose job security has come under scrutiny in the wake of the scandal. 

This controversy comes at a time when the Bulldogs are already facing a historic downturn. With a season record of 5-23 and a string of 10 consecutive losses, the program has been under intense pressure. The loss of Weaver, one of the team’s top scorers averaging 12.5 points per game, along with Collins and Robinson, intensifies the roster’s depth issues and casts a long shadow over the team’s prospects for the remainder of the season. 

The implications of the alleged betting are significant. NCAA rules are uncompromising when it comes to gambling, with the rules designed to preserve the integrity of collegiate sports. Any confirmed involvement in such activities can lead to severe penalties—not only for the individuals involved but potentially for the program as a whole, including scholarship reductions and further sanctions from the governing body. 

Fans and observers alike are watching closely as the investigation unfolds. The scandal not only risks tarnishing the reputation of a program already beset by on-court struggles but also raises broader concerns about the vulnerability of collegiate sports to outside influences. As the Bulldogs work to navigate this tumultuous period, the hope remains that decisive action by the administration and NCAA will help restore the integrity of the sport.

As Fresno State continues its season with a depleted roster, questions abound over the long-term impact of the scandal. For now, the investigation remains active, and further developments are expected in the coming days. Repercussions could extend far beyond disciplinary measures, potentially reshaping the landscape of college basketball betting regulations and accountability.

Stay tuned as more details emerge on this developing story.