The growing Iowa sports betting probe allegedly revealed an Iowa State University player bet against his own team.
Cyclones defensive tackle Isaiah Lee allegedly wagered on the University of Texas to beat Iowa State in 2021, according to multiple reports. However, the Cyclones defeated the Longhorns, 30-7.
Lee was among seven players (four at Iowa State, three at Iowa University,) and one staffer charged Thursday with record tampering in the IA sports betting probe.
“It can’t be compromised, the integrity of the game, that’s first and foremost,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said, according to the Associated Press. “That’s got to be protected, and that’s where everything should start.”
Iowa sports betting probe scope
The Iowa sports betting probe now includes 14 charged players. Last week, Iowa State starting quarterback Hunter Dekkers and former defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike were among those facing charges.
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation referred LSR to the Johnson County and Story County attorney’s offices. Only the Johnson County attorney’s office responded Friday with details of the charges.
DCI issued a statement saying:
“The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation’s (DCI) Special Enforcement Operations Bureau serves as the primary criminal investigative and enforcement agency for gambling laws in the state of Iowa and investigated alleged violations of Iowa law related to sports wagering at the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. The investigation is ongoing and no further information can be released at this time.”
Iowa State players charged
Four Iowa State players were charged, including Lee, running back Jirehl Brock, tight end Deshawn Hanika and offensive lineman Jake Remsburg.
Allegations also include that Lee wagered on 11 other Iowa State football games in which he participated.
Brock wagered on two Iowa State football games that he played in. He placed 1,327 total bets, including 13 Cyclones basketball games.
Hanika bet 288 times, including 70 Iowa State basketball games. Remsburg made 273 wagers.
Iowa players also involved
Iowa football players Harry Reginald Bracy II, Arland Richard Bruce IV and Jack Thomas Johnson were all charged with record tampering.
Bruce and Bracy since transferred. Bruce, a key contributor at wide receiver, allegedly placed 11 wagers on football games that he participated in over the past two seasons.
Former Hawkeyes student manager Owen O’Brien was also charged.
Per the Johnson County news release:
Tampering with Records is an aggravated misdemeanor, carrying potential penalties ranging from a deferred judgment to a maximum sentence of up to two years in prison and a fine ranging from $855 to $8,540.
