177% up to 5BTC + 77 Free Spins!
New players only. Exclusive Welcome Bonus of 177% + 77 Free Spins
A federal judge has authorized the inclusion of 11 more individuals in a civil lawsuit related to a high-profile gambling sting in Iowa. This expansion brings the total number of plaintiffs to 37, reflecting growing concerns about the handling of the investigation.
The latest additions to the suit include ten athletes from Iowa and Iowa State universities, alongside one basketball equipment manager. The new plaintiffs are Iowa State University (ISU) wrestlers Samuel Schuyler, Carter Schmidt, Nathan Schon, Drew Woodley, and Johnson; ISU football players Terry Roberts and Jeremiah “Trey” Mathis III; ISU track athlete Cameron “Cam” Jones; Iowa wrestlers Brennan Swafford and Corey Cabanban; and Iowa basketball equipment manager Evan Schuster.
Their legal representation includes Texas-based attorneys Grant Gerleman and James Roberts, as well as Iowa-based Chris Sandy. This expanded group is joining the existing plaintiffs, who initially filed the lawsuit in April. The original lawsuit, brought forth by Des Moines attorneys Van Plumb and Matthew Boles, included 26 former and current ISU and Iowa players. The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages for alleged violations of their rights and reputational damage due to the investigation.
The lawsuit alleges that the Iowa Criminal Division’s investigation involved improper conduct, which allegedly infringed on the athletes’ Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights. The plaintiffs claim that the investigation caused them significant emotional distress and harm to their personal reputations. The case highlights concerns over the methods used by investigators, including the misuse of tracking software that monitored mobile betting apps on cellphones within ISU athletic facilities.
The controversy intensified when several athletes facing criminal charges opted to plead guilty and pay fines for underage gambling. However, key figures like Iowa State football players Isaiah Lee, Jirehl Brock, and Enyi Uwazurike, along with wrestler Paniro Johnson, refused plea bargains. Following a deeper investigation, the Iowa Criminal Division dropped the charges against them due to the misuse of tracking technology.
Attorney Van Plumb expressed optimism about the expanded lawsuit, stating, “Matt Boles and I are extremely excited to join forces with them as the old saying holds true – there is strength in numbers.”