Concerns around betting influence in college basketball continue to rise, and new details came forward after NCAA confirmed that six former players from New Orleans, Mississippi Valley, and Arizona State violated ethical conduct rules tied to illegal wagering activity. None of the individuals are currently enrolled, and each has been ruled permanently ineligible for future NCAA competition.

Good to Know

• The cases were separate, but all involved game manipulation or sharing inside information
• All six former athletes are now permanently ineligible
• Several players either refused cooperation or did not respond to enforcement staff

NCAA reviewed evidence linked to three different schools and confirmed involvement by Cedquavious Hunter, Dyquavian Short, Jamond Vincent (New Orleans), Donovan Sanders and Alvin Stredic (Mississippi Valley), and Chatton “BJ” Freeman (Arizona State). The Committee on Infractions did not conduct the original inquiries but verified findings submitted during case processing.

Some players cooperated while others did not. Hunter and Sanders declined to participate. Short, Vincent, and Stredic did not reply during case review. Freeman negotiated a resolution and acknowledged his role.

New Orleans Case: Game Manipulation for Payment

The situation at New Orleans surfaced when a student-athlete notified the university that teammates were intentionally altering late-game results while a third party placed wagers.

Recovered messages from the phone of Vincent indicated instructions to bet against New Orleans because outcomes were being influenced. One teammate also recounted being told by Short to stop scoring during a game.

Further communication showed Hunter, Short, and Vincent received around $5,000 connected to this activity.

Mississippi Valley Case: Plan to Underperform in First Half

NCAA examined Mississippi Valley after learning of potential links to a broader ring involving multiple programs. A review of past activity pointed to suspicious betting patterns tied to a January 6 matchup.

One team member later told enforcement staff that Sanders had discussed underperforming. Sanders eventually confirmed that he and Stredic were offered payment to influence only the first half of the game.

Both Sanders and Stredic were later charged for not cooperating after providing misleading details and failing to submit requested records.

Arizona State Case: Sharing Injury Information for Betting

Freeman from Arizona State became involved in the inquiry during an unrelated review connected to former Fresno State player Mykell Robinson. Messages retrieved during that case showed Freeman sharing information about his injury availability.

Robinson used that information to place daily fantasy sports wagers. Freeman also shared similar updates with his girlfriend, who then placed bets of her own.

Freeman initially denied involvement but later acknowledged sharing information and operating a fantasy sports account registered in his name.

Growing Pattern of Betting Scandals

NCAA continues to review additional reports tied to smaller conferences, particularly involving first-half betting trends. Three former Fresno State players were banned earlier for wagering violations.

Law enforcement actions also continue to draw attention after the arrests of Terry Rozier, Chauncey Billups, and Damon Jones in a separate federal investigation.

FAQ

Are the six players still competing anywhere?

No. Each has been ruled permanently ineligible for NCAA competition.

Were all cases connected?

No. The situations unfolded separately but involved similar behavior tied to wagering or information sharing.

Did the universities self-report?

New Orleans reported initial concerns. Mississippi Valley and Arizona State details emerged during broader inquiries.

What rule was violated?

The rule relates to ethical conduct and involvement in sports wagering or influencing outcomes.

Will the NCAA review more cases?

Yes. More inquiries remain open involving additional programs.