Greg Sankey urges the NCAA not to change the rules that allow sports betting

The NCAA could soon relax its rules against sports betting, announcing a pending legislative change that would allow college athletes to gamble on professional sports. The move, which was approved by administrative committees across the NCAA’s three divisions and is scheduled to take effect on November 22 (instead of November 1), has drawn significant opposition from prominent figures in the world of college sports and It remains subject to cancellation. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey spoke out this week against the rule change.

Sankey sent a letter to NCAA President Charlie Baker on October 25, Obtained by ESPNTo indicate that the SEC disagrees with the decision to allow athletes to bet on professional sports. The SEC’s chairs and counsel have come to the conclusion that “this policy change represents a major step in the wrong direction,” he said in the letter. Importantly, the rule change does not change the NCAA’s positions on gambling in college athletics. Athletes will still be prohibited from betting on college games and sharing information with bettors.

“On behalf of our universities, I write to urge the NCAA Division I Board of Governors to take action to rescind this change and reaffirm the association’s commitment to maintaining strong national standards that keep college participants separate from sports betting activity at every level,” Sankey said in his letter to the NCAA. “If there are legal or practical concerns about the previous policy, they should be addressed through careful refinement – ​​not through the wholesale removal of barriers that have long upheld the integrity of the Games and the well-being of participants.”

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Sankey argued that the rule change challenges the “integrity of competition” and that the SEC is concerned about the vulnerability of athletes. He called on the NCAA to restore its previous policy or amended rules prohibiting gambling at all levels. He raised concerns about the gambling industry’s growing reach and influence, and said the NCAA’s removal of its barrier to professional sports betting “sends the wrong signal.”

The response to the NCAA’s decision extends to other conferences as well. Pittsburgh football coach Pat Narduzzi this week called the decision “one of the stupidest decisions I’ve ever seen.” He pointed to recent issues in professional sports, including NBAwhich last week saw Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier arrested by the FBI as part of a federal investigation into illegal gambling.

“First and foremost, it’s a habit,” Narduzzi said. “It’s no different than smoking or drinking or doing drugs, it’s a bad habit. I don’t think anyone here is encouraging you to go out drinking and get smashed on a Friday night or Saturday night or at a ball game.”

The NCAA’s proposal to allow betting on professional sports includes measures to protect athletes. The association plans to provide additional education and support to prevent problem gambling.