Key Moments:
- The NCAA permanently barred three former student-athletes after uncovering sports betting-related match manipulation during the 2024-25 season.
- The investigation found the players either wagered on their own games, on each other’s games, or shared information enabling others to bet.
- Text correspondence and financial transactions between ex-teammates exposed the violation, including wagers placed through family and peer coordination.
Details of the NCAA Investigation
The NCAA officially disqualified Mykell Robinson, Steven Vasquez, and Jalen Weaver from college basketball after an investigation revealed their involvement in sports betting infractions. At least five Mountain West Conference games from the 2024-25 season were implicated, with the players found to have bet on their own games, wagered on one another’s performances, or shared sensitive information to facilitate bets. The trio is no longer affiliated with their former teams or universities.
| Player | Previous Team(s) | Nature of Violation |
|---|---|---|
| Mykell Robinson | Fresno State | Betting on own and others’ games; coordinated bets via third parties |
| Steven Vasquez | Fresno State / San Jose State | Wagered on former teammates; communicated bets; received and transferred funds |
| Jalen Weaver | Fresno State | Placed bets on own performance; direct admission of betting activity |
The NCAA found sports betting-related game manipulation by three athletes who competed in men’s basketball games at Fresno State and San Jose State.
The athletes – Mykell Robinson, Steven Vasquez and Jalen Weaver – are permanently banned. pic.twitter.com/uGTkeoDJaQ
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) September 10, 2025
Events Leading to Permanent Bans
Robinson and Vasquez, former roommates at Fresno State, were implicated through text exchanges prior to a Fresno State 91-64 loss to Colorado State on January 7, 2025. Vasquez coordinated wagers on Robinson’s performance metrics, funded in part by a transfer from Robinson’s mother via Apple Pay. Vasquez placed a $200 bet for Robinson, later transferring $1,625 of winnings to Robinson through his mother as detailed by the NCAA Committee on Infractions. Vasquez subsequently refused further participation in the investigation after legal counsel’s advice, which resulted in his release from San Jose State’s team.
The investigation also discovered that Robinson placed bets on Weaver in late December 2024, involving an exchange of betting information between the two. On December 31, 2024, Weaver wagered a three-leg $50 parlay on himself, Robinson, and a player from a different institution. Weaver’s bet detailed overs for his own assists, Robinson’s three-pointers, and the third player’s points. Weaver secured a $260 payout after the game.
Admissions and Broader Context
Jalen Weaver openly acknowledged wagering on his own game, stating in an interview with ESPN’s David Purdum: “I just made a bad decision, and I shouldn’t have gotten involved with that,” he said. “I bet on a game I played in, but I never tried to sabotage the season. I never bet on us to lose, never bet my unders.”
Unrelated Federal Investigation in Progress
Separately, a federal law enforcement probe in Pennsylvania is underway regarding college basketball betting, though it is unrelated to this NCAA action. Reports indicate the Eastern District of Pennsylvania is examining possible point shaving involving several Southern schools. While indictments have not been issued, unnamed sources suggested the scope could rival the largest investigations since legal sports betting expanded nationally.
- Author
Daniel Williams
