- Four starters suspended since January 27 amid gambling probe
- Team suffers 8 consecutive losses post-suspension
- Parallel investigation ongoing at Fresno State basketball program
- NBA veteran Percy Miller joins staff amid crisis
The University of New Orleans basketball program faces mounting challenges as NCAA officials investigate potential sports wagering violations. Multiple sources confirm four key players have been sidelined for over a month, with the team subsequently dropping all eight contests since their removal. This development follows similar gambling probes at Fresno State, where three players were recently disciplined.
Industry analysts note a 214% increase in college sports betting investigations since 2018, coinciding with expanded legalized gambling markets. The proximity of collegiate athletes to sportsbooks creates unprecedented compliance challenges,observed NCAA compliance expert Dr. Mara Linwood. Programs must implement real-time monitoring systems to protect both eligibility and institutional reputation.
New Orleans administrators remain tight-lipped about specifics, though insiders suggest the suspended athletes – including top scorer James White (19.2 PPG) – might have violated NCAA Bylaw 10.3 prohibiting sports wagering. The timing proves particularly damaging as the Privateers attempt to rebuild under new leadership, including hip-hop mogul Percy Miller's recent appointment to oversee basketball operations.
Regional comparisons highlight concerning patterns. Both New Orleans (4-25) and Fresno State (5-23) occupy last place in their respective conferences, with combined 1-32 league records since player suspensions began. This Gulf Coast-Great Valley connection underscores the national scope of sports betting challenges facing mid-major programs with limited compliance resources.
Miller emphasized community investment during his introductory press conference: We're implementing financial literacy programs to help athletes navigate NIL opportunities responsibly.The initiative comes as 63% of athletic directors report increased gambling-related compliance costs, according to National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics data.
As investigations continue, NCAA officials remind member institutions that gambling violations carry severe penalties, including postseason bans and scholarship reductions. With legal sports betting now operational in 38 states, experts predict these cases will establish crucial precedents for balancing athlete protections with evolving gambling landscapes.
