Written By The University of Alabama’s head baseball coach, Brad Bohannon, is facing possible termination following allegations of illegal gambling on college and professional sports.
Bohannon, who has been at the helm of Alabama’s baseball program since 2018, has been placed on administrative leave while the university conducts an investigation into the allegations. The allegations came to light after a former Crimson Tide baseball player reported the coach’s gambling activity to university officials.
The former player, who wished to remain anonymous, said that Bohannon had discussed his gambling habits with the team on multiple occasions, and had even placed bets on games in which the Crimson Tide were playing. The player also claimed that Bohannon had encouraged members of the team to participate in his gambling activities.
Bohannon has denied the allegations, saying that he has never gambled on college or professional sports. In a statement released through his attorney, Bohannon said, “I have never bet on any college or professional sporting event, and I have never encouraged any of my players to do so. These allegations are false and defamatory.”
The university has not yet made a decision on whether to terminate Bohannon, but the allegations have raised concerns about the integrity of college sports and the potential for illegal gambling to influence athletic outcomes.
NCAA rules prohibit coaches and student-athletes from betting on college sports or providing information to individuals involved in sports gambling. Violations can result in severe penalties, including loss of eligibility and suspension from competition.
Alabama’s athletic director, Greg Byrne, said in a statement that the university takes the allegations seriously and is committed to ensuring the integrity of its athletic programs. “We have initiated an investigation into these allegations, and we will take appropriate action once all the facts have been gathered,” Byrne said.
Bohannon’s potential termination would be a significant blow to Alabama’s baseball program. In his first three seasons as head coach, he led the Crimson Tide to a 92-88 record and was credited with improving the team’s overall performance.
The allegations against Bohannon also raise questions about the prevalence of illegal gambling in college sports. According to a 2020 survey conducted by the NCAA, approximately 25% of student-athletes reported that they had been approached by individuals involved in sports gambling, and 5% reported that they had placed bets on college sports.
As the investigation into Bohannon’s gambling allegations continues, the University of Alabama and the NCAA will be closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the integrity of college sports is upheld.
