Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer has a message for anybody who thinks he might have wager on sports activities: He completely didn’t.
“The 21-year-old signal-caller, who formally transferred to Oklahoma this previous December, posted the next message on his X (previously Twitter) account after many took a few of his Venmo transaction descriptions as proof he was betting on sports activities:
“The allegations that I as soon as participated in sports activities playing are false. My earlier Venmo descriptions didn’t precisely painting the transactions in query however have been as a substitute inside jokes between me and my mates. I’ve by no means wager on sports activities. I perceive the seriousness of the matter, however acknowledge that, taken out of context, these Venmo descriptions recommend in any other case. I can guarantee my teammates, coaches, and officers on the NCAA that I’ve not engaged in any sports activities playing.”
Is that this one of the crucial “Welcome to 2025, of us!” tales ever? We’ll allow you to resolve.
However in all seriousness, the furor over Mateer’s transaction descriptions wasn’t as a result of sports activities betting in Oklahoma stays unlawful. Quite the opposite, these transactions predated his time with the Sooners. Mateer spent the previous three seasons suiting up for Washington State College.
Now, when framed this manner, many might not perceive the uproar. In spite of everything, sports activities betting in Washington is authorized. It launched all the best way again in 2020.
Nonetheless, for Mateer’s functions, this doesn’t matter. NCAA athletes are explicitly banned from betting on sports activities. It doesn’t matter whether or not they’re of authorized age, wagering on a sport that’s not their very own, or in a state that provides authorized playing. The NCAA pointers strictly prohibit all types of sports activities betting amongst collegiate athletes it doesn’t matter what. This is the reason Mateer wanted to supply clarification on his transaction descriptions.
Breaking Down the John Mateer Sports activities Betting Saga
When you have made it this far and are sporting a bemused expression in your face, we don’t blame you within the slightest. This complete cleaning soap opera will be powerful to comply with. Fortuitously, Cody Williams of MSNBC breaks down all it is advisable know concerning the Mateer sports activities betting scandal:
“John Mateer had the doubtful honor of trending on social media on Monday night time after the brand new Oklahoma Sooners quarterback’s Venmo historical past brought about fairly a stir. First identified by the Barstool Longhorn (a Texas fan account), Mateer had three transactions from 2022, his freshman 12 months at Washington State, that have been labeled ‘sports activities playing.’ Clearly, on condition that the NCAA prohibits athletes from betting on collegiate video games, that despatched the school soccer world right into a tailspin questioning what was occurring, how Mateer may very well be that clueless, and with rivals able to pounce. The Oklahoma signal-caller solely appeared to make the controversy worse when he then made his Venmo transactions non-public, solely additional fueling hypothesis from Texas followers and different rivals that he certainly had wager on sports activities.”
That is all how we wound up with John Mateer releasing his social media assertion. And for what it’s value, his clarification seems to suffice.
Oklahoma famous by itself X account that they’re “unaware of any NCAA investigation” and have “no cause to consider there may be one pending.” It is a breath of contemporary air for Sooners followers. John Mateer profiles as their beginning quarterback. Getting into the 12 months as the topic of an investigation would have little question put a damper on the season.
Followers of rival groups have naturally known as for a probe into these transactions. It’s powerful to consider this case warrants one. Sure, the allegations in a vacuum are severe. However Mateer’s clarification is greater than believable.
This Ordeal Does Highlight Issues About NCAA Betting
In fact, whereas this specific occasion doesn’t seem to hold a ton of weight, it does emphasize one of many rising considerations over on-line sports activities betting in the US.
Opponents and skeptics consider the rise of sports activities playing will invariably give solution to extra scandals. In some methods, they’re appropriate. We now have seen extra investigations into athletes and team-affiliated personnel over the previous few years. Most just lately, within the NBA, Malik Beasley was—and may nonetheless be— the topic of a federal investigation involving suspicious exercise in the course of the 2023-24 season. These probes are usually not particular to anybody league, both. We see them throughout all main North American sports activities, together with soccer, baseball, and hockey.
Staunch opponents wish to see sports activities betting eradicated totally. Reactions to the John Mateer allegations have been nothing if not proof of that a lot. However realists perceive that sports activities betting within the USA isn’t going anyplace. Professional sports activities leagues, groups and gamers, together with particular person states, are making an excessive amount of cash off its income.
Others, nonetheless, are taking a extra pragmatic method. For instance, NCAA president Charlie Baker is advocating for a whole ban on participant prop bets. Some states scoff on the suggestion. Locations like Ohio are giving it actual consideration.
Advocates consider this could lower down the temptation for athletes to influence the outcomes of betting strains. That is sensible. Participant props must do with a person’s efficiency. They’re the wagers over which athletes have essentially the most singular management.
At Least We Can Type of Giggle on the John Mateer Discourse
Regardless of the severity of the allegations and the powerful sports activities betting dialogue we should proceed to have, the John Mateer debacle is usually a supply of levity.
Certain, it’s a reminder that NCAA athletes are at all times below the highlight. It additionally reinforces how slippery a slope sports activities betting will be. The response to the accusations acknowledges such habits is problematic and, in flip, calls for supporters and operators reconcile with it.
Nonetheless, Mateer’s clarification particularly doesn’t create a dilemma. Who amongst us has not used inside jokes on their Venmo historical past? And in case you actually wish to get into it, why would he use “sports activities betting” as a part of the outline on public transactions if he was really betting on sports activities?
That is one occasion through which we are able to all shrug off the allegations. The saga has turned out to be extra comical than telltale. It gained’t at all times be that manner. Heck, it might seldom be that manner. This time, although, it’s that manner.
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