Eastern Michigan Alumni Named in NCAA Gambling Probe

Three former Eastern Michigan University basketball players have been declared ineligible by the NCAA. Jalen Terry, Da’Sean Nelson, and Jalin Billingsley refused to cooperate with an investigation into potential sports betting. The probe centered on suspicious wagering activity during their 2024-25 season.

The NCAA’s Division I Committee on Infractions issued the ruling. This decision highlights the serious consequences of failing to participate in enforcement inquiries.

NCAA Investigation Reveals Uncooperative Stance

The NCAA enforcement staff received alerts in January 2025. These alerts flagged unusual betting patterns on a January 14 Eastern Michigan game. Further review found abnormal activity on two other games from that season.

The school launched a collaborative investigation with the NCAA. According to the committee’s report, the players’ phones were imaged on January 29. Multiple interview requests were subsequently sent to the athletes.

In March, after the season concluded, the players’ legal counsel informed the NCAA their clients would not participate. The lack of cooperation prevented investigators from determining if actual betting violations occurred.

Serious Consequences for Rule Violations

The committee classified the failure-to-cooperate violations as Level I. These are the most severe infractions in the NCAA’s rulebook. The ruling serves as a stark warning to all student-athletes.

“When individuals choose not to cooperate… those choices can and will be met with serious consequences,” the committee stated. The players, who have no remaining eligibility, face a formal declaration of ineligibility.

This case emerges amid a wider context of sports gambling scandals. It underscores the ongoing challenges athletic organizations face in preserving game integrity.

The NCAA’s firm stance on this Eastern Michigan gambling probe reinforces its commitment to investigating potential integrity issues, even when direct proof remains elusive.

Thought you’d like to know

What games were involved in the betting probe?

The investigation looked into suspicious wagering on a January 14 game. It also examined two other games from the same season. The NCAA did not publicly name the specific opponents.

Can the former players ever coach in the NCAA?

The ruling declares them ineligible for collegiate competition. A show-cause order could restrict their ability to be hired by NCAA schools. This would make a coaching role very difficult to obtain.

What is a Level I violation?

Level I violations are the most serious breaches of NCAA rules. They include severe conduct like lack of institutional control or failure to cooperate. Such violations often result in the strongest penalties.

Did the players actually place bets?

The NCAA could not determine if betting violations occurred. The investigation was halted due to the lack of cooperation from the three individuals. No findings of actual gambling were made.

Why is this case significant?

It demonstrates the NCAA’s power to punish non-cooperation alone. The case sets a precedent for future integrity investigations. It highlights the risks of refusing to participate in an NCAA probe.