Ex-Eastern Michigan Players Reject Cooperation in Gambling Probe

In a significant development amidst an ongoing gambling scandal involving the NBA, three former players from Eastern Michigan University have declined to cooperate with an NCAA investigation into potential betting violations. The NCAA confirmed this situation on Friday, highlighting that the players accepted phone imaging but refused interviews.

Key Players Involved

The players at the center of this investigation are:

• Jalen Terry
• Da’Sean Nelson
• Jalin Billingsley

All three athletes completed their eligibility last season and were noted for their significant contributions to the team’s performance.

Investigation Details

The NCAA’s investigation focuses on suspicious betting behavior observed during Eastern Michigan’s games. Notably, a particular incident of interest was the Eagles’ loss to Central Michigan, where they fell 82-61 on January 14. The NCAA has also noted unusual betting activity against Eastern Michigan during their earlier games against Wright State and Toledo.

Consequences of Non-Cooperation

Due to their refusal to participate further in the investigation, the NCAA has stated that they were unable to confirm any betting infractions. Through their legal representation, the players have requested the deletion of any previously collected phone data. This refusal to cooperate puts them at risk of facing serious consequences under NCAA regulations.

Background on the Players

During the 2024-25 season, these players were among the top scorers for Eastern Michigan, finishing with a 16-16 record. Terry and Nelson both transferred to Eastern Michigan after previously playing together at DePaul.

Broader Implications

This case is part of a larger investigation where the NCAA is scrutinizing gambling allegations across multiple institutions, involving ten additional players from five other schools. The NCAA emphasizes the importance of cooperation during investigations related to integrity issues.

Potential Outcomes

The NCAA has warned that non-cooperation in such investigations can lead to various sanctions. Possible repercussions include the loss of eligibility, restrictions from associated activities, and public naming in the infractions report.

As the gambling scandal continues to unfold, the basketball community is closely monitoring how player decisions and NCAA actions will shape the integrity of the sport in the future.