Report: University of Alabama fires baseball coach amid suspicious betting activity
Brad Bohannon relieved of duties following investigation into Crimson Tide’s 8-6 loss to LSU Tigers last week
University of Alabama baseball coach Brad Bohannon has been fired after an investigation into suspicious betting activity, according to news reports released yesterday.
ESPN reported that Bohannon was relieved of his position following the investigation into the game between University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide and LSU Tigers (Louisiana State University) last week.
Sportsbook surveillance video footage appears to show a person, who placed two bets on the game, communicating with the Alabama coach at the time of placing a bet.
The suspicious activity took place at the Great American Ball Park in Ohio, with the Ohio Casino Control Commission subsequently launching an investigation.
The body’s investigation is centered around two bets placed on LSU to win from the same unidentified customer.
Alabama’s scheduled starting pitcher Luke Holman was pulled before the game, citing “back tightness”, and was replaced by sophomore Hagan Banks. LSU went on to win the game 8-6.
There is no reason to believe any student athletes are involved in the case.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission was alerted to the activity by U.S. Integrity.
Elsewhere, regulators in Indiana were alerted to suspicious bets on the game, with betting on Crimson Tide halted and sportsbooks requested to refund outstanding wagers involving the team.
Additionally, New Jersey and Pennsylvania have also ordered operators to halt betting on the Alabama baseball team.
Speaking on the case, Southeastern Football Conference (SEC) commissioner Greg Sankey said the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) are investigating the situation and he reiterated the zero-tolerance policy on potential match-fixing.
He said: “The University of Alabama has taken swift action after information about baseball sports wagering activity was questioned by industry regulators.
“Ensuring the integrity of athletic competition is our highest priority, and for that purpose the SEC monitors gambling activity through its relationship with U.S. Integrity and has done so since 2018.
“There must be zero tolerance for activity that puts into question the integrity of competition. We will remain in communication with the university throughout its ongoing review and will have no further comment at this time,” he added.