Fresno State guard Zaon Collins, left, is one of two players suspended while the university determines their eligibility amid reports of a gambling investigation. The other is Jalen Weaver. A third player, Mykell Robinson, who hadn't played since Jan. 11, is no longer with the program. (GV Wire File)
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Already mired in the worst season in school history, the Fresno State men’s basketball team generated even more bad news Saturday.
The university suspended two of its top players amid reports that the program is being investigated for gambling by players.
The school said in a statement that Jalen Weaver and Zaon Collins “are being withheld from competition as the university reviews an eligibility matter.” It added that there will be no further comment at this time.
ESPN.com also reported that Mykell Robinson, who has not played since Jan. 11, is no longer on the team.
The Bulldogs are playing their first season under coach Vance Walberg. The Fresno Bee reported Sunday that a high-ranking university official described Walberg’s job as safe.
The Bee initially reported on an internal investigation at Fresno State. School officials then contacted the NCAA, which is also conducting an investigation.
Team Sets School Record for Losses
Fresno State (5-23, 1-16 Mountain West) has broken the school’s single-season record for losses. The Bulldogs lost Saturday at Air Force, 72-69, in overtime. It was the Falcons’ first MW victory over the season and raised their overall record to 4-23.
Weaver is scoring 12.5 points per game and leading the team with 4.7 assists per contest. Collins is averaging 12.0 points. Robinson was scoring 10.3 points and grabbing 6.2 rebounds a game before leaving the program.
Sports betting in any form violates NCAA rules, which states players may not gamble on college, amateur or professional sports. Student athletes must also refrain from providing information to those involved with sports betting. Violating NCAA rules regarding sports betting results in becoming ineligible to play.
The Bee said that, according to the Fresno State student-athlete handbook, gambling on teams other than Fresno State results in a one-year ban from competition. Betting on Fresno State games results in permanent ineligibility.
Fresno State is off until Saturday, March 1, when it hosts Boise State (19-8-,11-5) at the Save Mart Center.
(Associated Press contributed to this article.)
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