Investigation by UC finds no sports betting by Cincinnati Bearcats baseball staff
An investigation into the University of Cincinnati baseball team was recently completed and found two secondary/Level III violations involving a former assistant coach and a former student-athlete. The findings were submitted to the NCAA and accepted.
The student-athlete left the program before the 2023 season.
Both minor violations were related to sports wagering but were not related to college baseball.
The investigation did not find any evidence that any current or former student-athletes, coaches or staff members wagered on Cincinnati baseball or college baseball.
What happened with betting and UC baseball?
On May 17, director of baseball operations Andy Nagel and assistant coach Kyle Sprague were relieved of their duties for possible NCAA violations. The infractions didn't involve either of the coaches betting on baseball games.
Later multiple sources revealed to The Enquirer that Bert Neff of Mooresville, Indiana, the parent of UC pitcher Andrew Neff was involved in the gambling incident involving former Alabama coach Brad Bohannon back in April which got him fired for betting on a game against LSU.
In the case of the Alabama/LSU game April 28, Crimson Tide ace pitcher Luke Holman was scratched from the game with back tightness after Bohannon was in communication with Neff placing bets to lose.
The potential violations with the UC coaches (Nagel, Sprague) involved having knowledge of Neff's activity.
Scott Googins resigns
After a 24-33 record, Scott Googins resigned as head baseball coach May 31. Neither Nagel nor Sprague were accused of betting on UC baseball. Ditto for Googins who was 143-156 with the Bearcats between 2018-2023.
Enquirer investigation
Dan Horn of The Enquirer spoke with U.S. Integrity who monitors many schools along with the Ohio Casino Control Commission about the activity of Bert Neff, the UC parent who had ties to Alabama's coach among others due to his involvement in amateur baseball.
“There were a number of things that raised some red flags,” Spokeswoman Jessica Franks of the Ohio Casino Control Commission said of Neff's activity at the BetMGM sportsbook at Great American Ball Park.
Neff has since been given a lifetime ban from betting in Indiana, his home state. Googins has since been hired by Riley Decker Companies, a prominent UC donor and Nagel is working at Moeller High School.
New baseball coach
On June 22, UC hired new baseball coach Jordan Bischel from Central Michigan. He will lead the Bearcats into the Big 12 with a six-year contract.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: NCAA concludes investigation on Cincinnati Bearcats baseball betting
