Coaches Sound the Alarm on College Sports Betting

Pat Narduzzi, the college football coach, has expressed his disapproval of the NCAA's recent decision to permit college athletes to bet on professional sports. During a recent press conference, Narduzzi did not mince words, calling the decision "one of the stupidest decisions" he has ever witnessed.

Comparing Betting to Harmful Habits

Narduzzi drew parallels between betting and other harmful habits like smoking and drinking, emphasizing the potential dangers. He questioned the rationale behind the decision, asking, "What are we doing?" He firmly believes that allowing athletes to bet on sports is a bad idea and plans to address his team this week, advising them to avoid sports betting altogether and instead save their money.

Widespread Disapproval

The new rule, which permits college athletes to bet on professional sports, has not been universally accepted. Steve Sarkisian, the football coach at the University of Texas, also criticized the decision, labeling it "disappointing."

History of Scandals

The NCAA's decision comes despite a history of scandals involving athletes and gambling. In September, an investigation uncovered that some college basketball players had fixed games for betting purposes. Additionally, another probe revealed that certain players had refused to cooperate with an investigation into possible sports betting violations.

Beyond College Sports

The issue extends beyond college sports. The NBA is currently grappling with its own betting scandal. Recently, two NBA coaches were arrested by the FBI as part of a broader investigation into gambling.