An NCAA student-athlete is reportedly under federal investigation for allegedly manipulating the outcome of games and wagering on his own team.
According to an ESPN report, former Temple University men’s basketball player Hysier Miller is being investigated by federal authorities following irregular betting activity ahead of a March contest. The game was against the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Prior to tip-off, U.S. Integrity received alerts from multiple operators regarding irregular line movement and suspicious betting patterns. The irregular line movement saw the point spread change by six points, a drastic and unusual line movement for college basketball.
As a result of the irregularities, several operators stopped taking action on the game.
The line moved from -2 in favor of UAB to -8 hours before the contest. UAB would go on to win the game 100-72. Miller finished the contest with eight points and one rebound.
During the 2024 American Athletic Conference tournament Miller averaged 27.8 points.
It is unclear what role Miller may have allegedly played in the irregular line movement and betting patterns as the FBI has yet to confirm or deny the probe. The NCAA has not commented on the issue but the organization has reportedly been investigating the matter.
According to Temple spokesperson Steve Orbanek, federal or state authorities have yet to request information from the university but the school has vowed to cooperate if contacted.
Miller was expected to join the Virginia Tech men’s basketball team as a transfer this season but was dismissed from the institution amid the federal and NCAA probes. Virginia Tech attributed his dismissal to “circumstances prior to his enrollment at Virginia Tech.”
Gambling issues in basketball
Miller’s alleged involvement adds to recent gambling-related issues in basketball.
Earlier this year, former Toronto Raptor forward Jontay Porter received a lifetime ban from the NBA for his role in a gambling scheme. According to court documents, Porter was encouraged by co-conspirators to withdraw from NBA games to alleviate gambling debts.
Porter notified of his intention to exit two NBA games early leading the co-conspirators to place bets on his “under” player prop markets. Porter’s role in the scheme led the 25-year-old to plead guilty to federal criminal charges in a New York court. Porter, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, faces fines and up to 20 years in prison.
The former NBA player has a sentencing hearing scheduled for Dec. 18.
NCAA provides education
Miller is reportedly under investigation as the NCAA takes steps to educate its athletes.
Earlier this year, the governing body of college sports launched Draw the Line, a campaign aimed at educating student-athletes on the effects of sports betting and problem gambling. The NCAA launched the campaign during the start of March Madness.
Draw the Line adds to recent initiatives related to college sports and gambling, including efforts by NCAA President Charlie Baker to prohibit the offering of college player props.
