Yahoo! Sports has heard that federal officials are looking into Auburn University point guard Varez Ward, who is suspended, as part of an ongoing point-shaving investigation.
The FBI has been looking into Ward’s case, according to three people with knowledge of the situation, since the end of February, when the Tigers suspended him and guard Chris Denson before of their home game against Arkansas on February 25. Denson was reportedly questioned as well as part of the point-shaving probe, according to two sources. Nevertheless, he was found not guilty and rejoined the squad after missing the Razorbacks game. According to the reports, more players have been questioned over whether Ward—who hasn’t been with the club since receiving a suspension—tried to recruit them for a potential plot. According to the sources, at least two games—a 56-53 loss to Arkansas on January 25 and a 68-50 loss to Alabama on February 7—are being investigated.
As soon as the problem surfaced in February, the NCAA announced in a statement, “We have been in contact with the school and the FBI and are very concerned by the point-shaving allegations involving Auburn University men’s basketball program.” “The NCAA takes seriously any allegations of point shaving because sports betting jeopardizes two of our fundamental values: the integrity of intercollegiate athletics and the welfare of student-athletes.
“The NCAA will wait to take action until any procedures with the FBI are finished, as claims of point shaving, if confirmed, also have the potential to be federal crimes.”
Notifications left at the FBI’s divisional headquarters in Mobile and field office in Auburn were not answered. Ward never received back from an email.
Auburn officials released a statement saying, “Auburn officials were made aware of a rumor regarding an allegation two weeks ago and immediately reported it to the FBI, the NCAA, and the SEC.” “Due to the specifics of the accusation, Auburn is unable to provide any additional commentary on the matter.”
According to two individuals who spoke with Yahoo! Sports in late February, the coaching staff was made aware of potential point-shaving when a player voiced concerns to an assistant coach. The school notified the NCAA and the FBI after informing the coaching staff.
According to the reports, Tony Barbee, the head coach of the Tigers, suspended Denson and Ward indefinitely for breaking team rules shortly afterward. Following their absences from the game on February 25, Barbee said that there will be no further updates or timeline for the players’ return. When Auburn played Alabama on February 29, Barbee told reporters that Denson “deserved an opportunity” to play again, and one game later, Denson was back in the lineup. Since his suspension, Ward has not been with the team and did not travel to Tuscaloosa, Alabama.