In a press convention, Tennessee coach Rick Barnes joked, “generally I’m wondering if my guys are betting on video games” earlier than rapidly saying “erase that.”
The 71-year-old started laughing shortly after making the remark, together with members of the press who may be heard within the background. Instantly after, he stated: “I shouldn’t say that, however …erase that…” earlier than placing his head in his palms.
“I’m simply questioning what’s taking place. I imply, cos I do know we’re too good of gamers to do this…” He then apologized and stated “I shouldn’t have stated that…” The joke got here because the coach was speaking about some dangerous passes that had taken place
This was an all-timer by Rick Barnes
I requested him in regards to the workforce’s heightened focus and it ends with him speaking about sure questionable dangerous passes.
“Generally I’m wondering if my guys are betting on video games.” pic.twitter.com/1Q5Au3008b
— Paige Dauer (@PaigeDauerFDP) February 1, 2026
Tennessee coach betting joke comes at a time when organizations are grappling with betting issues
Whereas the coach was solely joking, and the quote led to a lightweight hearted second full of guffaws at a press convention, the NCAA has confronted numerous betting scandals in current instances.
Only a few weeks in the past, a case was unsealed in federal court in Philadelphia, the place prosecutors alleged that 26 individuals had been concerned in a long-running scheme that included bribery tied to sporting occasions, wire fraud, conspiracy, and serving to others perform the alleged crimes. Nonetheless, these are solely allegations.
In a press release, NCAA President Charlie Baker stated: “Defending competitors integrity is of the utmost significance for the NCAA. We’re grateful for regulation enforcement businesses working to detect and fight integrity points and match manipulation in school sports activities.”
At the moment's information shines a lightweight on points within the sports activities betting ecosystem. We’ve to guard our athletes and our video games. pic.twitter.com/P9bKeORRqr
— Charlie Baker (@CharlieBakerMA) January 15, 2026
He additionally stated that when he took over as president three years in the past, one of many first issues he did was step up the group’s response to sports activities betting.
It was additionally solely in November of final yr when six basketball scholar athletes had been discovered to have violated NCAA betting rules, resulting in expulsion from their faculties.
Featured Picture: Screenshot from X video by Paige Dauer
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