Former Iowa State starting quarterback Hunter Dekkers and four other athletes from either ISU or Iowa have pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of underage gambling, according to a report from ESPN.
Former Iowa State QB Hunter Dekkers (12) in action | Iowa Local 5 News – YouTube
The gambling ring included Dekkers, Iowa State offensive lineman Jake Remsburg, former ISU player Dodge Sauser, former Iowa kicker Aaron Blom, and former Iowa baseball player Gehrig Christensen. All five have reportedly pleaded guilty after a state investigation into sports betting uncovered more than 10 current and former student-athletes accused of making improper wagers.
Pleading guilty to underage gambling means that former athletes from both state schools will reportedly face only a $645 fine with no further criminal penalties. So, the finality of it all leaves behind a burden of shame for the players and their alma maters.
“The original records tampering charge against these young men never fit this case, either legally or factually,” stated attorney Mark Weinhardt, who represents Dekkers, Sauser, and Remsburg.
“Hunter, Jake, and Dodge are not and never were guilty of that charge. The charge has nothing to do with gambling. Other than the fact that Hunter, Jake, and Dodge placed some bets before they turned 21, nothing about those bets was a crime under Iowa law.”
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While the legal fallout might be limited to just a $745 fine, also at issue now for the currently active athletes is their NCAA eligibility. Iowa defensive tackle Noah Shannon has already been suspended for the entire season, but the University is appealing that ruling.
NCAA rules allow for wagering on one’s own team to result in a permanent loss of eligibility, and it looks like Dekkers will end up being punished accordingly. It’s highly doubtful he will ever take a snap in Division I football ever again, and most certainly never at Aames.
Dekkers had spent the 2022 season as Iowa State’s starting quarterback, throwing for 3,044 yards, 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. The Cyclones started 3-0, including a road win over rival Iowa, before losing eight of their final nine games to finish at 4-8.
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