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The University of Michigan no longer has to worry about its student-athletes being allowed to wager on professional sports.
The NCAA rescinded a rule that was voted on last month that was supposed to take effect on two separate occasions in November. Student-athletes were going to be allowed to download Michigan sportsbooks and wager on pro games.
That’s not going to happen now.
The Michigan athletics department did not respond to PlayMichigan’s request for comment. It was prepared for the change, though.
Changed course
All three NCAA divisions (I, II, III) had voted to loosen gambling restrictions for student-athletes.
According to Josh Whitman, athletics director at Illinois and chair of the committee, the change was meant to help student-athletes “better align with their campus peers.”
In the wake of betting scandals that have dominated headlines in recent months, there had been immense pushback from the sports industry on the vote. That ultimately led to the NCAA rescinding the rule.
The NCAA said in a statement released last week:
“After a procedural 30-day period, two-thirds of Division I member schools have voted to rescind a previously approved rule change that would have allowed student-athletes and athletics department staff members to legally participate in sports betting on professional sports only.
“Because sports betting rules are common legislation, the ban on all forms of betting – for sports in which the NCAA sponsors a championship – will remain in place for all three NCAA divisions.”
Since the vote went through last month, it was supposed go into effect on Nov. 1. And then it pushed the date back to Nov. 22. Now, the new rule has been wiped away altogether.
Michigan stayed ready
Michigan responded to PlayMichigan when the initial vote went through. David Ablauf, senior associate athletic director for football external operations, told PlayMichigan last month:
“Our student-athletes have been made aware of the proposed change. Our compliance office will be further educating them as it draws closer to the Nov. 1 start date.”
Now, Michigan can keep its operation status quo. That change could have altered the landscape for student-athletes not only in Michigan but across the country, as well.
