2 KSU players accused in international sports betting scheme as Georgia considers legalization

ballervisions 2026年1月16日

As Georgia lawmakers debate whether to legalize sports betting, one current and former Kennesaw State University basketball player has been accused of participating in an international gambling scheme.

Federal prosecutors say the scheme jeopardized the integrity of college basketball games across the country.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

A federal lawsuit filed in Pennsylvania alleges dozens of college basketball players from 17 schools accepted money to intentionally manipulate the results of games. Among those called up are Kennesaw State players Simeon Cottle and Demond Robinson.

Prosecutors say one of the players, Cottle, competed in a recent season. He played in KSU’s win Wednesday night. Robinson last played for the Owls in the 2023-2024 season.

According to the lawsuit, the three men hired college players to throw the first half of the games in order to receive a payment ranging from $10,000 to $30,000. Prosecutors said the scheme was orchestrated by professional bettors and had international ties, including links to the Chinese Basketball Association.

“Professional bettors have fixed games across the country and poisoned the American spirit of competition for financial gain,” said U.S. Attorney David Metcalf.

RELATED STORY:

State Attorney Mike Griffin said the case highlights concerns about expanding legal sports betting.

“And while it’s possible, if you legalize it, you’re adding fuel to the dumpster fire,” Griffin said, adding that more gambling-related incidents have emerged in recent months.

Sports insiders say the allegations underscore the growing weakness of college sports, especially as gambling grows nationwide.

“This is ongoing,” said Carlo Finlay, a sports journalism professor at the University of Georgia. “This sounds complicated, and for the NCAA, this is a tragedy for players to be caught up in such a broad system.”

Finlay said the financial pressures on athletes — combined with the rise of names, images, and likeness deals — could make some players more susceptible to gambling-related schemes, as the law increases scrutiny.

“I think for them, the rewards outweigh the risks,” he said.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

The lawsuit comes as Georgia lawmakers reconsider legislation that would legalize sports betting statewide. The bill, which stalled in the previous session, is now receiving second reading in the Georgia House.

Kennesaw State University said it is aware of the reports involving Cottle, a current men’s basketball student, and Robinson, a former student athlete. The university said Cottle has been suspended indefinitely from all club activities.

Neither Cottle nor Robinson responded to requests for comment.

Finlay said the case may reveal part of the problem.

“Of all the ones we catch,” he said, “there are certainly some who cannot be seen.”

Cottle, Robinson and their co-defendants face federal charges, including bribery, fraud and conspiracy.