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After Alabama baseball coach Brad Bohannon being fired Thursday amid a gambling investigation into the program, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey released a statement.
“The University of Alabama has taken swift action after information about baseball sports wagering activity was questioned by industry regulators,” Sankey said. “Ensuring the integrity of athletic competition is our highest priority, and for that purpose the SEC monitors gambling activity through its relationship with US Integrity and has done so since 2018. There must be zero tolerance for activity that puts into question the integrity of competition. We will remain in communication with the University throughout its ongoing review and will have no further comment at this time.”
© Vasha Hunt, AP SEC commishioner Greg Sankey watches the game between Alabama and Auburn during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
This week, Ohio and New Jersey were among the states that have suspended legal betting on Alabama baseball because of suspicious activity.
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On Monday, Matthew T. Schuler, the executive director of the Ohio Casino Control Commission, issued a directive banning “the acceptance of any wagers on University of Alabama baseball effective immediately.” The Commission received information from one of its certified independent integrity monitors about wagers made on Alabama baseball. ESPN reported it involved Friday’s game against LSU, which the Crimson Tide lost, 8-6.
Alabama starting pitcher Luke Holman was a late scratch, according to the UA game notes. Hagan Banks replaced him. Coach Brad Bohannon was quoted in the game notes saying Banks found out an hour before the game he was going to start.
Then New Jersey made the same decision Wednesday. By Thursday morning, Alabama athletics announced Bohannon’s firing.
“Alabama director of athletics Greg Byrne announced he has initiated the termination process for head baseball coach Brad Bohannon for, among other things, violating the standards, duties, and responsibilities expected of University employees,” a university statement read. “Bohannon has been relieved of all duties and Jason Jackson will serve as the interim head coach. There will be no further comment at this time pending an ongoing review.”
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Greg Sankey comments on Alabama baseball firing coach: ‘Zero tolerance’