The head coach of the Alabama college baseball team is being let go, which follows reports of allegedly suspicious wagering that legal sports betting regulators are now investigating.
“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,” the school reportedly said in a statement on Thursday. “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.”
Alabama has fired baseball coach Brad Bohannon, per UA.
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) May 4, 2023
The university didn't mention gambling in general or in connection with Bohannon. Nevertheless, the announcement comes after several state regulators of sports betting sites have prohibited wagering on Alabama baseball games, starting with Ohio. Sportsbook operators have taken down markets involving Alabama in other states, too, without being prompted by regulators.
Still, it was in Ohio where there was reportedly wagering on Alabama baseball that prompted concern amongst regulatory watchdogs, triggering the betting ban on the team.
ESPN, citing the Ohio Casino Control Commission, reported the alleged suspicious wagering activity happened last Friday at the Great American Ball Park’s sportsbook in Cincinnati. ESPN also reported on Thursday, citing unnamed sources, that surveillance video indicated that the person who placed the bets was communicating with Bohannon.
“The Commission received information from one of its certified independent integrity monitors regarding wagers made on University of Alabama baseball, and made the decision to prohibit all wagers on UA Baseball,” the regulator said in a statement earlier this week. “We are continuing to look into the matter.”
