FBI Launches Investigation Against Auburn’s Varez Ward Over Point Shaving Claims
Auburn University player Varez Ward is now under FBI investigation for his alleged point shaving in at least two games this season.
According to anonymous sources the FBI report focuses on late February losses Auburn suffered in Alabama on Feb. 7 and Arkansas on Jan. 25.
The investigation comes after Ward and guard Chris Denson were suspended before the teams Feb. 25 game against Arkansas. Denson was soon cleared of all charges.
In a statement released on Thursday Auburn University officials noted:
“Auburn officials were made aware of a rumor regarding an allegation two weeks ago and immediately reported it to the FBI, the NCAA and the SEC … Because of the nature of the allegation, Auburn is not in a position to make any further comment on the situation.”
In the report the FBI claims that concerns regarding point shaving were raised to an assistant coach in late February.
In its own statement the NCAA revealed:
“We are very concerned by the point-shaving allegations involving Auburn University men’s basketball program and have been in contact with the school and the FBI since the issue arose in February. The NCAA takes any allegation of point shaving very seriously because sports wagering threatens two of our core principles — the well-being of student-athletes and the very integrity of intercollegiate sport. As allegations of point shaving, if proven, are also potential federal crimes, the NCAA will defer action until any process with the FBI has concluded.”
While Ward averaged 9 points per game leading up to the teams losses he managed just three points with six turnovers in the teams 68-50 loss to Alabama during 17 minutes of play.
Between the teams two losses Ward managed to pull off a hot streak that included 53 points scored over a three-game stretch.
While Ward hasn’t publicly apologize for any wrongdoing he sent the following tweet (his last to date) on Feb. 24:
“Can’t win for losing smh” (shaking my head).”
Do you think Varez Ward participated in points shaving based on his two awful performances?
