Oklahoma QB John Mateer embroiled in ‘sports gambling' controversy
Oklahoma starting quarterback John Mateer is in some hot water.
The redshirt junior has found himself embroiled in controversy after social media sleuths tracked down his Venmo payments account, where he made some questionable comments on transactions.
Mateer is alleged to have sent money on Nov. 20, 2022, for 'sports gambling (UCLA vs USC)' and another 'sports gambling' transaction to the same person.
John Mateer during hsi time with Washington State.
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He denied any wrongdoing in a statement Tuesday.
'The allegations that I once participated in sports gambling are false,' Mateer wrote on X. 'My previous Venmo descriptions did not accurately portray the transactions in question but were instead inside jokes between me and my friends. I have never bet on sports. I understand the seriousness of the matter, but recognize that, taken out of context, those Venmo descriptions suggest otherwise. I can assure my teammates, coaches, and officials at the NCAA that I have not engaged in any sports gambling.'
College athletes are not allowed to bet on college sports in any capacity, per NCAA rules, which would make any alleged wager a violation with potential serious consequences.
The alleged game in question happened Nov. 19, 2022, where Caleb Williams and the Trojans won, 48-45, to claim the Victory Bell.
Mateer allegedly then paid Richard Roaten an undisclosed amount the following day with the game reference in the caption, along with another unspecified payment that did not list a game.
The incoming senior was a freshman at Washington State at the time, where he appeared in just one game that season, going 2-2 with a touchdown.
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He transferred to Oklahoma for this season and is the Sooners' projected starter.
Oklahoma officials told ESPN they were aware of Mateer's Venmo activity, although no investigation had been mentioned.
The No. 18 Sooners begin the season at home against Illinois State, before battling Michigan on Sept. 6.
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Erich Richter is a brazilian jiu-jitsu blue belt but he has a black belt in MMA betting. During the football season he's showcased massive profits at The Post in the player prop market the last two seasons. While constantly betting long shots, his return on investment is 30.15 percent since 2022.
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