FBI Investigating Auburn Tigers’ Varez Ward
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Christian Petersen/Getty Images(AUBURN, Ala.) — Federal authorities are investigating suspended Auburn Tigers point guard Varez Ward for the alleged point shaving that happened in at least two games this season, according to Yahoo! Sports on Thursday.
“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,” said the NCAA on Thursday. “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.”
The FBI began an investigation in late February, focusing on Auburn’s losses to Arkansas on Jan. 25 and Alabama on Feb. 7, according to sources.
“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,” Auburn said in a statement Thursday. “Because of the nature of the allegation, Auburn is not in a position to make any further comment on the situation.”
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