Republican Congressman Brett Guthrie has expressed strong concerns over the NCAA’s recent decision to permit student athletes and staff to engage in professional sports betting beginning November 2025. In an exclusive interview with the ‘Ruthless’ podcast, Guthrie stated his intention to thoroughly investigate the NCAA’s policy change, emphasizing the potential risks to the integrity of college sports. He questioned the timing of the decision and raised doubts about the potential consequences of allowing student athletes to place bets on professional sports.
Guthrie’s concerns were detailed in a letter he sent to NCAA President Charlie Baker. He pointed out that while college athletes cannot yet bet on college sports, the new rule allows them to bet on professional games, which he argued could compromise the integrity of the game. He highlighted the NCAA’s previous warnings about the dangers of sports betting among young adults and questioned the rationale behind the sudden policy shift. The letter also raised several critical questions about the transparency and oversight of the decision-making process, underscoring the need for clear guidelines to manage potential conflicts of interest.
Guthrie also raised concerns about the potential for unethical gambling practices among athletes, citing examples such as Pete Rose’s past betting habits. He warned that even seemingly innocuous actions, like betting on one’s own team to win, could lead to conflicts of interest if the athlete has close ties to the professional teams involved. His comments were met with a reminder from co-host Josh Holmes that Guthrie has a reputation for integrity and thorough research, which he emphasized as essential in addressing these complex issues.
As the debate over the NCAA’s approach to sports betting continues, Guthrie’s actions highlight the growing scrutiny surrounding the intersection of college athletics and commercial interests. His investigation may set a precedent for how future policies are crafted and enforced, ensuring that the integrity of college sports remains intact while addressing the realities of contemporary gambling practices.