As the SEC Considers Mandating Injury Reports, a Look at How Betting Has Transformed College Sports

Six years into the legalization of sports betting in many U.S. jurisdictions, its impact on sports is evident. Both student-athletes and professionals now receive gambling education, fans who heckle players about bets face consequences in certain areas, and the NCAA recently urged states to ban prop bets involving college players.

The most recent development as we approach the college football season is the introduction of injury reports. While injury reports have long been mandatory in the NFL, they were not traditionally part of college football. Last year, the Big Ten became the first Power Five conference to require them, and this year, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) seems poised to follow suit. The SEC season opens on August 29, with Arkansas hosting Arkansas-Pine Bluff and No. 11 Missouri hosting Murray State.

Although the SEC has not yet officially mandated injury reporting, a decision is expected before the season begins. Big Ten athletic directors are leading the push for a national injury-report mandate, but the NCAA declined to require them in 2019.

Sarkisian: NFL-Style Injury Reports are a Good Idea

The rise of sports betting is closely tied to the discussion around mandatory injury reports in college football. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian recently told the Austin American-Statesman that NFL-style injury reports could prevent leaks and help address concerns related to online gambling. Sarkisian noted, “There’s a reason that they (the NFL) have the injury report…this is where we’re at; here’s who’s out; here’s who’s questionable; here’s who’s probable. And we go from there.”

Other SEC coaches share Sarkisian’s views. Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer emphasized the importance of controlling information within his program, particularly in the context of gambling. He stated, “I talk to our guys all the time about, obviously the gambling from their end and how that’s not allowed…and whatever we’ve got to do, whatever they put in place, we’ll abide by it.”

Proponents argue that mandatory injury reports could reduce player harassment. NCAA President Charlie Baker highlighted the widespread presence of sports betting on campuses and the potential harm it can cause, noting that conversations about team health are now considered valuable information for bettors.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey echoed this sentiment during conference media days, emphasizing the need for states to protect participants from the pressures of legalized sports gambling. Sankey called for clear laws that shield athletes from hostile behavior related to betting outcomes, a stance supported by lawmakers in Maryland and Ohio.

How Student-Athletes Navigate the New Betting Landscape

Critics of betting on college sports argue that it compromises athletes’ privacy in ways that professional athletes do not experience. College athletes, like Colorado’s Travis Hunter, are often more accessible to the public, attending classes and interacting with others on campus, which makes them more vulnerable to pressures from bettors. In contrast, NFL players like Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes have more controlled environments and interactions, reducing such risks.

North Carolina basketball player Armando Bacot has spoken out against the betting culture, sharing how he received over 100 hostile messages from bettors after a game. This highlights the growing challenge for athletes to manage personal contact in an era of legal sports betting.

Meanwhile, coaches remain vigilant in educating their players about the risks of gambling. Notre Dame’s offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock expressed concerns over the ease with which athletes can place bets, warning that it could jeopardize their careers. Recent events at Notre Dame, where the men’s swim team was suspended for gambling violations, serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences.

Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman stressed the importance of learning from others’ mistakes, noting that players and staff must be constantly reminded of the rules and expectations to avoid career-ending decisions related to gambling.