Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer has tried to elucidate suspicious funds from his Venmo account allegedly linked to sports activities playing.
“The allegations that I as soon as participated in sports activities playing are false,” Mateer, 21, posted via X on Tuesday, August 12. “My earlier Venmo descriptions didn't precisely painting the transactions in query however had been as a substitute inside jokes between me and my mates. I've by no means wager on sports activities.”
Screenshots started circulating on social media Monday, August 11, allegedly displaying funds from Mateer's private Venmo account labeled “sports activities playing” in November 2022. Each transactions had been allegedly made to a Venmo account for Richard Roaten, believed to be a teammate of Mateer's at Washington State on the time.
One fee from Mateer to Roaten allegedly referenced a selected sport between USC and UCLA, two faculties that had been then convention mates with Washington State within the former Pac-12.
Mateer transferred to the College of Oklahoma in December because the No. 1 total participant in ESPN's switch portal rankings.
“I perceive the seriousness of the matter, however acknowledge that, taken out of context, these Venmo descriptions counsel in any other case,” Mateer continued. “I can guarantee my teammates, coaches, and officers on the NCAA that I've not engaged in any sports activities playing.”
Faculty athletes usually are not allowed to wager on any NCAA sport. Athletes who're discovered to have gambled on collegiate sports activities may face lack of eligibility.
Officers on the College of Oklahoma grew to become conscious of the alleged Venmo funds on Monday night time and are planning an official investigation, in response to ESPN.
ESPN's Pete Thamel reported the college plans to “exhaust each avenue” of their investigation into the matter.
Mateer has “vehemently denied” the playing allegations, per Oklahoma City's NEWS9 sports activities director, Toby Rowland.
The Oklahoma Sooners had been ranked No. 18 within the Related Press' preseason ballot, launched on Monday.
Oklahoma opens the 2025 season at house towards Illinois State on August 30, earlier than internet hosting the College of Michigan on September 6.
At SEC Media Days final month, Mateer defined why he needed to make a superb impression on his teammates proper off the bat.
“I needed to ensure I didn't come off as too cocky, too assured,” Mateer informed SEC Community. “I didn't need to say an excessive amount of. I needed to construct relationships, however I didn't need to make it like, ‘Oh, I'm this man.' I needed my work to indicate that I could be a chief.”
