Poker Debt Associated With Loan Lands MTSU QB In Hot Water

The NCAA has made it very clear over the years that they do not take gambling lightly. In most cases where players have received discipline for gambling, the betting involves some form of betting on sports. In Dwight Dasher's case, the NCAA may have decided to send a message regarding poker.

Dasher was playing in a poker game, which is legal under NCAA rules. The NCAA, however, found a loophole rule in which they could send their message by suspending the MTSU quarterback. Dasher allegedly accepted a $1,500 loan, which he then lost while gambling on the poker game.

On Friday, MTSU Athletic Director Chris Massaro announced that Dasher had been suspended for thirty percent of the upcoming season. The school is asking the NCAA to look further into the situation and reinstate the quarterback. Even if that occurs, there is a realistic possibility Dasher will miss the opener this week against Minnesota.

"This was an opportunity for the NCAA to send a message to athletes that when they place themselves in bad situations in conjunction with gambling, violations can occur," said Gaming Analyst Brad Dawkins. "Dasher may have though he did nothing wrong, but clearly if he accepted the loan, that would be against NCAA rules."

In recent months, the NCAA has reviewed many cases in different schools regarding athletes, specifically football and basketball players, that received loans and gifts from agents and special interest individuals. The assumption is the loans would be paid back when the player signs a big professional contract.

High profile coaches such as Urban Meyer and Nick Saban have blasted these agents, and have even closed their practices this Fall. Most coaches agree that something needs to be done to keep the agents away from the players while they are still in school. With millions of dollars on the line, however, that is unlikely to happen anytime soon.

Dasher was being counted on to carry the MTS offense this season. His backups have no experience, and the spread offense that is run is largely a product of dasher's ability's. If he is to miss any portion of the season, one of two backups with no Division I snaps will have to fill the starting role until Dasher either serves the suspension or is reinstated.

August 29, 2010
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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