Allegations of shaving at temple lead to FBI investigation

Former Temple men’s basketball player Hysier Miller is under federal investigation on point-shaving allegations report from ESPN.

During his tenure with the Temple Owls, a 100-72 loss to the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) on March 7, 2024 raised eyebrows among popular sportsbooks. Before the game, the line moved from UAB -2 to -8 due to the influx of bets on UAB.

Miller, who led the Owls with 15.9 points per game last season, finished with eight points on 3-9 shooting and did not record a single assist for the first time this season.

Bookmakers warn FBI about potential point shaving

The investigation follows warnings from bookmakers sent to Las Vegas-based US Integrity. According to an ESPN report, on the morning of the game, The Borgata in Atlantic City, New Jersey, suspended betting on the UAB vs. Temple. Even after the line was moved, sportsbook director Thomas Gable told ESPN that betting continued, which ultimately led to the decision to halt the action.

The investigation has been ongoing for several months, according to a report by ESPN, and the NCAA is also reportedly looking for answers. Investigators spent months after the March matchup examining Temple’s games.

“Since learning of the investigation, we have been fully responding and cooperating with the NCAA,” Temple spokesman Steve Orbanek told ESPN.

Jason P. Bologna, an attorney representing Miller, issued the following statement to ESPN: “Hysier Miller has overcome more adversity in his 22 years than most people overcome in a lifetime. He will meet and overcome every obstacle that comes his way.”

Miller’s case mirrors other recent gambling scandals

Miller’s alleged point shaving isn’t the only recent gambling scandal. This year, we’ve seen serious integrity issues across the industry, including the NBA, MLB and NFL.

The NBA’s Jontay Porter is currently on trial for his involvement in an alleged sports betting scheme during his short time with the Toronto Raptors. Porter pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy for his role in the case, including passing on co-conspirators before games he planned to miss early due to injury or illness.

Tucupita Marcano of the San Diego Padres received a lifetime ban from MLB for betting on games, including betting on his own team. And of course, Shohei Ohtani’s translator was also embroiled in a major gambling scandal.

All leagues, both collegiate and professional, have strict policies to combat integrity issues. Despite this, situations like the cases of Hysier Miller, Jontay Porter and Tucupita Marano still occur. Because the investigation is still ongoing, it is unclear what consequences Miller will face.

Miller initially transferred to Virginia Tech in the offseason, but was released from the team on October 23. He didn’t play a single game for the Hokies all season.