Posted on: February 16, 2024, 11:30h.
Last updated on: February 16, 2024, 11:37h.
The NCAA this week announced its punishment of a former women’s basketball head coach who made over 400 bets totaling at least $93K on collegiate and professional sports during a 26-month period.
An investigation conducted by the NCAA Division III Committee on Infractions (COI) determined that the women’s head basketball coach at the University of the South, familiarly known as Sewanee, in Tennessee participated in sports betting from January 2021 through March 2023. The infractions came to light in March of last year when the Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council, a state agency responsible for regulating online sports betting, detected that a prohibited participant was wagering.
The NCAA didn’t name the individual, but Brody Curry was the women’s head basketball coach during the period in question. Curry was placed on administrative leave in late April and resigned in June.
NCAA investigators concluded, and Curry acknowledged, that the coach made 407 online bets during the timeframe, including $28K on college sports. Curry reportedly didn’t bet on games involving his team, though 20 of his wagers were on college women’s basketball.
The Sewanee Tigers compete in the Southern Athletic Association, a DIII conference.
Resolution Reached
The NCAA announced a Summary Disposition Report (SDR) that resolves the matter. The terms were agreed to by the university, the coach in question, and the collegiate sports governing body.
Curry agreed to one year of probation, a $1,500 fine, and a two-year “show-cause order.”
During the show-cause order, any school that employs the coach must require him to undergo monthly rules seminars on NCAA regulations provided by the university. The settlement terms additionally mandate that he be suspended for the first five regular-season contests he coaches in the NCAA.
Given the prevalence of sports wagering activities on college campuses, it is arguably even more important that those closest to student-athletes refrain from such behaviors to protect student-athletes,” the NCAA Division III COI said in its decision.
The NCAA Division III Manual Bylaws say individuals employed by member institutions “shall act with honesty and sportsmanship.” Bylaw 10.3 prohibits athletics staff members from participating in sports betting activities concerning college and professional sports. The handbook also stresses that coaches “promote an atmosphere for compliance within their program.”
“Sewanee, the head coach, and the enforcement staff agreed that the head coach violated NCAA legislation prohibiting sports wagering activities,” the SDR concluded.
Coach Moves On
Last June, Curry was announced as the next head basketball coach of the girls’ program at The Webb School, a private college preparatory high school in Bell Buckle, Tenn. According to Boarding School Review, an online resource for private schools, tuition at Webb for boarded students is $51,900 a year and $22,900 for day students.
From the outside looking in, it’s easy to see that Webb is a special community. I can’t wait for my family to jump in and build new relationships. I’m looking forward to serving however I can,” Curry said at the time of his hiring.
“I am a relationship builder. I want you to know that I have your back and will fight for you until my last breath. I use basketball to help teach life and build better humans. I will love the team and the community fiercely,” Curry added.
Since Webb isn’t part of the NCAA, Curry isn’t required to serve the five-game suspension. The show-cause order runs through Feb. 12, 2026.
