3 current, former Iowa football players, one manager charged in sports gambling probe

IOWA CITY — Another four people either currently or formerly connected with the University of Iowa football team face tampering with records charges as part of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation’s sports gambling probe.

The Johnson County Attorney’s Office filed the charges Thursday against current player Jack Johnson, former players Reggie Bracy and Arland Bruce IV and student manager Owen O’Brien.

All four are alleged to have made sports wagers on Iowa football games, among other events, while using others’ information to conceal their identities. Bruce and Bracy appeared in games in which they allegedly placed bets.

Bruce allegedly made 11 wagers on six games he participated in during the 2021 season and eight wagers on five games that he appeared in during the 2022 season.

The wide receiver’s wagers allegedly included an “under total points” bet on Iowa’s 2022 game against Northwestern. He had two receptions and three carries in the 33-13 win. Bruce also allegedly bet the “under total points” on Iowa’s 2022 Music City Bowl win although he did not participate in the game.

Bracy, a backup safety, allegedly bet on two games that he participated in during the 2022 season — the win against South Dakota State and the loss against Michigan.

Johnson, a walk-on wide receiver, allegedly placed four bets on Iowa football while he was on the team although he did not appear in any of the games. He also is accused of making “at least” 11 wagers on Iowa basketball games.

Including wagers on other teams or sports, Bruce allegedly made 132 wagers totaling “over $4,342.” Bracy allegedly made 66 wagers totaling “over $715.” Johnson’s “over 480” alleged sports bets totaled “over $2,500.” O’Brien allegedly placed “over 350” wagers totaling “over $3,047.”

Bruce and Bracy’s alleged wagers came from the same fraudulent DraftKings account, according to court documents. It was under the name of Vincent Bruce, who was of legal betting age in Iowa.

The complaints allege Johnson and O’Brien used their mothers’ information to create their sports wagering accounts.

The allegations, if proven, are serious enough that NCAA guidelines suggest Bracy, Bruce and Johnson “will potentially face permanent loss of collegiate eligibility in all sports.”

Bruce and Bracy both left Iowa football via the transfer portal after the 2022 season and now compete at Oklahoma State and Troy, respectively. Johnson remained on Iowa football’s online roster as of Thursday afternoon.

Current Iowa kicker Aaron Blom also was charged last week with tampering with records as part of the probe. Several current or former Iowa State athletes face charges in the investigation as well.

The tampering with records charge is an aggravated misdemeanor.

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4 more Iowa State football players charged in sports gambling probe

The criminal complaints cited several “legal and regulatory frameworks” violated, including underage gambling; violation of licensed sportsbook user terms and conditions; unfair wagering and conflict of interest; and tax implications.

The betting activity from all four who were charged Thursday was allegedly “routinely and consistently placed” from their cell phones and included “areas of the university not routinely open to the public.”

It is unclear whether more charges are yet to be filed. The University of Iowa said in May that 26 current athletes and one staff member were involved in its gambling investigation, and Iowa State said “approximately 15” current athletes were involved.

According to criminal complaints also filed Thursday in Story County District Court, four more Iowa State football players — Jirehl Brock, tight end Deshawn Hanika, defensive tackle Isaiah Lee and offensive lineman Jake Remsburg — are alleged to have tampered with records and engaged in underage gambling.

This is a developing story. Check back with thegazette.com for updates.

Comments: john.steppe@thegazette.com