Iowa Hawkeyes football notebook: Noah Shannon speaks about gambling probe

IOWA CITY — He could have laid low and not said anything. He could have been made unavailable to say anything.

But Noah Shannon was at Iowa football media day Friday and answered questions about the gambling probe he and other student-athletes at Iowa and Iowa State have been wrapped in.

“One big thing is I’ve been telling myself I’m not going to let this define me in any way, shape or form,” the sixth-year defensive lineman said. “Life goes on, so whenever the NCAA comes out with a ruling, I’ll be ready, if there is a suspension.”

Shannon released a statement leading into the recent Big Ten Conference football media days in Indianapolis that he would not be attending the event because he was part of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation’s probe.

That probe has brought about legal charges against student-athletes at both schools, including Thursday when Iowa wide receiver Jack Johnson and two former Iowa players (wide receiver Arland Bruce IV and defensive back Reggie Bracy) were accused of violating “legal and regulatory frameworks,” including underage gambling; violation of licensed sportsbook user terms and conditions; unfair wagering and conflict of interest; and tax implications after allegedly placing wagers on Iowa sporting events, including Hawkeyes football games. Current Iowa kicker Aaron Blom also was charged last week with tampering with records as part of the probe.

Those athletes also face disciplinary action from the NCAA that could include suspension for multiple games and/or permanent ineligibility. Shannon was asked Friday if he is facing any criminal charges.

“To my knowledge, I (am) not,” he said. “Right now, I’m just waiting for the NCAA to release whatever they want. I feel like anybody would be anxious (waiting) for something coming out about them. But I’ve just been getting really lost in my work here at camp, working with the young guys and working on my rehab ... I’m in a good head space right now.”

Shannon hasn’t been practicing with Iowa during fall camp because of injury but said he anticipated being able to do so Monday. Being able to practice and being able to play in games, however, are totally separate matters.

“It’s difficult,” he said. “I deleted social media, and that’s probably been the best thing I’ve ever done. Honestly, I feel pretty good right now. Knowing that I disappointed my coaches and teammates has also played a large part (in the difficulty). I’m just thankful for them having my back throughout this whole process.”

Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz definitely has his back.

“Noah is one of the best kids we have on our football team. He's a strong, respected leader, tremendous young person, and has been nothing, from my standpoint, other than a model football player for us. I'm really proud of everything he's done,” Ferentz said. “I'm proud of the fact that he did come forward and say, ‘I'm not sure I want to go to Indianapolis. I don't think it's right right now, fair to our football team,’ and that gives you a little indication into his character, I think.

“As I step back and look at it, consider this, if we went out and rounded up every kid on campuses who had a beer before they were 21. And I'm not saying it's the exact parallel, but I would suggest betting was a big thing in the ‘80s.”

Ferentz said he remembers the FBI speaking to Iowa teams when he was an assistant coach here.

“I would suggest it's probably a bigger thing right now when all you have to do is look at your phones or watch TV, and I think you know what I'm talking about,” he said. “We're living in a little different world. I think we have to ramp up our education. Me, personally, probably have to do a better job there. And I would suggest there's probably going to be modification policies moving forward with the NCAA.”

Iowa injury update

Ferentz said Iowa is in a good spot overall from a health standpoint, mentioning quarterback Joey Labas and linebacker Karson Sharar specifically. Iowa has a Kids Day scrimmage Saturday morning at Kinnick Stadium.

“You'll see some guys not working tomorrow. It's mostly soft-tissue stuff. You expect that,” he said. “In preseason camp there's nothing right now of note, nothing to panic about, so just to clue you in on that one.”

Nick Jackson carries memory of Virginia teammates

Highly touted Virginia linebacker transfer Nick Jackson because noticeably emotional when asked Friday about the tragic shooting at the school last November that killed three Cavaliers football players. Jackson wears a bracelet honoring former teammate D’Sean Perry, one of the players who was slain.

“It’s one of those things you can’t put into words,” he said. “Those guys were my brothers, those guys were some of my best friends. It’s just one of those things. Every single day you think about it. It’s just hard.”

“Just being with the guys here, stepping away from it, it’s good. When you’re out here playing ball, you’re not thinking about that, about everything. It’s a lot. It’s a lot.”

Transfer wide receivers fitting in

Ferentz said he believes Seth Anderson is “further along” than Kaleb Brown at wide receiver, though he likes both prospects. Anderson transferred to Iowa from FCS Charleston Southern, while Brown came to Iowa from Ohio State.

Both are sophomores.

“I think what everybody needs to remember about (Brown) is he's only played one year of college football and really hasn't played much. I think he had one catch last year,” Ferentz said. “So if you look at some of the other guys that transferred, (quarterbac) (Cade) McNamara has got a resume, (tight end) Erick All has got a resume. Kaleb doesn't.

“He was a really good prospect out of high school. I would say he is a better prospect now, but he's still a prospect, if that makes sense. He just got dinged up yesterday, too, unfortunately after making a really good play. So I think it was just a matter of time with him, too. But I think to expect the same out of him as maybe McNamara, All, you're looking at two different categories. But I am glad he is here. Great young guy and has fit in really well and he's working hard.”

Comments: (319)-398-8258, jeff.johnson@thegazette.com