Iowa’s Noah Shannon to miss Big Ten Media Days amid NCAA sports gambling investigation

IOWA CITY — Iowa defensive lineman Noah Shannon will not attend Big Ten Media Days because of his involvement in the NCAA’s sports gambling investigation at Iowa, the team announced Wednesday in a news release.

Linebacker Jay Higgins will instead represent the Hawkeyes along with tight end Luke Lachey and defensive back Cooper DeJean. It will be a homecoming for Higgins, who is from the Indianapolis area.

Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz said Shannon’s “decision to share this information and suggest that another player take his place is reflective of his character.”

“Noah is a committed and dedicated teammate, and this is a fine example of him always wanting to put the team first,” Ferentz said in the release.

Shannon said it was a “tremendous honor and privilege” to be selected to represent Iowa in Indianapolis.

“I am grateful for the opportunity,” Shannon said in the release. “However, given the circumstances I told Coach Ferentz it would best for him to select another player. Since the NCAA review is not yet complete, I don’t feel it is right for me to represent the team.”

Shannon, a two-year starter on the defensive line, is the first Iowa football player confirmed to be involved in the NCAA’s sports wagering investigation.

Comments: john.steppe@thegazette.com