UTEP officials held a news conference today to discuss allegations of point shaving, or game fixing, by two of the players on the Men's Basketball team. Turns out, there is no evidence of point shaving, but three players on the team are no longer on the team, and no longer UTEP students, because they bet on sporting events.

Gambling, Not Point Shaving At UTEP
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UTEP Executive Vice President Richard Adauto said the university was told last month that McKenzie Moore, Jalen Ragland, and Justin Crosgile were possibly betting on sports. The El Paso FBI office was notified and began an investigation which turned up evidence that the three had gambled on sports.  Moore and Ragland were suspended indefinitely from the team on December 28th.

Gambling is an NCAA rule infraction which carries with it a one year suspension and loss of eligibility, which means the three players college careers are over.

Coach Tim Floyd said, "I don't think you're going to find another case where the university reported to the FBI. I worry about the reflection on (other members of the team). I think it's unfortunate. I'm crushed, personally, that this has happened but I have to worry about the young people we have."

UTEP officials say the Men's Basketball team will survive "despite what these three did", and "we'll get through this and we're fine."  The Miners open conference play Thursday at the Don Haskins Center against Charlotte, and play again Saturday against Marshall. It's expected the team will have a hard time without Moore.

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