The April 28th game was the first in a three-game series between SEC rivals Alabama vs LSU. The Tigers would win the game in an 8-6 victory at home. However, an unusual series of events in the bottom of the sixth inning assisted the Tigers in securing their win. Picher Aidan Moza replaced Kade Woods for Alabama. Moza hit the first batter, forcing a run, and walked the next two batters, giving them two more runs. This substitution blew the game wide open and concealed the game for LSU.
Photo Cred: The Advocate
“LSU scores off hit-by-pitch and two straight walks to go up 7-1. What is happening here,” said an SEC Baseball analyst covering the game.
Three days later, on Monday, ESPN reported and revealed the connection between LSU being the significant betting favorite before the game, the sequence of events during the sixth inning, and the link between sports betting. The suspicious gambling activity happened at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati, Ohio. Chairman of Louisiana Gaming Control Board, Ronnie Johns commented on the suspicious activity.
Photo Cred: AL.com
“There were a couple of bets made in Cincinnati, Ohio,” said Johns. “One was on a parlay which involved the LSU-Alabama game, and then there was another straight-up moneyline bet. I was told it was a large bet that involved LSU-Alabama.”
Ohio gambling regulators released an emergency order and instructed the state’s sportsbook to terminate and stop taking any bets involving Alabama college baseball. Following the suspicious betting reports, the University of Alabama announced Thursday, May 4th the firing their head coach Brad Bohannon and replacing him with interim coach Jason Jackson.
Photo Cred: The Athletic
“Alabama director of athletics Greg Byrne announced he has initiated the termination process for head baseball coach Brad Bohannon for, among other things, violating the standards, duties, and responsibilities expected of University employees. Bohannon has been relieved of all duties, and Jason Jackson will serve as the interim head coach. There will be no further comment at this time pending an ongoing review.”
