Oklahoma releases statement on John Mateer: No indication of NCAA investigation
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Oklahoma acknowledged quarterback John Mateer’s Venmo messages referencing “sports gambling” by saying the program has no reason to believe the NCAA is investigating the program or the QB.
On Monday evening, alleged screenshots of Venmo transactions with Mateer writing “sports gambling” surfaced on social media. In response to a media inquiry, OU released a statement to SoonerScoop’s George Stoia III. The statement does not reference Mateer by name, but relays the athletic department is not aware of an NCAA investigation and has no reason to believe that any investigation is pending.
OU Athletics provides ongoing education to its student-athletes, coaches, and staff on matters related to sports gambling. The department utilizes ProhiBet, which is an industry-standard service offering comprehensive monitoring of sports gambling activities. OU takes any allegations of gambling seriously and works closely with the NCAA in any situations of concern. OU Athletics is unaware of any NCAA investigation and has no reason to believe there is one pending.
Mateer addressed the matter in his own statement posted to social media. The veteran quarterback, a transfer from Washington State, said that the memo-line description references to “sports gambling” were an “inside joke” and that he has not engaged in actual sports gambling.
Oklahoma‘s initial response noted that the program was looking into the matter. The Sooners are set to open the 2025 season against Illinois State on Aug. 30.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
