Former Fordham Basketball Players Deemed Permanently Ineligible by NCAA

Why it matters locally: As Fordham University is located in New York City, this decision directly impacts the school's athletic program and its ability to recruit and retain players who may have eligibility concerns. The ruling also raises broader questions about sports betting regulations and their enforcement within New York State, where mobile sports betting is legal.

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The NCAA has ruled former Fordham University men's basketball players Elijah Gray and Will Richardson permanently ineligible for NCAA competition following a sports-betting investigation. The investigation stemmed from information obtained during a separate NCAA inquiry, which implicated a known bettor with contacts at Fordham. Evidence uncovered a $10,000 wager on a 2024 Fordham game and subsequent connections between the bettor and three former Fordham players, including Gray and Richardson. According to the NCAA, Gray admitted to exchanging messages with the bettor but claimed he did not follow through on an agreement to lose a game. Richardson initially denied involvement but phone records contradicted his statements, showing communication with Gray and another Fordham player. Richardson did not participate in processing his case with the NCAA. Both Gray and Richardson were cited with Level 1 violations, the most serious category. Players deemed permanently ineligible can only be reinstated with the assistance of an NCAA member school.