ISU’s Jake Remsburg returns to practice amid gambling investigation

Matt Campbell addresses gambling probe at Iowa State football media dayIowa State football coach Matt Campbell opened his media day press conference by addressing the ongoing gambling investigation involving his players.

Iowa State’s offensive line picked up some much-needed veteran depth this week: Jake Remsburg, a six-game starter last season at right tackle, is the first of the Cyclones charged in the sports wagering investigation to return to the practice field.

A source with direct knowledge of the situation also told The Des Moines Register that quarterback Hunter Dekkers and tight end DeShawn Hanika haven’t yet started practice.

They were among the Iowa State football players accused of wagering on sporting events, according to Story County court documents.

Remsburg was accused of placing bets on NCAA football and basketball games, although none involved Iowa State.

According to Story County court documents, "Remsburg placed 273 on-line sports wagers that totaled over $1,108. Six of the wagers were on NCAA-sanctioned basketball and football games while a member of Iowa State’s football team."

The complaint said “Remsburg was aware the NCAA had rules regarding athletes placing wagers on sports, and he knew he could not open a sports wagering account in his own game.”

According to the complaint, “Remsburg said he tried to avoid problematic wagering by focusing his on-line sports wagers on UFC and NBA games and avoiding wagers on NCAA sanctioned contests.”

According to the NCAA gambling rules, Remsburg could miss up to 50% of the season.

Dekkers’ accusations include wagering on the 2021 Iowa State-Oklahoma State football game in which he did not play. Hanika’s accusations include placing bets on Iowa State basketball.

Iowa State opens the season Sept. 2 against Northern Iowa at Jack Trice Stadium. It's uncertain when Remsburg, a redshirt senior, might be able to play.

"The NCAA process remains on-going at this time," Iowa State senior associate athletics director Nick Joos said. "We are unable to comment on any individual's circumstances at this time."

Iowa State columnist Randy Peterson is in his 51st year writing sports for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at [email protected], and on Twitter @RandyPete