Former Iowa State football player DeShawn Hanika has teamed up with Integrity Compliance 360 (IC360) to educate student-athletes on the dangers of gambling, after facing sports betting violations during his time at the University of Kansas.
Hanika found himself in hot water in 2023 for placing 288 bets, with 70 of them being on Iowa State basketball games, in violation of NCAA regulations. While the bets were not on football, the sport he played, the NCAA prohibits athletes from betting on any sports, especially those involving their own university.
Reflecting on his mistakes, Hanika sees his experience as a valuable lesson for others. He believes that some student-athletes may not realize the risks involved in betting on different sports, and hopes to prevent others from making the same errors. Through his partnership with IC360, Hanika is committed to sharing his story through video content and speaking engagements with student-athletes and college administrators.
Mark Potter, co-managing director of education and training at IC360, commended Hanika for his willingness to share his experience and the impact of the investigation on his career, relationships, and well-being. Potter believes that Hanika’s story will serve as a unique example for NCAA athletes, highlighting the consequences of engaging in illegal gambling activities.
Hanika’s partnership with IC360 aims to educate student-athletes on the importance of adhering to NCAA regulations and avoiding the pitfalls of gambling. By sharing his personal journey, Hanika hopes to inspire positive change within the collegiate sports community and encourage others to make informed decisions when it comes to betting.
Overall, Hanika’s collaboration with IC360 underscores the significance of integrity and compliance in college athletics. Through his outreach efforts, he is working to create a culture of accountability and responsibility among student-athletes, emphasizing the importance of upholding ethical standards and avoiding actions that could jeopardize their academic and athletic careers.