Brad Bohannon Coaching University of Alabama

Former Baseball Coach to Be Banned Laws & Regulations

Former Baseball Coach to Be Banned from Ohio Sportsbooks

By Lisa Spencer Senior Editor Updated: 29 November 2023

Lisa Spencer Senior Editor

As a Senior Editor at Betting.US, Lisa Spencer is a valuable member of our expert team. With a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics, Lisa is adept in gambling theory and analyzing odds. She contributes by writing online sportsbook reviews and finding competitive markets to help our readers make an informed choice.

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According to recent reports, gaming regulators in the state of Ohio are on the verge of banning a former University of Alabama baseball coach, Brad Bohannon, from participating in sports gaming within the state.

This decision follows allegations that Bohannon shared insider information about an Alabama baseball game with an associate, Bert Neff II, who then attempted to place a substantial bet against the team.

The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) has taken a firm stance against practices such as this in a bid to uphold the integrity of sports gaming, and there are severe penalties in place. In recent letters addressed to Bohannon and Neff, dated November 14, the commission expressed its intention to place them on the Sports Gaming Involuntary Exclusion List.

Letters Sent by OCCC Officials

The letters to the two men were written by OCCC Executive Director Matthew T. Schuler, and they highlighted the serious nature of the allegations and the perceived threat their actions posed to the integrity of sports gaming in Ohio.

In the letters, Schuler wrote:

Your presence in a sports gaming facility or participation in the play of sports gaming poses a threat to the interests of the state.

The controversy is the result of an alleged incident dated April 28, 2023. It is claimed that while serving as the head coach of the University of Alabama’s baseball team, Bohannon passed on confidential information. According to reports, he informed Neff that Luke Holman, Alabama’s star pitcher, would not be starting in a game against Louisiana State University.

This information was not yet public, and Neff reportedly aimed to use the information that was given to him by attempting to wager over $100,000 on the Crimson Tide’s defeat.

After receiving insider information, it is claimed that Neff, who is a youth baseball coach from Mooresville, Indiana, tried to place the huge bet at a sportsbook in Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark. His actions are said to have raised suspicions among the sportsbook staff, largely due to the unusual size of the bet and the lack of general interest in that particular game.

In addition, it is claimed that Neff might have hinted at receiving an insider tip when he placed the bet. In addition to this, it was further claimed that Neff was in communication with Bohannon through the messaging app Signal while attempting to place the bet.

Ripple Effects Felt

Although Neff’s son is a pitcher at the University of Cincinnati, there is no suggestion of his involvement in the alleged scheme. However, the ripple effects of this incident were felt at the University of Cincinnati, where two baseball staff members were dismissed in May amid claims that they were aware of the situation.

The Ohio sports betting ban is not yet active, and both Bohannon and Neff have the opportunity to appeal this decision. They are entitled to present their case before the commission within a 30-day period, although no information has been released with regard to whether they plan to do so.