Ex-Bc Player Admits To Gambling Ousted Football Player Says Coaches Knew About Betting

Since his dismissal at Boston College last November, Jamall Anderson has remained silent about his role in the largest gambling scandal in NCAA football history.

Until now.

Speaking publicly for the first time, Anderson told the Tampa Tribune this week that he bet on sports, and said the Boston College coaching staff was aware of the players’ gambling.

In November, Middlesex (Mass.) District Attorney Tom Reilly determined Anderson and Marcus Bembry placed bets of $200 and $250 that Boston College wouldn’t cover the point spread against Syracuse last year.

Anderson, however, insists he never bet against his team and was unaware of any teammates betting against the Eagles. Players bet on college football, pro football and baseball, he said.

“Gambling was so universal on the team,” said Anderson, who once appeared to have a promising future at BC. “All the coaches knew we were gambling.”

Including, he said, head coach Dan Henning.

“He knew,” Anderson said. “He just had a problem with guys that played and bet against the team.”

Henning, now offensive coordinator with the Buffalo Bills, denies Anderson’s claims.

“I can promise you, I was head football coach and I had no knowledge of players gambling,” said Henning. “And my assistant coaches had no knowledge.”

Allegations of the team’s betting first surfaced last October. Boston College, a 13-point underdog at home to Syracuse, lost 45-17. The following Thursday night on ESPN, the Eagles were 11-point favorites against Pittsburgh and lost 20-13.

Days later, 13 players were suspended by the school for gambling, and six - including Anderson - were eventually kicked off the team.

No players were arrested or criminally charged. Five players have been reinstated and are on BC’s roster.

Earlier this month, Anderson left to play football at Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kan.

Anderson could have up to two years of eligibility remaining after Butler. Currently ineligible to play at an NCAA university, Anderson can apply to the NCAA for his eligibility, although he likely would be suspended for a number of games.

Anderson says he’s determined to return to Division I-A or I-AA football after Butler.

“Some guys were poor at BC,” Anderson said. “I’m not saying it’s right to gamble, but those guys were trying to make some money. I blame nobody for my mistake, but I didn’t bet against the team.”