Takedown Report

Iowa men’s wrestling notebook | Head coach Tom Brands discusses gambling scandal, newcomers

Despite losing Spencer Lee, Iowa returns last season’s national runner-up Real Woods and standout heavyweight Tony Cassioppi, who finished fourth in last season’s NCAA Championships.
The Iowa men’s wrestling team kicks off its 2023-24 season on Nov. 4 with an away dual against California Baptist.  Despite losing three-time NCAA champion Spencer Lee, the Hawkeyes are expected to be a national contender once again. In a press conference on Thursday afternoon, head coach Tom Brands and Iowa wrestlers discussed the upcoming season.

Gambling scandal
During the summer, several Iowa and Iowa State athletes were under investigation for gambling on college sports, most notably former Iowa State quarterback Hunter Dekkers.  Many of these athletes were charged, and some are still fighting through waivers and suspensions from the NCAA, such as Iowa defensive lineman Noah Shannon. The NCAA Division I Council Coordination Committee postponed its vote on proposals for changes to current student-athlete reinstatement guidelines related to sports gambling violations until Nov. 8.
The wagering scandal has also trickled down to the Iowa wrestling program.  “We are in the middle of a situation here regarding sports wagering reinstatement,” Brands said. “We’ll know more on Nov. 8.” Iowa’s first dual is on Nov. 4, so some wrestlers will most likely be unable to participate in the first dual of the season. Brands did not specify which athletes were involved in the scandal but is proud of the way the Hawkeyes have handled themselves during the process. “It has never been an issue where these guys have not been accountable. They told the truth, and the punishment fit the crime,” Brands said. 

Losing Lee hurts, but several studs remain 
In Lee’s final year of eligibility, the 125-pounder was upset in the national semifinals by Purdue’s Matt Ramos. … rest of story at … Dailyiowan.com/2023/10/26/iowa-mens-wrestling-notebook-head-coach-tom-brands-discusses-gambling-scandal-newcomers

Iowa men’s wrestling emphasizes opportunity with impact transfers and roster uncertainty
IOWA CITY — Iowa Coach Tom Brands emphasized the importance of opportunities. Opportunities for some new faces that popped out of the transfer portal, ones in front of younger Hawkeyes with the potential to break through and the possibility to reclaim opportunities for some Hawkeye veterans. “When you look at where we go from here now, it’s about opportunities,” Brands said Thursday during the men’s wrestling program’s annual media day at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. “It always is. Our guys, every one of them that you’re going to see downstairs, have an opportunity.” The Hawkeyes return three All-Americans from last year’s NCAA and Big Ten Championships runner-up team, including national finalist Real Woods. Iowa also welcomed four notable transfers in All-Americans Jared Franek and Michael Caliendo from North Dakota State to fortify depth, which could be crucial this season. Multiple Iowa programs, including men’s wrestling, have dealt with an investigation into gambling by student-athletes. The athletes and how many involved have not been made public, officially, however, Nelson Brands confirmed in a message with The Gazette that he has been included in the sports wagering investigation. The Des Moines Register reported that Abe Assad confirmed he was under investigation also.
Status updates are expected within the next two weeks. “As you know, we are in the middle of a situation here regarding sports wagering reinstatement,” Tom Brands said. “The (NCAA) Division I Council, President (Charlie) Baker, they’re working hard to get it right. That’s a good thing. “We know that November 8 we’re going to know more, and we’re hopeful that we’ll have a decision then.” … rest of story at … Thegazette.com/hawkeye-wrestling/iowa-mens-wrestling-emphasizes-opportunity-with-impact-transfers-and-roster-uncertainty

October 30, 2023 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized