College Football QB Removed From Program Over Gambling-Related Issues
Hawaii football removed backup QB Maika Eugenio due to gambling issues, following a pattern of zero tolerance for betting violations.Summary
Hawaii’s football program has cut backup quarterback Maika Eugenio after revelations of significant gambling debts, echoing a broader zero‑tolerance stance on betting violations that has already seen other players, such as Brendan Sorsby and Iowa State’s Hunter Dekkers, expelled or sidelined. The decision comes amid a national scrutiny of gambling in college sports, with the Mountain West school opting to avoid legal challenges similar to those faced by Texas Tech. Eugenio, a three‑star recruit who had shown promise during spring practices and had been poised to back up starter Micah Alejado, is now out of the roster, leaving Hawaii to rely on other backups like Bjorn Jurgensen and Hazyn Botelho while the coaching staff searches for a new quarterback. The incident underscores the growing pressure on institutions to enforce strict compliance with NCAA betting rules and the potential career ramifications for players who violate them.
(Source：Essentially Sports)