Kansas tight end DeShawn Hanika is partnering with Integrity Compliance 360 to help educate fellow student-athletes about the potential pitfalls of sports betting, IC360 announced Tuesday.
Hanika, who transferred to Kansas after spending four years at Iowa State, missed the 2023 season due to NCAA sports betting violations while at Iowa State. While Hanika’s criminal charges were eventually dismissed, he was accused of placing 288 bets in violation of NCAA policies, including 70 on Iowa State basketball games. The NCAA prohibits athletes from wagering on all sports, and placing bets on one's own university is also viewed in a harsher light by the governing body.
“This partnership with IC360 is a chance to turn my experience into a valuable lesson for others,” Hanika said in a press release. “Some student-athletes might believe that betting on separate sports poses no risk, but my wake-up call can be a crucial educational moment to help others understand what’s at stake and prevent similar pitfalls. I appreciate IC360 for giving me the platform to spread my message and contribute to positive change.”
Hanika’s Role with IC360
Through his partnership with IC360, Hanika will be featured in video content sent to other college programs across the country. Some of these video presentations will be shared during on-site training.
Additionally, Hanika has committed to some in-person speaking engagements, where he’ll share his story with both student-athletes and college administrators.
“DeShawn’s willingness to share his experience and articulate the impact his wagering investigation has had and continues to have on his career, relationships and well-being will provide a current and unique example to NCAA athletes across the collegiate landscape,” Mark Potter, co-managing director of education and training at IC360, said in the release.
IC360’s educational team travels across the U.S. hosting informational sports betting sessions with numerous college programs. IC360 has visited several FBS programs before the start of the 2024 season, including Florida and Boston College.
The organization hopes adding a current college athlete in Hanika will only bolster its message.
For more on responsible gaming news and education, check out our responsible gaming hub.
