The NCAA Division I Board voted Tuesday to postpone the effective date for the legislative change allowing college athletes to bet on professional sports, shifting it from November 1 to November 22. This decision arose from significant opposition from influential figures within college sports, especially SEC commissioner Greg Sankey, who raised concerns about lifting the NCAA’s long-standing prohibition on sports betting.

The delay to November 22 is critical because it follows the end of a membership rescission period during which Division I schools can vote to repeal the proposed legislation. Under Division I regulations, schools can overturn a proposal if it garners less than a 75% majority during this period.

“The DI Board voted to delay the effective date of the sports betting legislative change to November 22, which is one day after the close of a membership rescission period.” — NCAA News (@NCAA_PR)

In light of the growing dissent regarding the NCAA’s new gambling policy, particularly following recent headlines about illegal gambling linked to a federal investigation resulting in over 30 arrests, there is a tangible possibility that the new rules may be rejected outright.

Sankey expressed his concerns in a communication to NCAA President Charlie Baker, highlighting worries about competition integrity and athlete welfare. Likewise, Pittsburgh head coach Pat Narduzzi criticized the legislation as “one of the stupidest decisions I’ve ever seen.”

The new regulations do not change the NCAA’s gambling policies for college games; athletes are still prohibited from wagering on college sports or sharing insider information. The new legislation includes provisions for extra education aimed at preventing gambling problems.

Narduzzi articulated his views further: “It’s no different than smoking, drinking, doing drugs; it’s a bad habit. I don’t think anyone here encourages drinking and getting hammered on weekends or at ball games.”