“Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live.” – Proverbs 15:27
In recent days, there has been a concerning story developing around the University of Alabama’s former head baseball coach, Brad Bohannon, who was just fired days ago, due to his connection with suspicious sports wagering. On Friday, April 28, 2023, there was abnormal activity reported at the Great American Ball Park where the Cincinnati Reds play regarding bets made on the Crimson Tide’s baseball game against Louisiana State University later that evening.
The NCAA, which is the largest governing body of collegiate sports in the United States, prohibits college athletes and athletic department employees from sports gambling even if sports betting is legal in their state. It has now been reported by ESPN, that Coach Bohannon was fired because of his connection to the bets placed on the baseball game between Alabama and LSU in Cincinnati.
According to ESPN, sportsbook surveillance video reveals that the person who placed the suspicious bets on the Alabama game was communicating with Coach Bohannon at the time the bets were placed. The University of Alabama’s athletic director, Greg Byrne, said Bohannon was terminated because, “among other things, violating the standards, duties, and responsibilities expected of University employees.”
In addition, recently, five NFL players have been suspended due to their suspicious gambling activities. All of this serves as a sobering reminder that human nature does not change. Our human nature can easily be preyed upon and be convinced to act unethically in hopes of unearned gain, and in these cases, financial gain. Ultimately, gambling in all of its forms is a stumbling block to societal prosperity, flourishing, and fruitfulness.
LET US PRAY…
Father, we pray that Americans at large will see the beauty in honest work that leads to financial reward. Lord, help our nation to see the destruction and corruption that gambling opens our society up to. Father, help our nation to see that You are ultimately the One who takes care of all of our financial needs and that we are not to waste those resources on vices like gambling. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
