Report: Auburn's Varez Ward Accused of Point Shaving

The FBI is investigating suspended Auburn Tigers guard Varez Ward on allegations he tried to alter game scores for betting purposes.

  (Image Source: Deadspin )   BY TOM MARTIN   Auburn sports can’t seem to shake the Feds. Last year the FBI investigated Auburn quarterback Cam Newton — and this time, they’re after Tigers guard Varez Ward. Yahoo! Sports reports:     “Ward and another guard by the name of Chris Denson were initially suspended based on a tip inside the program that there could be potential point shaving taking place.”   Auburn cleared Denson — but asked the FBI to find out if Ward played poorly for a paycheck — one that would come from gamblers betting against the Tigers. Ward hasn’t been charged, but a writer for the Birmingham News is worried:   “Schools become aware of rumors all the time. They don't usually forward rumors to the feds. That tells you the severity of the allegations … The Auburn basketball program has taken a hit simply because … the words ‘Auburn’ and ‘point shaving’ have been linked nationally.”   Some aren’t taking that link too seriously. Deadspin.com says any point-shavers involved in the two games in question would have lost money — making allegations against Ward sound silly.   “Ward may have tried to recruit some of his teammates into the alleged scheme, according to Yahoo. He might not have succeeded. And he might not have succeeded in point shaving. In fact, he might not have done anything but play like crap.”   ESPN’s Jemele Hill  says with everyone but the players making good money, she’s not surprised they want some for themselves:   “Everybody can stick their hands in the pie but the guy who’s actually out there performing on the field.”   “They feel like when they get the opportunity to make extra money that they’re going to take that opportunity.”   SBNation says the allegations against Ward place the spotlight on a possible solution to end point shaving .   “Legalize and regulate sports betting federally … When it's legal, it's regulated … Sportsbooks and betting exchanges can then share information with the sports leagues. If they see strange betting patterns on a certain team or from a certain bettor, they can shut down the betting and alert the league to investigate.”   Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson says the FBI is well along in its investigation, which began in late February.