Report: Ex-Auburn G Varez Ward Subject of Federal Point-Shaving Investigation

Published: 8th Mar 12 2:34 pm
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Kris Hughes
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Randy Sartin- US PRESSWIRE

According to reports, former Auburn Tigers guard Varez Ward is at the center of a federal point-shaving investigation, due to two dubious performances in games this February prior to his suspension from the school’s basketball team.

Ward, a combo guard, averaged around nine points per game in 29.1 minutes for the Tigers prior to his suspension from the team on February 25th. Ward’s teammate, Chris Denson was also suspended at this same time due to what has been termed a “violation of team rules.”

There was more to the story, however, than a simple team rules violation.

Federal authorities believe Varez Ward intentionally missed shots and turned the ball over multiple times in two games to ensure point spreads were met, one a 68-50 loss against Alabama on February 7th and another a 56-53 loss to Arkansas on February 25th.

In the February 7th loss to Alabama, Ward scored three points, committed six turnovers and had two assists. Ward’s six turnovers, and a litany of missed shots, all came in groups and in succession. Auburn entered the game as a five-point favorite, and lost by 18 which more than easily covered the Las Vegas point spread for the matchup.

In the February 25th loss to Arkansas, Ward turned the ball over on his first possession and then fell to the ground soon thereafter, clutching his hamstring. Ward was removed from the game and did not return, leaving a seldom-used backup guard to play and struggle in the 56-53 loss. Arkansas entered the game as 9 1/2 point favorites, and in losing by three, Auburn again covered the spread.

Federal authorities allege Ward may have been involved in a point-shaving scheme and are investigating his connections to gambling organizations. The FBI is speaking to Ward’s teammates as well to see if any of them were approached by the departed guard to join the scheme as well.

During his time as a Texas Longhorn, Varez Ward had moments of brilliance which made it evident why he was highly recruited as a high-school player. A season-ending injury, and Ward’s desire to return closer to home, led to his departure from Austin and transfer to Auburn to finish out his collegiate career.

While nothing has been proven as of yet, if these allegations do in fact turn out to be true, the Auburn basketball program could receive unprecedented penalties and punitive action from both the NCAA and the FBI.

We’ll be watching this story closely and will have updates as the news breaks.

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