in NCAA F Articles

The University of Toledo Special.

No, it’s not the “Tuition Tuna Steak” at Maxwell’s Brew. This special is only available on the futures market, and it’s one the university would just as soon take off the menu. It has to do with the point-shaving scandal revolving around running back Harvey “Scooter” McDougle, Jr.

Back in March, the U.S. District Court in Detroit filed an affidavit that named McDougle among the players involved in the alleged scheme. He was suspended indefinitely by the Rockets; although federal authorities dropped the charges in April, citing “procedural reasons,” McDougle’s status remained unchanged at press time. The Feds can, in theory, file new charges if they see fit.

The wager in question asks what the outcome will be of the appeal expected to be filed on McDougle’s behalf by his father, Harvey McDougle, Sr. The options are as follows.

The FBI will formally apologize to Scooter: +200

The McDougles will successfully sue UT for over $1 million: +400

UT will be banned from the NCAA at least three seasons: +500

Scooter will be allowed to play at UT next season: +2000

Scooter will play in the NFL: +15000

One of the compelling attributes of this wager is that the options are not all mutually exclusive. If any of the five choices occurs before Dec. 31, 2008, it pays out. If the McDougles successfully file suit, it could very well be after the FBI (which has been investigating this matter since 2003, McDougle’s freshman year) backs off and apologizes. However, it is unlikely that McDougle will receive that apology and the Toledo Rockets will nonetheless be banned, given that Scooter is the central figure in the scandal.

This is one of those news-based bets where it is critical to sort the facts from the inferences, as any good bloodhound journalist would do.

Here are some of the important given circumstances: Scooter is still enrolled at UT and remains on full scholarship. The Feds say McDougle admitted to receiving items including a car and a telephone. McDougle is a senior, and his father says Scooter “wants to play.” UT spokesperson Larry Burns says there are no plans to reinstate McDougle, given the severity of the original charges. Bookies started noticing unusual betting patterns in Toledo games two years ago. And McDougle has been sidelined for most of the past two seasons with a knee injury after leading the Rockets in rushing in 2004.

On the speculation front, the Rockets already have senior Jalen Parmele (1,170 yards in 2006) firmly ensconced in the backfield, but they could use some depth after junior Richard Davis was arrested in April on charges of attempted aggravated burglary. If Scooter is cleared, it looks like there would be a place for him on the Rockets roster. But the ball is in the FBI’s hands for now.

With NCAA football just a couple months away, the BetUS in our sportsbook today in the Future / props section!