A news conference on October 25 drew questions about Iowa’s investigation of illegal sports wagering by current and former students from both Iowa and Iowa State. Governor Kim Reynolds weighed in 100 percent in support of the investigation.
But the leader of the state commission that regulates gambling in Iowa has a different point of view, especially when speaking to a parent of one of the students charged. “A lot of people don’t agree” with how the state’s investigation was handled, according to a transcript of the call in a court filing published in late October. Charges included placing illegal bets and tampering with records to conceal their connection.
The investigation, which was announced in May, was led by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. Some of the charges were dismissed when prosecutors allowed a legal deadline to pass; others pleaded guilty to lesser charges that did not call for jail time.
Reynolds referred specific questions to the Iowa Department of Public Safety—which houses the Division of Criminal Investigation—but expressed strong support.
“They did the job. They received inquiries about an issue, and they did what they do. … And I think they were surprised at some of the results that they found,” Reynolds said. “They don’t check in with me, but I support wholeheartedly the department and the decisions that were made.”
But in a court filing, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission Administrator Brian Ohorilko told another set of parents there may have been “philosophical differences” with the Division of Criminal Investigation.
“I have some strong feelings, but it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to tell you. I do think there’s maybe some philosophical differences in how this took place,” Ohorilko told Brad Hanika, the father of Iowa State football player DeShawn Hanika, during a June 8 phone call, according to court documents.
During two subsequent phone calls, Ohorilko also said to Brad Hanika on June 13, “I don’t know if everybody looks at it the same way that the DCI looks at it,” and on September 7, “a lot of people don’t agree with how things have been handled,” according to the court filing.
Ohorilko, in a statement emailed to The Gazette, said he regularly takes phone calls from the public in an effort to operate the commission with transparency and integrity.
“As Administrator, I take the Commission’s mission of maintaining the integrity of gaming within the State of Iowa very seriously. I strive to be transparent with all who take interest in gaming related issues as I feel integrity and transparency go hand-in-hand,” Ohorilko said. “While I certainly do not condone breaking Iowa law, as a dad and coach, I was able to empathize with Mr. Hanika and his son’s situation.”
The charge against DeShawn Hanika—tampering with records—was dismissed. The conversations between Ohorilko and Brad Hanika were filed by the attorney for former Iowa State football player Eyioma Uwazurike who still faces charges of identity theft, a class D felony, and tampering with records, an aggravated misdemeanor. The felony charge could bring five years in prison, and the misdemeanor, two years. Uwazurike has pleaded not guilty.
Reynolds believes more education is needed so student-athletes comprehend the consequences of sports betting. While acknowledging that education campaigns exist, more may be needed.
“This is a wake-up call, too. We just have to do better education, make sure that these kids understand the consequences of doing this. This is preventable,” Reynolds said. “And I know they do, but we might need to (do more), just because it’s so available and it’s so easy. We really might need to double down on our efforts to make sure that they understand the consequences that are involved.”
