Mateer denies sports betting

Social media circulated Venmo screenshots tied to Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer, who denies any sports betting involvement.

Mateer Denies Sports Betting Ties After Venmo Screenshots

A set of Venmo screenshots and a video circulated on social media Monday night, showing payments in a Venmo account under Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer’s name. Two payments dated November 20, 2022 were sent to Richard Roaten, with captions that referred to 'Sports gambling'. The account later went private.

Mateer released a statement Tuesday denying participation in sports betting and calling the descriptions “inside jokes” between friends. He said, “The allegations that I once participated in sports gambling are false. My previous Venmo descriptions did not accurately portray the transactions in question but were instead inside jokes between me and my friends. I have never bet on sports. I understand the seriousness of the matter, but recognize that, taken out of context, those Venmo transactions suggest otherwise.” Oklahoma Athletics said it monitors sports gambling with ProhiBet, emphasizes the importance of education, and noted there is no known NCAA investigation. Mateer transferred to Oklahoma this offseason and is regarded as a significant addition as the program seeks to rebound from a 6-7 season in 2024. The broader debate around the legalization of sports betting has intensified tensions with NCAA rules that ban athletes from wagering on sports, a topic the association has begun to address with changes in disciplinary stance and policy language.

This incident shows how social media can accelerate a narrative before facts are fully established. Universities are increasingly balancing strict enforcement with education as betting becomes more legal in many states. OU’s use of ProhiBet signals a proactive approach to monitor activities, but the case also exposes how a simple online slate of transactions can complicate a player’s public image and team dynamics. As the NCAA slowly adjusts its framework, programs must communicate clearly about expectations while guarding against quick, unfounded conclusions from online posts. The episode could influence how fans view Mateer and how OU manages media scrutiny during a high-stakes season.

Highlights

The story remains about accountability, not rumor, and the truth will matter for players, programs, and the sport’s rules.