Two suspensions to deal with
UFC fighter Jeff Molina has been banned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) and New York Jets wide receiver coach Miles Austin has been suspended by the NFL for betting-related offenses. Molina fights in the UFC’s flyweight division and has reportedly been the subject of an investigation by the UFC.
the fighter has links to the betting investigation into his coach
ESPN reported the news on Sunday, outlining how the fighter has links to the betting investigation into his coach James Krause. Molina had been set to fight Jimmy Flick on January 14, but withdrew from the bout at the beginning of December without specifying a reason.
UFC fighter’s links with a major gambling investigation
Krause received an indefinite suspension from the UFC following allegations that the coach made money by providing information to gamblers before the fight between Shayilan Nuerdanbieke and Darrick Minner in November.
His client Minner lost the fight, having struggled with an injury before the bout. Suspicious betting activity was seen before the start of the fight. Minner is also currently suspended as a result of the ongoing investigation. The FBI is reportedly involved in the case now.
The UFC has provided no concrete details on Molina’s suspension. The mixed martial arts organization introduced a ban in October that prevent any fighters, managers, or coaches from engaging in gambling on UFC fights. Those fighting under Krause were also informed that they would not be eligible to participate in UFC fights unless they moved to another coach.
Betting on non-NFL sports
New York Jets wide receiver coach Miles Austin has been suspended for at least a year by the NFL after being found in violation of the NFL’s gambling policy. An NFL spokesman confirmed the news on Friday, stating that Austin is appealing the decision. Austin was not present during the New York Jets’ game on Thursday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Austin’s agent and attorney released a statement saying that Austin did not gamble on football. Instead, he placed bets on non-NFL professional sports and table games through a legal mobile gambling account. The NFL’s policy is that coaches cannot bet on any sports, period.