Editor’s note: The video above is from previous coverage.
KENNESAW, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A Kennesaw State University (KSU) basketball player is among at least two dozen people facing federal charges in an alleged betting scheme to rig college basketball games.
Federal prosecutors said players were bribed to fix games by purposely underperforming.
KSU students said they were surprised by the news.
“I thought they were trolling. I thought it was a joke,” said student Benjamin Karanja.
“I feel like Kennesaw is not that big of a school. For someone to do like a scheme from Kennesaw is kind of crazy,” said Jacob Fasone, another student.
Kennesaw State guard Simeon Cottle and former Kennesaw State forward Demond Robinson are among those listed in the federal indictment.
Court documents state fixers reached out to Cottle with an offer to manipulate the 2024 matchup against Queens University.
Cottle allegedly recruited Robinson and another unnamed player.
“It undermines the integrity of the game,” said Karanja. “You’re not giving the game what you’re supposed to give it.”
The fixers placed and won over $20,000 in bets.
Documents state Cottle received about $40,000 in cash on campus to be shared with the players.
Although students said the players’ alleged actions are wrong, some said they understand the appeal.
RELATED: KSU basketball player among several charged over rigged basketball games
“At the same time, he’s a human being too, so I understand the allure of getting $40K, just miss five shots,” said Karanja.
In a statement, KSU said it is aware of the reports and that Cottle has been suspended indefinitely from all team activities.
“I think in the moment he felt like this is good, but now I know he would take it back if he could,” said Karanja.
“It’s going to be with him forever, so no, I wouldn’t have done that,” said Fasone.
Both Cottle and Robinson are charged with bribery and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.