Former Temple basketball standout Hysier Miller sat for a lengthy interview with the NCAA as it investigated concerns about unusual gambling activities, his attorney said Friday amid reports that a federal investigation is now underway.
“Hysier Miller fully cooperated with the NCAA’s investigation. He participated in a five-hour interview and answered every question the NCAA asked. He also produced every document the NCAA requested,” attorney Jason Bologna said in a statement . “Hysier did these things because he wanted to play basketball this season, and he is devastated that he cannot.”
Miller, a three-year starter out of South Philadelphia, transferred to Virginia Tech this spring. However, the Hokies released him last month due to what the program called “circumstances prior to his enrollment at Virginia Tech.”
Bologna declined to confirm that a federal investigation had been opened, as did spokespeople for both the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Philadelphia. ESPN reported Thursday, citing unnamed sources, that authorities are investigating whether Miller gambled on games in which he played at Temple and whether he adjusted his performance accordingly.
“Hysier Miller has overcome more adversity in his 22 years than most people experience in a lifetime. He will overcome and overcome all obstacles that lie ahead,” Bologna said.
Miller scored eight points — about half his season average of 15.9 — in a 100-72 loss to UAB on March 7, which was later. flagged for unusual gambling activity.
Temple said it was aware of these allegations since they became public in March and was cooperating.
“We have been fully responsive and cooperative with the NCAA from the moment we learned of the investigation,” Temple President John Fry said in a letter to the school community on Thursday.
However, Fry said Temple had not received any requests for information from state or federal law enforcement agencies. He promised to cooperate fully if they did so.
“Coaches, student-athletes and staff members will receive mandatory training on the rules and regulations of the NCAA, including the prohibition on involvement in sports betting,” Fry said in the letter.
The same week the Temple-UAB game raised concerns, Loyola (Maryland) said it had removed an individual from its basketball program after becoming aware of a gambling violation.
Temple played UAB again on March 17, losing 85–69 in the American Athletic Conference Tournament finals. League spokesman Tom Fenstermaker also declined comment Friday.
