Iowa baseball may be the subsequent program to search out itself in sizzling water. There isn’t actually a barometer as to how unhealthy issues could get, as a result of there may be little info recognized at this level, however the unknown isn’t good.
Particularly when it has to do with potential NCAA violations.
The Hawkeyes, 34-11, are 10-6 within the Huge Ten and effectively on their technique to incomes not less than a three-seed within the NCAA Event. There are nonetheless two three-games sequence left, and the convention match, however they would want a catastrophic collapse to overlook out on the postseason.
Don’t rule it out. The wheels might nonetheless come off amidst a big interval of uncertainty, although it appears as if no quantity of outdoor noise goes to hinder their sturdy season.
Iowa is internet hosting Ohio State this weekend. It gained the sequence on Friday and Saturday by a mixed rating of 31-12 and performs for the sweep on Sunday afternoon.
Not solely did the Hawkeyes dominate the Buckeyes in back-to-back nights, they did so with out their finest hitter. Keaton Anthony didn’t play. He’s hitting .389 with 9 residence runs, 51 runs scored and 38 RBIs in 157 at-bats this season.
Iowa launched a press release after the sport on Friday night time however left issues very open-ended as to why he didn’t play.
Because of a possible NCAA violation, we withheld some student-athletes from competitors. We may have no further feedback as that is an ongoing investigation.
— Iowa Athletic Communications
The college didn’t specify whether or not Anthony was one of many “athletes” (multiple?) withheld, however he didn’t play. So.
Iowa athletics is underneath investigation.
The college didn’t present additional clarification on its cryptic announcement or what the NCAA violation may be. All of that info is unknown at this level, however there are rumors swirling.
Noah Darling of School Baseball Central reported that the investigation includes “a number of College of Iowa athletes, together with not less than one baseball participant.” He additionally mentioned that it stems from playing.
Darling’s report has not been corroborated at this level, however he’s linked throughout the faculty baseball house. It will be stunning for Darling to place out such a big report with out respectable sourcing. However once more, it has not but been confirmed.
As for subsequent steps, that too is up within the air.
Iowa saved Anthony out of the lineup once more on Sunday. A timeline for his return may very well be as quickly as subsequent weekend, or by no means. There isn’t a approach of realizing what’s to come back, however an NCAA investigation might final months, if not years, although it looks as if there’s a precedence to get this found out — particularly after Alabama baseball was hit with a playing scandal simply final week.