UA fires head baseball coach as team connected to 'sports wagering activity'

The University of Alabama has fired head baseball coach Brad Bohannon after questions arose when multiple states banned betting on the team's games.

Here is the statement from Alabama Athletics:

Greg Byrne announced he has initiated the termination process for head baseball coach Brad Bohannon for, among other things, violating the standards, duties, and responsibilities expected of University employees. Bohannon has been relieved of all duties and Jason Jackson will serve as the interim head coach. There will be no further comment at this time pending an ongoing review.

ESPN reported later Thursday that surveillance video from the sportsbook located at the Cincinnati Reds’ Great American Ballpark indicated the person who placed the bets was communicating with Bohannon at the time. ESPN cited multiple anonymous sources with direct information about the investigation.

“There is no reason to believe at this time that any student-athletes are involved,” a person familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of an ongoing investigation by the school.

Jason Jackson will serve as interim head coach. The Crimson Tide begin a home series Thursday night against No. 5 Vanderbilt.

"I just told them business as usual," Jackson said on his pregame message to the players before Thursday's game. "You guys have done a great job all year of taking care of business. You go out, play your game and that's what we're going to do tonight. Nothing changes. Everything that we want to accomplish is right here in front of us... that was the basic message. We didn't really say a whole lot."

Alabama won Thursday's game 11-2.

SEE ALSO:New Jersey sportsbooks join Ohio in banning bets on Bama baseball games
SEE ALSO:Police officer arrested, accused of planting evidence in Cherokee County

The decision to fire Bohannon comes after multiple states banned betting on Alabama baseball games earlier this week. Alabama is coming off a three-game losing streak after being swept by No. 1 LSU last weekend.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey released a statement Thursday afternoon.

"The University of Alabama has taken swift action after information about sports wagering activity was questioned by industry regulators. Ensuring the integrity of athletic competition is our highest priority, and for that purpose the SEC monitors gambling activity through its relationship with US Integrity and has done so since 2018. There must be zero tolerance for activity that puts into question the integrity of competition. We will remain in communication with the University throughout its ongoing review and will have no further comment at this time."

The NCAA bars athletes and athletic employees from betting on games “and from providing information to individuals involved in or associated with any type of sports wagering activities concerning intercollegiate, amateur or professional athletics competition.” The NCAA said Thursday it was committed to protecting athletes and the “integrity of competition” and is monitoring the case.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.