In a season of never-ending controversy for Jameis Winston, a sports gambling web site is now alleging that the Florida State quarterback was guilty of point shaving in the first half of the Seminole’s game against Louisville on October 30th.
IBN Sports Wrap has posted a story on its site alleging that Winston’s close friend and former high school teammate Chris Rabb, who is currently a defensive end at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, placed a $5,500 bet that Florida State would not cover the one-point first half spread against Louisville. Rabb allegedly won $5,000 when the Cardinal was leading Florida State 21-7 at halftime. Winston’s first half stats were abysmal. He was 10 of 20 passing for 123 yards with two interceptions and no touchdowns. He also had one rush for 20 yards and was sacked once. In the second half, Winston was 15 of 28 for 278 yards with touchdowns and one interception in leading Florida State to 35 second half points and the win at Louisville.
(Editor: It should be noted that there are numerous reports on the shadiness of IBN and “Incarcerated Bob” on various websites. As of now we are taking this with a grain of salt, and looking for further confirmation on the story.)
Report: Gambling Web Site Says Jameis Winston Was Point Shaving
IBN is a site that specializes in betting lines on pro and college sports, along with tabs for fantasy sports insights, industry rumors, and news stories. The site, which is run by someone who goes by the screen name “Incarcerated Bob,” says they got some of their information from an Alabama based bookmaker who says he does regular business with Rabb. IBN says it was told that Rabb had a $1,000 per week betting limit on any games, but, without warning, asked for a $5,500 line on the first half of the Louisville/Florida State game. Rabb allegedly made the bet, taking Louisville +1 for the first half only. There were no bets made for the second half by Rabb, according to IBN.
The Alabama-based bookie allegedly told IBN that he discovered days later that he, “had been played,” as he found out Rabb and Winston were friends and former high school teammates.
IBN does have computer screen shots that are purported to be of Rabb’s betting account. What it does not have to this point, nor does the bookie, is any proof Winston was in any way involved in the bet or even aware of it.
It has not been uncharacteristic of Florida State to be losing at halftime this season, only to come back in the second half to win. LWOS went back to look at breakdowns of first half and second half stats of some of the more high profile FSU games. For example, FSU was down 17-10 at halftime to Notre Dame and Winston was 7 of 13 passing for 83 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. Winston finished the game 23 of 31 passing for 273 yards with two touchdowns and the one interception in a 31-27 Seminoles victory. Earlier in the season, FSU was down 24-21 in the first half at North Carolina State. But in that half, Winston was 14 of 21 passing for 264 yards with one touchdown and one fumble lost. Winston finished the game 26 of 38 passing for 365 yards and four touchdowns. The Seminoles won the game 56-41.
Several media outlets have tried contacting Rabb, only to be hung up on. Florida State has not issued any statement to this point on the allegations. According to TMZ Sports, UAB has launched its investigation into Rabb and the allegations.
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