Our Iowa and Iowa State Embarrassment
Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. (Proverbs 13:11)
The University of Iowa, Iowa State, and our nation should feel shame for the demon we invited into our lives. The devil is sports gambling. Why are we surprised that college athletes are being dragged down by gambling when our state and nation legitimate the activity? The temptation is great, and rewards seem easy to achieve. Legalized sports gambling has opened Pandora’s box, and the chance for easy money will ruin many lives and perhaps the collegiate sports world.
Men’s Health Magazine’s Rachel Epstein wrote an expose article entitled “The Human Cost of the Sports Betting Boom.” She asks, “Sports betting has exploded, and experts are warning about the dangerous effects of its widespread legalization. Why is no one paying attention?” Iowa State’s defensive line shredded itself by players betting on their team’s games. At least one of the players even placed bets against his team. Asking, “Is gambling worth the mess” is the wrong question. The real question is, “Are we willing to destroy lives for the few so called benefits?”
Betting has become so easy with the advent of sports gambling apps. Financial resources go away without the feeling that money is changing hands. Further, betting feels like playing on your phone until reality hits, and you cannot feed your children, or you ruin your name and college career and tarnish the school you represented. Epstein lays out the facts when she states, “1 in 5 guys are or have been in debt from sports betting.” “Nearly 1 in 5 allot a quarter of their paycheck to sports betting.” The harmful financial and emotional threats to families are something we should not ignore.
Sports gambling is dangerous, and as people of faith, we should speak out in opposition to its growth. Speak to your family and friends about the threat of gambling and its negative effect on your family and your long-term future. Also, if you are a sports fan, like I am, you should be worried about the long-term integrity of the game. What we see with sports gambling abuse on Iowa college campuses and football locker rooms is just the start. How long can collegiate athletics retain integrity as the cheating piles up? Pray for divine intervention, but also speak out before it is too late for a family member close to you and the sports you love.