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(Ames, IA) -- The first felony charges are filed in the student-athlete gambling investigation at the University of Iowa and Iowa State University.
Cyclones wrestler Paniro Johnson and former Cyclones defensive end Enyi Uwazurike are pleading not guilty to identity theft charges.
Prosecutors say Uwazurike placed more than 800 bets in 2021 and 2022, totaling more than $21,000. The wagers included two Iowa State games. Johnson is accused of placing nearly 1,300 bets worth more than $45,000.
Five student-athletes are pleading guilty to underage gambling.
Hawkeyes kicker Aaron Blum and baseball player Gehrig Christensen and Cyclones quarterback Hunter Dekkers, lineman Jacob Remsburg, and former Cyclones lineman Dodge Sauser are admitting to placing bets before they turned 21 years old.
Each will pay a $645 fine and could face a complete loss of collegiate eligibility.