Oklahoma Quarterback John Mateer under scrutiny due to Venmo screenshots suggesting suspected sports betting activities
John Mateer, the highly-touted quarterback transfer to the Oklahoma Sooners, finds himself at the centre of a controversy after Venmo transactions surfaced on Monday, implicating him in sports betting. However, the size of the transactions remains undisclosed.
The transactions, which dated back to November 2022, were labelled as "sports gambling" and involved Mateer and a former Washington State player, Richard Roaten. The bets referenced college games and the FIFA World Cup.
Mateer, in response, has denied any involvement in sports gambling. He claims the Venmo descriptions were merely "inside jokes" and asserts compliance with NCAA rules.
Oklahoma University is conducting an internal investigation into the matter. Although some media reports suggest that the school is "unaware of any NCAA investigation," they are looking into the controversy. The NCAA, however, has not publicly confirmed any formal investigation at this time.
Analysts view it as difficult to prove actual gambling occurred, given the limited evidence available, which is only screenshots without further proof. An NCAA sanction seems unlikely unless new information emerges.
If Mateer is found to have violated NCAA gambling rules, his eligibility for the upcoming season could be impacted. However, no formal NCAA action or suspension has been announced yet.
The nature of the sports betting involved in the Venmo transactions remains unspecified. It is also unclear if the payments were made before Mateer's time with the Oklahoma Sooners. If the NCAA investigates and finds the payments to be legitimate, Mateer could face a ban from college football, which would be a significant setback for both him and his team, given his status as one of the best quarterback transfers during the offseason.
Social media speculates that Mateer could have been joking with the payment descriptions. However, if the payments are found to be violations, Mateer's actions could potentially lead to disciplinary action from the NCAA.
The Venmo transactions have since been hidden or deleted, adding another layer of mystery to the ongoing investigation. As the situation unfolds, Mateer maintains his innocence amid the controversy.
[1] Sports Illustrated. (2025, August 1). John Mateer, Oklahoma Sooners quarterback, under investigation for alleged sports betting. Retrieved from https://www.si.com/college/oklahoma/football/john-mateer-oklahoma-sooners-quarterback-under-investigation-for-alleged-sports-betting
[2] ESPN. (2025, August 2). John Mateer denies sports gambling allegations, says Venmo descriptions were inside jokes. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/33978357/john-mateer-denies-sports-gambling-allegations-says-venmo-descriptions-were-inside-jokes
[3] The Oklahoman. (2025, August 3). Oklahoma investigating John Mateer after sports betting allegations surface. Retrieved from https://newsok.com/oklahoma-investigating-john-mateer-after-sports-betting-allegations-surface/article/6122147
[4] CBS Sports. (2025, August 4). John Mateer sports gambling investigation: What we know so far. Retrieved from https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/john-mateer-sports-gambling-investigation-what-we-know-so-far/
[5] Yahoo Sports. (2025, August 5). John Mateer sports gambling investigation: NCAA action unlikely without new evidence. Retrieved from https://sports.yahoo.com/john-mateer-sports-gambling-investigation-ncaa-action-unlikely-without-new-evidence-155415177.html
- Despite John Mateer's denial, the Venmo transactions, labeled as "sports gambling," involved him and a former Washington State player, and the bets referred to college games and the FIFA World Cup, raising questions about his involvement in sports-betting.
- If it is found that Mateer violated NCAA gambling rules, his eligibility for the upcoming season could be affected, potentially leading to a ban in college football, which would be a significant setback for both him and his team, given his status as one of the top quarterback transfers during the offseason.
