The controversy surrounding Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer erupted into the public eye on the evening of Aug. 11 when a social media post on X/formerly Twitter from Bryan Aguada, a self-proclaimed Deadspin insider, ignited a firestorm.
The post featured screenshots of alleged Venmo transactions from November 2022, showing payments from an account bearing Mateer’s name to an individual named Richard Roaten, with descriptions such as “Sports Gambling” and “Sports Gambling (UCLA vs USC).”
Unfolding Drama
Posted just hours before midnight, the tweet quickly gained traction, trending Mateer’s name across social media platforms as fans, analysts and rival supporters dissected the implications. The timing, coinciding with the lead-up to the 2025 college football season, amplified the story’s reach, prompting Oklahoma officials to launch an investigation and Mateer to scrub his Venmo transaction history, further fueling speculation about the veracity of the claims. No official statement has come from Mateer or the University of Oklahoma regarding the Venmo screenshots, and the NCAA has not launched an investigation, leaving the allegations in limbo as of the morning of Aug. 12.
This unfolding drama carries significant stakes for all involved. If true, the rumors could jeopardize Mateer’s eligibility. Under NCAA rules, athletes are banned from betting. A violation that might end his college career and hurt his NFL prospects. Especially given his ranking as one of the top FBS quarterbacks.
Astonishing Recklessness
Oklahoma’s 2025 season hopes hinge on Mateer, who joined the Sooners program via the transfer portal after the 2024 season. A gambling scandal could disrupt team chemistry and derail the Sooners’ potential. Posting “Sports Gambling” on a public Venmo would be a reckless move, risking NCAA scrutiny, and it seems completely irresponsible and stupid for an athlete to advertise betting activity so openly in today’s date and age.
Though, given the prevalence of legal sports betting in 38 states since 2018, I would not be surprised about athlete betting. Just astonished at such recklessness. Experts note athletes often use Venmo for jokes, but public transactions amplify exposure risks. A lesson echoed by recent NCAA gambling probes like Iowa State’s 2023 case involving 40 athletes. Mateer’s deletion of his Venmo history suggests an attempt to avoid further attention and should heighten the pressure on athletes to stay cautious in an era where legal sports betting looms large. It remains to be scene if the story it true or if there is a trail of real evidence to reprimand Mateer.
