Felony charges in Fresno State prop-betting case
Nevada indicts two ex-players and two former DraftKings staff over Jan. 7, 2025 props
Key Takeaways
- Nevada authorities indicted Steven Vasquez, Mykell Robinson and Matthew J. Martin over an alleged prop-betting scheme tied to the Jan 7, 2025 Fresno State game.
- ESPN reported Martin won $15,950 on the wagers; Samuel Silverman also appears in the case and pleaded not guilty after his May arrest.
- Charges include committing a fraudulent act at a gaming establishment and attempting or conspiring to cheat, Class C felonies carrying one- to five-year sentences and fines.
- The NCAA permanently revoked the eligibility of Mykell Robinson, Steven Vasquez and Jalen Weaver in September 2025.
Three former college players and two former DraftKings employees face criminal charges in Nevada over an alleged scheme to bet on individual-game statistics in Fresno State's Jan. 7, 2025 matchup. Nevada authorities indicted Steven Vasquez and Mykell Robinson and former DraftKings market operator Matthew J. Martin; another ex-employee, Samuel Silverman, is also named in the case and pleaded not guilty after his May arrest. Robinson remains at large after an arrest warrant issued in August; Vasquez and Martin were arrested in September and pleaded not guilty.
Allegations and formal charges
The charges against Martin and Vasquez include committing a fraudulent act at a gaming establishment and attempting or conspiring to cheat at a game of wagering; these are Class C felonies that carry sentences of one to five years in prison and fines. Authorities are investigating wagers on individual statistics from the game against Colorado State, bets that settle on player performance and do not require predicting the team's result. Court records and findings by the National Collegiate Athletic Association indicate Mykell Robinson allegedly played deliberately below his normal level, finishing with three points, two rebounds and one steal in 21 minutes while Fresno State lost by 27 points.
Movements, links and reported amounts
ESPN reported Matthew J. Martin won $15,950 from his wagers. DraftKings told ESPN the alleged bets were placed off its platform and that none of the former employees handled college basketball pricing while employed in 2025. Although DraftKings maintains an office in Las Vegas, the company does not operate a sportsbook in Nevada. [DraftKings](/b2b) provided that statement to ESPN.
Athletic sanctions and college context
The National Collegiate Athletic Association revoked the eligibility of Mykell Robinson, Steven Vasquez and Jalen Weaver permanently in September 2025. Vasquez had already transferred to San José State after rooming with Robinson at Fresno State during the 2023–24 season. Samuel Silverman, who was a team manager for Fresno State in 2022–23, pleaded not guilty after his May arrest.
"Mr. Martin looks forward to proving his innocence in a court of law and doesn't intend to litigate the case in the press," said attorney Crane Pomerantz in remarks released to ESPN.
The case remains active as Nevada authorities continue investigations and criminal proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was indicted in the Fresno State betting case?
Nevada authorities indicted Steven Vasquez, Mykell Robinson and Matthew J. Martin; Samuel Silverman is also in the court record and pleaded not guilty after his May arrest. Robinson remains a fugitive after an arrest warrant issued in August; Vasquez and Martin were arrested in September and pleaded not guilty.
Which game and statistics are at the center of the investigation?
Investigators focused on wagers tied to individual statistics from Fresno State's Jan. 7, 2025 game against Colorado State. Records show Mykell Robinson finished that game with three points, two rebounds and one steal in 21 minutes while Fresno State lost by 27 points.
What charges do the defendants face and what penalties apply?
Martin and Vasquez face charges of committing a fraudulent act at a gaming establishment and attempting or conspiring to cheat in a wagering game—Class C felonies that can result in one to five years in prison plus fines.
What has DraftKings said about the allegations?
DraftKings told ESPN the alleged wagers were placed off its platform and that none of the former employees handled college basketball pricing during their 2025 employment; the company also said it does not operate a sportsbook in Nevada despite having a Las Vegas office.
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About the author
Renata Quiroga
Betting Markets Correspondent
Renata Quiroga covers sports betting and prediction markets — sportsbook launches, odds technology, event contracts, and the regulatory calls that decide what can be bet on and where. The reports open with the product or the ruling, name operators and platforms precisely, and explain the mechanics without needless jargon. When a book enters a Latin American market or a prediction exchange lists a contested contract, Renata Quiroga reports what changes for the bettor.
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