Suspension sticks for Noah Shannon after NCAA unexpectedly doubles down on sports wagering punishment

NCAA with another big punishment for Hawkeyes.

Some disappointing news for Hawkeye Football.

Noah Shannon, the all-Big Ten defensive lineman suspended for the season for betting on a non-football athletic event at Iowa, will not have his suspension lifted after all.

The NCAA has decided to keep the punishment for that at a full season of lost eligibility.

Last month, the NCAA announced plans to vote on a new proposal that would make it so a student-athlete would just have to take a class to be reinstated the team.

If approved, it would’ve allowed Shannon to back and play for the Hawkeyes this season. Shannon had been allowed back at practice in the last few weeks, with the expectation that his suspension could possibly be lifted.

But now, the NCAA has announced its decision to stand pat, and Shannon’s suspension stands.

On his weekly coaches radio program, Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz signaled he disagrees with the decision, and suggested the NCAA will move too slow to make the punishment fit the violation.

Ferentz called Shannon’s suspension a very dramatic penalty, especially since Shannon didn’t commit a crime or bet on his own team.

Ferentz predicts things like this won’t be a big deal in a couple of years due to the growing popularity and normalization of online sports betting.