For the first 18 games of its men’s hockey season, Boston University has competed without junior forward Nick Roberto, his absence described only as a “coach’s decision.’’ That decision, it was disclosed Monday, followed an investigation into allegations that a BU player was involved in gambling.
The school announced that Roberto, 21, a junior forward from Wakefield, will not return to the ice this season.
Beyond that, BU said, “federal privacy laws prevent us from discussing his status.’’
Several people familiar with the situation told the Globe that Roberto and a small number of former BU players bet on sports contests last season.
The Globe has not determined the amount of money involved nor confirmed the names of other players who allegedly bet on games. The other players were said to have left the school before the BU officials became aware of the allegations.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association bars athletes from gambling on any sports event, including fantasy sports leagues, sports pools, and March Madness brackets. Penalties range from a suspension to permanent ineligibility.
BU’s statement also described how, several months ago, the school “heard rumors that a BU hockey player had engaged in gambling.’’ The statement continued: “Although the rumors did not involve gambling on either college or professional hockey games, we nonetheless immediately conducted a thorough investigation and turned the results over to the appropriate authorities at the NCAA. Based on that investigation, the NCAA made its own findings and took remedial action, and we would refer you to that organization for further information.’’
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The NCAA declined to comment.
BU’s statement was first published by the College Hockey News in a story that cited sources alleging Roberto and possibly others participated last season in gambling.
The Globe’s attempts to reach Roberto through the athletic department, his school e-mail address, and his family were not successful.
Roberto played for Malden Catholic and Kimball Union Academy before he entered BU in 2013.
The incident comes three years after allegations of sexual assault involving two BU hockey players rocked the campus. The charges against one player were dropped. The other player, Corey Trivino, pleaded guilty to two counts of battery and one count of trespassing. The hockey program’s longtime coach, Jack Parker, and the school’s athletic director, Mike Lynch, have since left the school, Parker retiring, Lynch resigning.
With Roberto in action last year season, BU’s team, led by freshman phenom Jack Eichel, won the Beanpot Tournament and the Hockey East title before losing to Providence College, 4-3, at TD Garden in the NCAA championship game.
Eichel departed BU after the season and was selected second overall in the NHL draft. At 19, he is a rookie star for the Buffalo Sabres.
Last season, Roberto scored four goals, the most among BU’s sophomores, and ranked second among his classmates in points (12) and assists (8). His production declined from his freshman season, when he scored 18 points on seven goals and 11 assists.
Walter V. Robinson and Fluto Shinzawa of the Globe staff contributed to this report. Bob Hohler can be reached at robert.hohler@globe.com.
