Baylor’s basketball program found itself back in the news last week, and this time the headline had nothing to do with wins or losses. Former assistant Jared Nuness, who spent more than a decade on Scott Drew’s staff and was the longest-tenured assistant in the program, was handed a two-year show cause by the NCAA.
Nuness stepped away from Baylor in December, during a rough season for the Bears, saying in a social media release that he was leaving to deal with a personal issue. He wrote, “After sixteen years at Baylor, I have decided to step away from my role on the coaching staff to attend to a personal issue. This wasn't a decision I made lightly, but if I can't give 100% to the team, it's time to make a change,” Nuness said in a social media release.
He added, "I am incredibly grateful to Coach Drew, the athletic department, the players, and the Baylor community for the support and relationships built over the years. Being part of this program has been one of the great honors of my career.
At this time, Whitney and I decided I need to focus on my physical health. I leave with deep appreciation for Baylor and the young men I've had the privilege to coach.”
The NCAA’s case, though, centered on betting activity it said happened while Nuness was still employed at Baylor. According to the NCAA, “Case centered on Jared Nuness impermissible sports betting activities, which occurred while he was employed as an assistant men’s basketball coach at Baylor University (Baylor). Specifically, from December 29, 2020, through November 28, 2025, Nuness placed approximately 3,400 bets totaling $38,000 on professional competitions.
"According to Nuness, he also permitted his son to use his accounts and his son place three bets on collegiate competitions totaling $170. None of the bets involved Baylor's programs. Nuness accepted responsibility for all bets placed on his account and agreed that his sports betting violation is Level II."
Nuness accepted responsibility for the wagers, and the NCAA’s penalty followed from there. The two-year show cause is the result.
Sports betting violations have become one of the NCAA’s more durable enforcement issues, even as the wider sports world keeps leaning into gambling partnerships and advertising. Nuness is the latest person to be disciplined for impermissible betting, and he likely won’t be the last.
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