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Tennessee Coach Rick Barnes Raises Eyebrows With Betting Comment
Barnes quickly walked back his remark about players potentially betting on games after the Vols' win over Auburn.
Feb. 1, 2026 at 10:07am
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Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes made a surprising comment after his team's 77-69 victory over Auburn, suggesting he wondered if some of his players were "betting on games." Barnes quickly retracted the statement, acknowledging he "shouldn't say that" and asked for it to be "erased." The longtime coach was discussing late-game mistakes and turnovers by his team, which nearly allowed Auburn to mount a comeback in the final minutes.
Why it matters
Barnes' off-the-cuff remark about potential gambling by his players has raised eyebrows and concerns about the integrity of college basketball. While he walked it back, the comment highlights the heightened scrutiny around sports betting and the need for strict oversight to prevent any improper activity that could undermine the sport's credibility.
The details
In his postgame comments, Barnes was critical of his team's late-game execution, noting they committed several turnovers and unnecessary fouls that allowed Auburn to trim a large Tennessee lead. It was in this context that Barnes made his surprising remark about wondering if his players were "betting on games." The veteran coach quickly retracted the statement, acknowledging it was an inappropriate thing to say.
- Tennessee defeated Auburn 77-69 on February 1, 2026.
The players
Rick Barnes
The head coach of the Tennessee men's basketball team.
What they’re saying
“We've got to just get more consistent. And we just got to stop doing, at the end of the game, some of the passes that we throw. I mean, I don't know what to say other than sometimes I wonder if guys are betting on games.”
— Rick Barnes, Head Coach, Tennessee
“I shouldn't say that. Erase that.”
— Rick Barnes, Head Coach, Tennessee
What’s next
Tennessee will look to bounce back from Barnes' controversial comments when they host Ole Miss on Tuesday night.
The takeaway
Barnes' remark about potential player betting has raised serious concerns about the integrity of college basketball and the need for robust oversight and enforcement to prevent any improper gambling activity that could undermine the sport.
