The Iowa Department of Public Safety was disheartened by a recent motion to dismiss charges against four former and current Iowa State athletes for sports betting violations, DPS Commissioner Stephen Bayans said in a statement last week.
“The decision by the Story County Attorney's Office to discontinue prosecution of these four cases is disappointing,” Bayans said. “Despite their decision, they repeatedly shared with us their belief that the Division of Criminal Investigation's actions were legal.”
Bayans went on to explain that he believes the investigation into numerous collegiate athletes in the state, including prominent football players at both the University of Iowa and Iowa State University, was done lawfully and fairly. He believes the investigation drew scrutiny due to the status of those athletes.
“I understand why this investigation and the resulting charges have generated so much attention and such strong opinions,” Bayans said. “We love our college sports here in Iowa, myself included. Had this situation not involved college athletes, the public perception may have been entirely different.”