IOWA CITY – An on-going investigation into student-athlete gambling has sidelined a star Iowa Hawkeye lineman from participating in media interviews.
University of Iowa Moon Family Head Football Coach Kirk Ferentz announced on Wednesday that linebacker Jay Higgins will be representing Iowa Football at Big Ten Media Day. Higgins will attend in place of Noah Shannon (pictured, above, via Hawkeye sports) due to Shannon’s involvement in the NCAA investigation into sports gambling. Below is a statement from Noah Shannon:
Being selected to represent the Iowa Hawkeye football team at Big Ten Media Day is a tremendous honor and privilege. I am grateful for the opportunity. However, given the circumstances I told Coach Ferentz it would best for him to select another player. Since the NCAA review is not yet complete, I don’t feel it is right for me to represent the team.
“Noah’s decision to share this information and suggest that another player take his place is reflective of his character,” said Ferentz. “Noah is a committed and dedicated teammate, and this is a fine example of him always wanting to put the team first.”
Higgins, a native of Indianapolis, enters his fourth year in the Hawkeye football program. He totaled 39 tackles (20 solo) last year playing behind consensus All-American Jack Campbell. Higgins was awarded the team’s Hayden Fry Award (special teams), which is presented to those who show exemplary leadership and dedication, and the Next Man In Award (defense) following the 2022 season. He has played in 31 games over his first three seasons.
The Hawkeyes announced last week that the home football season opener against Utah State, scheduled for 11 a.m. (CT) on Sept. 2 at Duke Slater Field at Kinnick Stadium, is sold out.
