Oklahoma QB John Mateer Refutes Gambling allegations in a strong and clear public statement, pushing back against claims that he engaged in sports betting during his time at Washington State. The 2025 Oklahoma quarterback emphasized that the Venmo transaction descriptions at the heart of the controversy were nothing more than harmless inside jokes between friends — not evidence of NCAA violations.
The situation unfolded after a report surfaced alleging Mateer had twice sent money on Venmo in 2022 with the description “sports gambling.” The allegations immediately drew attention given the NCAA’s strict stance on gambling and the potential consequences for athletes. However, both Mateer and the University of Oklahoma have moved swiftly to address the matter, stressing there is no NCAA investigation and no reason to believe one is forthcoming.
Setting the Record Straight
In a statement posted to social media, Oklahoma QB John Mateer Refutes Gambling accusations directly and without ambiguity.
“The allegations that I once participated in sports gambling are false,” Mateer said. “My previous Venmo descriptions did not accurately portray the transactions in question but were instead inside jokes between me and my friends.”
Mateer acknowledged that, taken out of context, the transaction labels might seem suspicious. Still, he firmly denied placing any bets on sports, past or present.
“I have never bet on sports,” Mateer continued. “I understand the seriousness of the matter, but recognize that, taken out of context, those Venmo descriptions suggest otherwise. I can assure my teammates, coaches, and officials at the NCAA that I have not engaged in any sports gambling.”
The University’s Response
Oklahoma’s athletic department echoed its quarterback’s confidence in the matter. The school issued a formal statement noting that it employs ProhiBet, a comprehensive monitoring tool designed to detect prohibited gambling activity among athletes, coaches, and staff.
“OU takes any allegations of gambling seriously and works closely with the NCAA in any situations of concern,” the statement read. “OU Athletics is unaware of any NCAA investigation and has no reason to believe there is one pending.”
This official backing strengthens the narrative that Oklahoma QB John Mateer Refutes Gambling claims with both transparency and institutional support.
Context Behind the Allegations
The allegations trace back to 2022, when Mateer was a quarterback at Washington State. That year, he reportedly sent two Venmo payments labeled “sports gambling” to a contact. No betting slips, wagers, or further evidence of gambling activity were tied to Mateer beyond those labels.
While the descriptions prompted speculation, Mateer maintains they were part of a private running joke among friends, unrelated to actual betting. The NCAA prohibits athletes from wagering on any sport — not just their own — making the use of such terms risky even in jest. Still, without further proof, the matter appears closed from both Mateer’s and Oklahoma’s perspective.
Mateer’s Football Journey
Beyond the recent controversy, Oklahoma QB John Mateer Refutes Gambling allegations during what has otherwise been a promising career trajectory. Following the 2024 season, Mateer transferred from Washington State to Oklahoma, reuniting with former Cougars offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle.
Mateer’s performance at Washington State turned heads across college football. He threw for 3,139 yards, notched 29 touchdowns against just seven interceptions, and added 826 rushing yards with 15 rushing scores. His dual-threat ability made him one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the transfer portal.
Since joining Oklahoma, Mateer has quickly emerged as a leader. He was one of only three players chosen to represent the Sooners at SEC Media Days in July, where both head coach Brent Venables and teammates praised his maturity, work ethic, and competitive spirit.
A Nationally Ranked Contender
Entering the 2025 season, Oklahoma is ranked No. 18 in the AP Top 25 poll, with Mateer expected to be a central figure in their push for an SEC title in the program’s debut season in the conference. The Sooners’ offense is projected to be dynamic, blending Arbuckle’s passing schemes with Mateer’s mobility.
The focus on Mateer’s leadership has only intensified since the allegations emerged. By addressing them head-on, Oklahoma QB John Mateer Refutes Gambling claims before they could overshadow the team’s momentum heading into the season.
The NCAA’s Stance on Gambling
The NCAA has recently intensified its monitoring of gambling-related activity following a string of investigations across multiple sports programs. College athletes found betting on sports can face suspensions, loss of eligibility, and other penalties.
In this environment, even the appearance of gambling can be damaging. Mateer’s proactive response demonstrates awareness of the rules and a commitment to maintaining his eligibility and reputation. His acknowledgment that the Venmo descriptions “could lead one to believe otherwise” reflects an understanding of how perception matters as much as intent in NCAA compliance matters.
Leadership Beyond the Field
Teammates and coaches have repeatedly described Mateer as a stabilizing force for the Sooners. His ability to step into a leadership role despite being new to the program speaks volumes about his character.
For Venables, having a quarterback who can navigate both on-field challenges and off-field controversies is essential for a team looking to compete at the highest level in its first SEC season. Oklahoma QB John Mateer Refutes Gambling not just with words, but with a track record of discipline, preparation, and accountability.
Social Media and the Risks of Humor
The controversy also highlights how easily private humor can be misinterpreted in public spaces. Venmo’s open transaction descriptions, often visible to others, have become a source of unintended scrutiny for many public figures.
By labeling his transactions “sports gambling,” Mateer may have been playing into an inside joke with friends, but the label’s public visibility left it open to misinterpretation. His experience serves as a cautionary tale for athletes in the social media era: words matter, even when they’re meant in jest.
Focus Back on Football
Now that the allegations have been addressed, Mateer and the Sooners can return their focus to the gridiron. With a challenging SEC schedule ahead, Oklahoma will need Mateer at his best to navigate matchups against some of college football’s toughest defenses.
Oklahoma QB John Mateer Refutes Gambling with the same decisiveness he shows on the field — taking control of the narrative and refusing to let distractions derail his season. The Sooners’ championship hopes depend in large part on his ability to lead under pressure, and this situation has already proven he can handle intense scrutiny.
Looking Ahead
As the season opener approaches, Mateer’s statement stands as the final word on the matter unless new evidence surfaces — which both he and Oklahoma insist does not exist. With his integrity affirmed by both personal declaration and institutional backing, he can shift the conversation back to football.
In the world of college athletics, where reputations can turn in a moment, Mateer’s swift and transparent approach may serve as a model for handling unfounded accusations. By taking ownership of his narrative, he not only protects his own standing but also reinforces the trust of his coaches, teammates, and fans.
Oklahoma QB John Mateer Refutes Gambling — and in doing so, he turns a potential distraction into an example of leadership. With the controversy addressed, he can now focus entirely on leading the Sooners into one of the most anticipated seasons in program history.