## Athletes Accuse Iowa Law Enforcement Agency of Illegally Obtaining Gambling Information
Eleven current and former athletes at Iowa and Iowa State have recently joined a federal lawsuit that accuses an Iowa law enforcement agency of illegally obtaining gambling information. The lawsuit alleges that the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) violated the athletes’ civil rights and conducted an unreasonable seizure through the Fourth and 14th Amendments.
The original lawsuit, filed in April, included 26 athletes, and the recent motion to intervene adds an additional 11 plaintiffs to the case. The athletes claim that the DCI used geofence technology at Iowa and Iowa State’s athletic facilities to identify online sports wagering accounts for phone apps that were opened or active. The agency then allegedly used analytic software to obtain reports detailing the dates, times, and geolocations of those accounts and acquired subpoenas to secure geolocation data and contents of electronic communication.
The new plaintiffs in the lawsuit include current Iowa State wrestler Paniro Johnson, former Iowa football player Terry Roberts, former Iowa wrestler Brennan Swafford, former Iowa State wrestlers Corey Cabanban, Samuel Schuyler, Carter Schmidt, Nathan Schon, Drew Woodley, former Iowa State track athlete Cameron “Cam” Jones, former Iowa State football player Jeremiah Mathis III, and former Iowa men’s basketball equipment manager Evan Schuster. They are seeking damages, attorney fees, and a jury trial.
## Violation of Civil Rights and Unreasonable Seizure
The allegations made by the athletes in this lawsuit are serious, as they claim that their civil rights were violated by the DCI. The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures, while the 14th Amendment ensures equal protection under the law. If the DCI did indeed use geofence technology to obtain personal information without proper legal justification, it would constitute a violation of these constitutional rights.
The use of geofence technology in this manner raises concerns about privacy and the extent to which law enforcement agencies can access personal information without due process. It is important for individuals to have confidence that their private data will be protected, especially when it comes to sensitive information related to gambling activities.
## Implications for College Athletics
This lawsuit not only raises questions about the actions of the DCI but also highlights the potential risks and consequences for college athletes who engage in online sports wagering. The athletes involved in this case allege that their personal information was obtained without their consent, which could have serious implications for their privacy and reputation.
College athletes already face strict regulations and guidelines regarding their involvement in gambling activities. The NCAA has strict rules in place to ensure the integrity of college sports and prevent athletes from participating in any form of sports betting. However, this lawsuit brings to light the challenges that athletes may face in protecting their personal information and privacy, even when they are not directly involved in illegal activities.
## Legal Representation and Demands
The new plaintiffs in this lawsuit are represented by attorneys Chris Sandy of Spirit Lake, Iowa; Grant Gerleman and James Roberts of Addison, Texas. They join the Des Moines-based attorneys Van Plumb, Matt Boles, and Adam Witosky, who filed the original lawsuit.
The athletes are seeking damages, attorney fees, and a jury trial. This indicates their determination to hold the DCI accountable for their alleged actions and ensure that their rights are protected. By pursuing legal action, these athletes are not only seeking justice for themselves but also highlighting the importance of safeguarding personal information and upholding civil rights.
## Conclusion
The recent addition of eleven athletes to the federal lawsuit against the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation brings further attention to the issue of illegally obtaining gambling information. These athletes allege that their civil rights were violated and that the DCI conducted an unreasonable seizure of their personal data. This case raises important questions about privacy, the use of geofence technology, and the potential risks faced by college athletes engaged in online sports wagering. By seeking damages, attorney fees, and a jury trial, these athletes are taking a stand to protect their rights and shed light on the importance of safeguarding personal information in the digital age.