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Beth Goetz, new interim AD at Iowa, discusses gambling, Caitlin Clark and other topics

Parker Gillam

By Parker Gillam

Published:

Interim Iowa athletic director Beth Goetz was introduced in a press conference on Thursday. Goetz replaces Gary Barta, who served as AD for the Hawkeyes for 17 years before he retired on August 1.

Goetz, who served as the chair of the D-1 women’s basketball committee in 2021, talked about a variety of topics ranging from NIL to the recent gambling issues surrounding the Iowa athletics department.

“When it comes to name, image and likeness, it’s a critical, critical piece for our student athletes.” Goetz said. “It’s just as important nowadays as scholarships, facilities and other operational needs.”

Along with changes to the financial freedom of collegiate athletes has come a new era of sports gambling. With more and more states legalizing sports betting, the popularity of the pastime grows. That can lead to negative outcomes.

An investigation into the Iowa and Iowa State sports programs launched in early May, and examined 26 student-athletes that may have been involved in online sports gambling. Former Iowa basketball players Ahron Luis and Gehrig Christensen were charged recently, as well as football player Jack Johnson and former players Garland Bruce IV and Reggie Bracy. Goetz was asked about how the education and treatment of gambling will be handled during her tenure.

“Anytime you see something like this, you want to evaluate what practices you have in place and what you are doing,” Goetz said. “I do think we had educational components in place, but the world has changed. We know and believe that nothing is more important than the integrity of the game, and we will continue to create ways for student-athletes to understand the risks and rules that are associated with sports gambling.”

In the end, Goetz believes that the university and the student-athletes themselves were very transparent and cooperative during the investigation process and are just days away from receiving information on the reinstatement process.

Of course, Goetz also acknowledged the accomplishments of Iowa women’s basketball star Caitlin Clark, who returns for her senior season as the reigning Naismith Women’s Basketball Player of the Year.

“Just like any sports fan, I was a huge fan of her game when I was on the women’s basketball committee,” Goetz said regarding Clark. “We’re just so fortunate to have someone like that who took that stage and is using it for something positive.”

Parker Gillam