Hawaii Football Point Shaving Allegations

The Honolulu Police Department said late this afternoon that "there is not enough information to open a criminal investigation" of alleged point-shaving by unnamed University of Hawaii football players.


Earlier in the day, UH leadership issued a brief statement, saying UH President MRC Greenwood and UH Board of Regents Chairman Eric Martinson met with HPD Chief Louis Kealoha "to offer UH's full cooperation with HPD's inquiry."


In a statement, HPD said it first was contacted by UH officals about the allegations of point-shaving in early November.


"UH officials gave a copy of an anonymous letter to the HPD," according to spokeswoman Michelle Yu. "At this time, there is not enough information to open a criminal investigation."


Greenwood said that on Nov. 3 the UH Manoa Office of Admissions received an anonymous letter alleging point shaving by unnamed players of the Warrior football team. She said UH officials immediately notified HPD and the NCAA of the allegations.


"UH has alerted the NCAA about the anonymous letter and its contents and, in discussions with them, has been informed it is 'doing exactly what you need to be doing' in this situation," Greenwood said.


UH athletic director Jim Donovan, who is traveling to Las Vegas for the Western Athletic Conference's volleyball tournament, was not immediately available for comment. Head coach Greg McMackin was in a coaches' meeting.


Recognizing the seriousness of these allegations, UH leadership acted promptly and responsibly by immediately alerting the Honolulu Police Department and providing the letter to them.


Board of Regents Chair Eric Martinson and President MRC Greenwood met personally with Chief Louis Kealoha to offer UH's full cooperation with HPD's inquiry.


UH has alerted the NCAA about the anonymous letter and its contents and, in discussions with them, has been informed that it is "doing exactly what you need to be doing" in this situation.


But after looking at the letter, the police department decided against pursuing the tip, releasing a statement to the Star-Advertiser. "UH officials gave a copy of an anonymous letter to the HPD," according to spokeswoman Michelle Yu. "At this time, there is not enough information to open a criminal investigation."


It's unclear at this time if Hawaii or the NCAA will continue their own investigation. Athletic director Jim Donovan and Warriors head coach Greg McMackin have not yet had the opportunity to publicly address the allegation.


The Warriors were 5-3 when the anonymous tip was received, but the team has since lost its last three games.