Suspended TU athletic director never bet on TU games, attorney says

Ross M. Parmley also will cooperate with an NCAA investigation of the allegations, the attorney said.

TU on Tuesday placed Parmley, 39, on paid administrative leave after the FBI identified him in a court affidavit as an “admitted gambler.” Parmley told FBI agents last year he bet on college and professional football games for years before quitting in 2010, a source told The Oklahoman.

He is not facing any criminal charge but sports wagering is a violation of NCAA rules. TU notified the NCAA Tuesday about the gambling allegations, a university spokeswoman, Kayla K. Acebo, said.

“It is the intention of Mr. Parmley to cooperate with any NCAA investigation,” said Parmley's attorney, Derek Chance of Oklahoma City. “Additionally, there has not been an allegation of Mr. Parmley betting on any sport associated with the University of Tulsa, nor was any such bet ever made.”

Parmley intends to meet soon with an NCAA representative, the attorney said. “It will be some time in the next week or so,” the attorney said.

Parmley was named athletic director 10 months ago. He has worked for the university's athletics department since 2005.

In a statement Wednesday, TU said, “As this is an ongoing investigation, The University of Tulsa will not be offering any comment regarding any issues associated with this matter other than we are fully cooperating with the NCAA.”

The NCAA said Wednesday it cannot comment on current, pending or potential investigations.

It also stated: “The NCAA opposes all forms of legal and illegal sports wagering because it threatens the well-being of student-athletes and can undermine the integrity of college sports. NCAA rules do not allow student-athletes, athletics staff members, university staff with athletics department responsibilities or conference office staff to engage in sports wagering on any level — college, professional or otherwise — in which the NCAA holds a championship.”

Mitchell ties

The FBI reported Parmley was identified as a gambler during an investigation of Teddy Mitchell, of Oklahoma City.