Student athletes' lawsuit against Iowa investigators in sports betting probe dismissed

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit from Iowa student athletes, ruling that investigators involved in an online gambling probe are entitled to qualified immunity. U. S. District Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger found that the investigators likely violated the students’ Fourth Amendment rights by conducting warrantless searches using geolocation software. Despite acknowledging the potential unconstitutionality of the actions, Ebinger stated that the law regarding such searches was not "clearly established" at the time.

The investigation, which began in May 2023, implicated hundreds of students, resulting in athletic suspensions and criminal charges against 26 individuals. The use of GeoComply software for surveillance raised significant concerns, prompting criticism over the legality of the tactics employed. Investigators aimed to use the findings to advocate for stricter sports betting laws, disregarding warnings about the investigation's legality. The ruling reflects ongoing debates about privacy rights and government surveillance practices. Ebinger's decision emphasizes the complexities of applying constitutional protections in modern digital contexts.