Auburn PG Varez Ward Subject of Federal Point-Shaving Investigation

A dark cloud of NCAA scrutiny and FBI intrigue will waft over Auburn basketball, as point guard Varez Ward is the target of an on-going point-shaving probe. 

Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson reports disturbing news that Auburn's point guard Varez Ward is alleged to have shaved points on two instances. 

Robinson writes:

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Three sources with knowledge of the case said the FBI has been investigating Ward since late February after he and guard Chris Denson were suspended by the Tigers prior to a Feb. 25 home game against Arkansas.

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The report makes note that Denson was questioned on possible inclusion in point-shaving but was cleared of any and all wrongdoing. 

Robinson then writes that other Tigers have been questioned whether they were enlisted in any possible rule breaking. 

The games in question are a 68-50 loss to Alabama on Feb. 7 and a 56-53 loss to Arkansas on Jan. 25. Robinson catches us up on what transpired during those games in respects to Ward. Here is what the Yahoo Sports' writer has to say:

Alabama Game

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Ward played 17 minutes, scoring three points (shooting 1-for-5 from the field and 1-for-2 from the free-throw line) and committing six turnovers with two assists. 

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Ward averages 2.7 turnovers per game and 8.9 points per contest on the year. 

Arkansas Game 

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Ward checked in with 14:25 to play. He turned the ball over in the backcourt on his first possession 19 seconds later, falling to the floor as Arkansas converted the turnover into a layup. After remaining on the floor for more than a minute, Ward left the game limping on his right leg. Coach Tony Barbee later described the injury as a knee to Ward’s quadriceps.

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Leaving that game left Auburn with just one reserve point guard and depth became an issue. 

So far, Ward has not commented on the accusations; Robinson does well to note that Ward has even kept clear of Twitter since February 24th. 

Auburn ended the season 15-15, and 10th in the SEC. 

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