St. John's University Athletics
St. John’s Hosts Gambling Education Workshops for Student-Athletes and Staff
2/6/2026 3:31:00 PM | General
Department partnered with EPIC Global Solutions to provide educational opportunities on dangers of gambling
QUEENS, N.Y. – The St. John's Athletic Department partnered with EPIC Global Solutions to provide two days of educational workshops on Feb. 4-5, detailing the dangers of gambling for student-athletes, coaches and administrators.
The session was led by Stevin "Headake" Smith, a former Arizona State men's basketball standout who served time for his role in a point-shaving scandal during his time in Tempe.
"As a department, we take very seriously our duty to educate our student-athletes and staff on the perils of sports gambling, especially as the shifting national landscape has made gambling and its dangers more pervasive than ever," said University Vice President and Director of Athletics Ed Kull. "Headake Smith's story was captivating. I'm hopeful that his message will resonate with those in attendance for a long time to come."
Smith started with an overview of general gambling dangers and national statistics before sharing the details of his personal story, in which video game wagering in college was a gateway into more serious betting on his own games and shaving points.
"For me, it's teaching. It's educating," said Smith. "I want student-athletes to understand that there are consequences to everything they do wrong and to learn from me. Don't get caught up like I did because it's really easy to get caught up."
Smith was arrested three years after his graduation for his role in shaving points and spent one year and one day in prison.
A two-time First Team All-Pac-10 selection at Arizona State, Smith played professionally for more than a decade after being released from prison, but the stigma of his gambling convictions followed him as he attempted to transition to a post-playing career.
Smith's speech is part of a longer, year-round initiative by the department to develop student-athletes both on and off the fields of competition, fostering future success in all facets of life.
The session was led by Stevin "Headake" Smith, a former Arizona State men's basketball standout who served time for his role in a point-shaving scandal during his time in Tempe.
"As a department, we take very seriously our duty to educate our student-athletes and staff on the perils of sports gambling, especially as the shifting national landscape has made gambling and its dangers more pervasive than ever," said University Vice President and Director of Athletics Ed Kull. "Headake Smith's story was captivating. I'm hopeful that his message will resonate with those in attendance for a long time to come."
Smith started with an overview of general gambling dangers and national statistics before sharing the details of his personal story, in which video game wagering in college was a gateway into more serious betting on his own games and shaving points.
"For me, it's teaching. It's educating," said Smith. "I want student-athletes to understand that there are consequences to everything they do wrong and to learn from me. Don't get caught up like I did because it's really easy to get caught up."
Smith was arrested three years after his graduation for his role in shaving points and spent one year and one day in prison.
A two-time First Team All-Pac-10 selection at Arizona State, Smith played professionally for more than a decade after being released from prison, but the stigma of his gambling convictions followed him as he attempted to transition to a post-playing career.
Smith's speech is part of a longer, year-round initiative by the department to develop student-athletes both on and off the fields of competition, fostering future success in all facets of life.
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