AP/Lang
8/2/23
A former walk-on kicker at the University of Iowa was charged Wednesday in connection with wagering on Hawkeye sporting events — one day after Iowa State quarterback Hunter Dekkers was accused of committing the same offense at his school.
Aaron Blom, who was on the Iowa roster from 2020-22, used a DraftKings Sportsbook account set up under his mother’s name and made about 170 mobile or online sports wagers before he turned 21, the legal gambling age in the state. That’s according to a criminal complaint filed in Johnson County.
The wagers totaled over $4,400, with about eight placed on Iowa sporting events. One of the bets included the 2021 Iowa-Iowa State football game.
Blom is also accused in the complaint of tampering with records related to an Iowa Criminal Division investigation into sports gambling.
The bet Blom placed on the rivalry game was an over-under wager, which requires the bettor to choose whether the teams will combine for more or less than a designated combined point total. The over-under for the game was 45 points, and Iowa won 27-17 for a total of 44 points. Blom, who did not participate in the game, chose the under, according to the complaint.
His mother, Michelle Blom, told the Department of Criminal Investigations that the DraftKings account was registered under her name and used by her son with her consent and knowledge. Blom and his parents acknowledged they knew about his online wagering activity and agreed that he would be responsible for any tax implications.
The Johnson County Attorney’s Office announced on Wednesday that two other former Hawkeye athletes were charged in the investigation. They include former Hawkeye basketball player Ahron Ulis and former Hawkeye baseball player Gehrig Christensen. Both are charged with Tampering With Records.