University of Iowa defensive lineman Noah Shannon has announced that he won’t be attending the media days for the Big Ten Conference. The young star is involved in an ongoing gambling investigation by the NCAA. Senior linebacker Jay Higgins will be replacing Shannon this week.

In May, it came to light that 26 University of Iowa athletes across five different sports were under investigation for possible gambling rule violations. Anyone found guilty could face bans on competing in their respective sports.

received an honorable mention in the last two seasons for All-Big Ten honors

The Big Ten Conference is the oldest Division 1 college athletic conference in the US, even predating the founding of the NCAA. Shannon is a senior and received an honorable mention in the last two seasons for All-Big Ten honors.

In the statement announcing his media days withdrawal, he said: “Since the NCAA review is not yet complete, I don’t feel it is right for me to represent the team.” The Illinois native asked Coach Kirk Ferentz to select another player as a result. The Iowa Hawkeyes coach praised his player for revealing the true reason for his withdrawal.