Report: Auburn Guard Varez Ward Under Federal Investigation for Potential Role in Point-Shaving Probe

There is arguably nothing worse in college sports than a point-shaving scandals, and a school in one of the NCAA's most noticeable conferences may be in the midst of some big trouble.

Yahoo! Sports is reporting that Auburn point guard Varez Ward is under federal investigation for his alleged role in a potential point-shaving scandal. According to the reporting of Yahoo's Charles Robinson, the FBI has been investigating Ward since February when he was suspended by the team before a Feb. 25 game. Guard Chris Denson was also questioned, but was cleared.

The coaching staff was reportedly tipped off by a player who went to an assistant coach in February. The team looked into the matter, contacted the NCAA and FBI and not long after, head coach Tony Barbee suspended Ward for a violation of team rules.

According to the Yahoo! report, investigators are reportedly looking at two Tigers games from this season in connection with the probe. One of those games was an 18-point loss to Alabama in which the Crimson Tide entered as a five-point favorite.

The second instance came during a Jan. 25 against Arkansas. Ward turned the ball over immediately after checking into the game with 14:25 play. He fell to the floor following the turnover, and Arkansas scored on the other end. Ward then left the game with a limp and what was eventually called a quadriceps injury. Auburn entered the game as 9.5-point underdogs and actually covered the spread, only losing 56-53.