Roy Alexander, a wide receiver for the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) Cardinals, has initiated a lawsuit against the NCAA in Bexar County District Court. The legal action, filed on August 19, seeks to overturn a six-game suspension imposed due to sports betting activities that occurred between 2023 and 2025.
In the lawsuit, Alexander argues that the NCAA's decision is "wholly unreasonable" and requests an injunction that would permit him to participate fully in the upcoming season. The court documents emphasize that Alexander did not place any bets on games involving his own institution, and that the majority of his wagers were modest, with most being under $12 and the largest totaling $80.
Alexander's collegiate career began at Albany, where he played from 2021 to 2023. He then transferred to UIW for the 2024 season before spending the 2025 season at Texas Tech. According to the lawsuit, Alexander ceased gambling in April 2025 after he was made aware of the dangers associated with betting through an article. The lawsuit also claims that Texas Tech failed to report his betting violations to the NCAA until after he had transferred back to UIW in January 2026.
Despite the suspension, Alexander was able to play in UIW's season opener against Oklahoma Panhandle State, where he recorded one catch for four yards in a commanding 76-14 victory. This opportunity was made possible because UIW's first opponent was an NAIA team, allowing Alexander to participate while the legal proceedings unfold.
Desi Martinez, Alexander's attorney, stated that the purpose of the lawsuit is to ensure fairness for Alexander, asserting that he deserves the chance to showcase his talent on the field this season. The NCAA, however, has reiterated its commitment to its sports betting policies, emphasizing that its rules are clear and have received support from the majority of Division I institutions. In a statement, the NCAA expressed its intention to uphold these regulations and defend against any challenges that may undermine their enforcement.
As one of the standout players anticipated to lead the UIW offense in 2026, Alexander's return to the program is significant. He previously set a school record in 2024 with 100 receptions for 1,108 yards and 13 touchdowns. His time at Texas Tech was marred by injury, as he participated in only three games due to a concussion, finishing that season with three receptions for 31 yards.
Looking ahead, UIW's next game is scheduled for September 12 against Northern Arizona. The university has acknowledged the ongoing legal matter but stated that it will comply with NCAA regulations regarding Alexander's suspension. In their official statement, UIW clarified that it is not a party to the lawsuit and refrained from commenting on the litigation.
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