BREAKING: Former Indiana basketball player Joe Hillman confident he won't be charged in gambling probe

INDIANAPOLIS — Former Indiana basketball player Joe Hillman said during a telephone call Wednesday that he and his attorney feel certain he won't face any charges in connection to the investigation into businessman Bret Wells' extensive gambling ring.

"I really can't comment on any of this right now,'' Hillman said during a four-minute conversation from his Indianapolis insurance office. He was on Indiana's 1987 national championship team and played for IU from 1984-89.

"But I do not have a gambling problem of any kind and I am confident I won't be charged with anything. I can't say anything else right now.''

Hillman's name emerged in various reports on Tuesday because he was mentioned a few times in an affidavit filed Aug. 28 in Hancock County Circuit Court. The affidavit says that Hillman and Wells met several times while Wells was under surveillance by Indiana Gaming Control Officers.

Wells has been charged with six felony counts, including professional gambling and corrupt business influence. Hillman has not been charged with anything.

According to the affidavit, state gaming control officers said Wells' gambling ring had taken more than $17 million in bets and had made more than $1.8 million in profit in the past several years.

Sports gambling became legal in Indiana on Sept. 1, but only in-person at authorized sites at casinos and racetracks around the state.