Conviction in Sports Betting Investigation
LOS ANGELES — Yasiel Puig, the former Major League Baseball slugger known for his electric play with the Los Angeles Dodgers and other teams, has been found guilty on federal charges tied to an illegal sports betting investigation. A federal jury in Los Angeles convicted the 35-year-old on counts of obstruction of justice and making false statements to investigators after a multiweek trial. The verdict was announced on February 6, and Puig now faces a potential prison term.
Details of the Federal Case
Prosecutors presented evidence that Puig placed hundreds of bets on sporting events through an unlicensed gambling operation dating back to 2019. During the trial, it emerged that federal agents interviewed Puig in January 2022 about his involvement, and the jury concluded he lied and obstructed the investigation during that interview. The charges stem from a broader probe into illegal wagering connected to a bookmaking network.
Authorities say Puig initially incurred significant gambling debts and made nearly 900 wagers on tennis, football, and basketball games. Although he once agreed to plead guilty in 2022 under a deal involving fines and probation, he later withdrew that plea and chose to contest the charges at trial.
Sentencing and Next Steps
Sentencing is scheduled for late May, and Puig could face up to 15 years behind bars under federal sentencing guidelines, though actual punishment remains to be seen. His defense team has signaled plans to appeal the conviction. The case has drawn attention for its intersection of sports, illegal betting, and federal criminal law.
