Two MLB Players Arrested on Federal Charges
Federal criminal indictments were unsealed Sunday against two Cleveland Guardian pitchers, Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, alleging that the two accepted bribes in order to “rig bets on pitches thrown” during MLB games. Both pitchers were placed on non-disciplinary leave by MLB after sportsbooks were alerted to suspicious so-called “prop bets” in which unusually large wagers were placed on the two throwing balls at particular times in the game. Both players maintain their innocence, with Mr. Ortiz’ defense team saying in a statement that they “extensively explained and documented to the government before these charges were brought, Luis’ payments and other transfers of money between him and individuals in the Dominican Republic were for lawful activities.” This type of illegal collusion is by no means confined to baseball, as we have previously covered allegations against NBA players, with further investigations recently revealed against a number of current players and coaches alleging improper and illegal behavior. Since the Supreme Court struck down a federal prohibition against gambling in 2018, and left regulation to individual states, states and sports authorities have worried about the effects gambling would have on the integrity of sports, and for good reason, as charges/investigations over the ensuing years would show. While the bets themselves are not illegal under many state laws in the wake of legalization, colluding with third parties to place bets on individual performances that are purposely altered can lead to various charges such as wire fraud conspiracy charges, money laundering, and bribery charges, as Ortiz and Clase have found themselves charged with in this case. It is alleged that Clase caused at least $400,000 in fraudulent wagers to be won by co-conspirators, with payments for the pitchers to throw the prearranged pitches, totaling as little as $5,000-$7,000 in the form of bribes at various points throughout the season.
NBA Players Arrested and Accused of Ties to the Mob
Last month, federal charges were announced against 31 individuals, including NBA head coach and hall of famer Chauncey Billups, accused of rigging illegal high stakes poker games, as well as unrelated accusations of a separate conspiracy to fix basketball prop bets on individuals that included NBA player Terry Rozier. In announcing the charges, United States Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. stated that, “this was a sophisticated conspiracy involving athletes, coaches, and intermediaries who exploited confidential information for profit. Insider betting schemes erode the integrity of American sports, and this Office will continue in its strong tradition of holding accountable anyone who seeks to corrupt sports through illegal means.” “Former and current NBA players and coaches, including Terry Rozier, Damon Jones and additional co-conspirators, allegedly informed the defendants and others of confidential information relating to upcoming NBA games and player performances, such as pre-release medical information and a player’s intention to alter their upcoming game performance, which favored certain bettors within their inner social circle,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia, outlining specific examples of games that were compromised by individuals. With the pervasiveness of sports gambling and the ability to engage certain bets on individual phones, it is likely that more gambling rings will be targeted in the future and individuals charged for alleged illegal behavior.
