Major League Soccer (MLS) has placed Sporting Kansas City midfielder Felipe Hernandez on administrative leave amid suspicions that he may have violated the league’s gambling policies for a second time.
This development comes less than three years after Hernandez was previously suspended at the end of the 2021 season for breaching the league’s gambling integrity rules and standards of conduct.
Previous Suspension in 2021
Hernandez wagered on two MLS matches, which is strictly prohibited by the league. Crucially, neither of the games involved his team, and there was no evidence that Hernandez used insider knowledge to wager or affected the integrity of either game. Hernandez informed the club of his gambling activities in July 2021 and was subsequently banned in October 2021, missing the final few matches of the season. During this time, Hernandez disclosed he had undergone treatment for a gambling addiction and feared for his safety.
Reinstatement and Conditions
Hernandez was reinstated in time for the start of the 2022 season in January, under strict conditions that he abstains from any form of gambling. The league and his club, Sporting Kansas City, committed to providing him with support and counseling as necessary. Sporting Kansas City expressed a commitment to Hernandez’s well-being and actively supported his recovery process.
New Allegations and Current Investigation
Recently, new allegations have surfaced, leading to an investigation into another potential breach of gambling policies. During this period, Hernandez is prohibited from training or playing for his team. Notably, Hernandez had started two of the last three matches before his administrative leave was enforced.
Gambling in Sports: A Growing Concern
Gambling among professional athletes is not unique to Hernandez or MLS. For example, Major League Baseball (MLB) issued a lifetime ban to San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano for betting on his team's games. Similarly, in April, Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter was banned from the NBA for life for betting on games. Porter used and shared confidential information, leading to the arrest of four alleged co-conspirators. In soccer, Brentford striker Ivan Toney was banned for eight games in May 2023 over betting allegations. Additionally, Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali was given a 10-month ban in October 2023 for gambling on Italian league matches while playing in Italy.
Maintaining Integrity in Sports
These cases underscore the ongoing challenges professional sports leagues face in maintaining integrity. Strict regulations against gambling are designed to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure fairness in the sport. The current investigation into Hernandez's conduct will be crucial in determining his future in MLS, as the league and his club are closely monitoring the situation.
Emphasizing the importance of integrity and fair play remains a priority for all stakeholders. This is not only to protect the interests of the players but also the credibility of the sport as a whole. From the athletes to the league officials, everyone understands the severe consequences that come with breaching gambling policies.
Conclusion
Hernandez's case serves as a powerful reminder of the severe consequences athletes face for breaching gambling policies. The outcomes of such cases not only impact individuals but also serve as a precedent and warning for other athletes. As the sporting world continues to strive for transparency, fairness, and integrity, all stakeholders are keenly observing how leagues manage these crucial issues.