MLB Investigates San Diego Padres Player for Gambling
Major League Baseball (MLB) is currently looking into allegations of gambling against San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano, as reported by MLB. The investigation centers around Marcano betting on Pittsburgh Pirates games while on the major-league injured list for them last season. If found guilty, Marcano could face a lifetime ban from the league, according to sources.
Additional Players Under Scrutiny
Aside from Marcano, four other players are also under investigation for betting on baseball during their time in the minor leagues. The identities of these players have not been disclosed yet. This news was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Official Statements
The San Diego Padres released a statement acknowledging the investigation by MLB but refrained from providing further comments until the process is complete. Both MLB and the MLB Players Association declined to comment on the matter.
Violation of Baseball Rules
MLB strictly prohibits players from engaging in any form of betting on MLB and minor-league games. According to Rule 21, players who bet on baseball games that do not involve their team face a one-year suspension, while those betting on their own team risk a lifetime ban from MLB.
Recent Cases of Gambling in Pro Sports
Marcano’s case is just the latest in a series of instances where gambling has infiltrated professional sports. Notable examples include the bank fraud charges against Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter and manager for misappropriating funds to cover gambling debts, as well as the NBA’s ban on Jontay Porter for betting on games and sharing confidential information.
Historical Precedents
The lifetime ban handed to Pete Rose, the all-time hits leader, for betting on games while playing and managing the Cincinnati Reds in the 1980s serves as a prominent reminder of the consequences of violating MLB’s gambling rules.
Player Profile
Marcano, 24, has been sidelined since July 24, 2023, due to a torn ACL. In the 2023 season, he recorded a batting average of .233 with three home runs and 18 RBIs.
Required Reading
(Photo: George Kubas / Diamond Images via Getty Images)
Read More of this Story at www.nytimes.com – 2024-06-04 04:42:49
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