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
In 2021, Hernandez was found to have wagered on two MLS matches, an action strictly prohibited by the league. Importantly, neither of the games involved his team, and no evidence was discovered to suggest that Hernandez used insider knowledge to influence his wagers or affected the integrity of either game. Hernandez himself brought his gambling activities to the attention of the club in July 2021. Following this revelation, he was banned in October 2021, resulting in him missing the final few matches of the season. During this period, Hernandez disclosed that he had undergone treatment for a gambling addiction and expressed concerns for his safety.
Reinstatement and Conditions
Hernandez was reinstated in time for the start of the 2022 season in January, under the condition that he abstain from gambling. The league and his club committed to providing the necessary support and counseling to aid in his recovery. Sporting Kansas City expressed a strong commitment to Hernandez’s well-being, demonstrating their support for his recovery process.
New Allegations and Current Investigation
Now, an investigation has been launched into the new alleged breach of gambling policies by Hernandez. During this period, he is prohibited from training or playing for his team. Hernandez had started two of the last three matches before his administrative leave, highlighting his active participation in the team prior to the allegations.
Gambling in Sports: A Growing Concern
Gambling among professional athletes is not unique to Hernandez or MLS. Instances of similar issues have emerged across various sports leagues, underlining a prevalent concern. For instance, 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's case was particularly severe as he 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. Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali received a 10-month ban in October 2023 for gambling on Italian league matches while he was 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. The current investigation into Hernandez will be crucial in determining his future in MLS. The league and his club will be closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the importance of integrity and fair play.
Conclusion
Hernandez's case serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences athletes face for breaching gambling policies. The outcomes of such breaches not only impact the individuals involved but also serve as precedents and warnings for other athletes. The sports world continues to strive for transparency, fairness, and integrity. All stakeholders are keenly observing how leagues manage these crucial issues, as maintaining the integrity of sports remains a top priority.