Major League Soccer (MLS) has put 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, a clear violation of the league's stringent gambling policies. It is important to note, however, that neither of the games involved his own team, and there was no evidence that Hernandez used insider knowledge to place the bets or that he affected the integrity of either game. Hernandez voluntarily informed his club of his gambling activities in July 2021.
The league acted swiftly, and Hernandez was handed a suspension in October 2021, causing him to miss 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, with clear stipulations that he must abstain from gambling. The league, along with Sporting Kansas City, committed to providing him with the necessary support and counseling to aid his recovery. Sporting Kansas City expressed their dedication to Hernandez's well-being and supported his rehabilitation process.
New Allegations and Current Investigation
In the recent turn of events, an investigation has been launched into the new alleged breach of gambling policies by Hernandez. As a result of the ongoing investigation, Hernandez is currently prohibited from training or playing for his team. Notably, he had started in two of the last three matches before being placed on administrative leave.
Gambling in Sports: A Growing Concern
Gambling among professional athletes is a concern not unique to Hernandez or MLS. Across various sports, similar cases have surfaced, highlighting the broader implications of gambling violations.
In Major League Baseball (MLB), San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano received a lifetime ban for betting on his team's games. The NBA also dealt with a high-profile case when Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter was banned for life in April for betting on games and sharing confidential information, which led to the arrest of four alleged co-conspirators.
In soccer, Brentford striker Ivan Toney faced an eight-game ban in May 2023 over betting allegations. More recently, Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali received 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 essential to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure the fairness of competitions. The current investigation into Hernandez's actions will be crucial in determining his future in MLS, and the league, along with his club, will be closely monitoring the situation. Emphasizing the importance of integrity and fair play remains a priority for all involved.
Conclusion
Hernandez's case serves as a sobering reminder of the severe consequences athletes face for breaching gambling policies. The outcomes of such investigations not only impact individuals but also serve as precedent and warning for other athletes. As the sports world continues to strive for transparency, fairness, and integrity, stakeholders are keenly observing how leagues manage these crucial issues.