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. 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. He was banned in October 2021, missing the final few matches of the season. Hernandez disclosed he had undergone treatment for a gambling addiction and feared for his safety during that time.
Reinstatement and Conditions
Hernandez was reinstated in time for the start of the 2022 season in January, on the condition that he continued to abstain from gambling. The league and his club committed to providing him with support and counseling as necessary. Sporting Kansas City expressed a strong commitment to Hernandez’s well-being and supported his recovery process.
New Allegations and Current Investigation
An investigation has been launched into the new alleged 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.
Gambling in Sports: A Growing Concern
Gambling among professional athletes is not unique to Hernandez or MLS. In recent years, several high-profile cases in various sports leagues have highlighted this issue. MLB issued a lifetime ban to San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano for betting on his team's games. In April, Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter was banned from the NBA for life for betting on games, using and sharing confidential information which led to the arrest of four alleged co-conspirators. Similarly, in soccer, Brentford striker Ivan Toney was banned for eight games in May 2023 over betting allegations. More recently, 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 that fairness is not compromised. The current investigation will be crucial in determining Hernandez's future in MLS. Both the league and his club will be closely monitoring the situation. Emphasizing the importance of integrity and fair play remains a priority.
Conclusion
Hernandez's case serves as a reminder of the severe consequences athletes face for breaching gambling policies. These outcomes not only impact the individuals involved but also serve as a precedent and warning 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, which could shape the future governance of professional sports.