Five players in Major League Baseball (MLB) are now under investigation for possibly violating the league’s gambling policy. This news comes on the heels of Jontay Porter being handed a lifetime ban from basketball and prosecutors charging Ippei Mizuhara with stealing over $16m from MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani while acting as his translator to pay off gambling debts.
The group of players includes San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano, who could be handed the same lifetime ban Porter received from the National Basketball Association (NBA). Marcano has been accused of betting on games while being a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. It is believed by MLB that Marcano placed wagers involving the Pirates while he was on the team’s injured list.
“We are aware of an active investigation by MLB regarding a matter that occurred when the player in question was a member of another organization and not affiliated with the San Diego Padres. We will not have any further comment until the investigative process has been completed,” the Padres said in a statement released by the team.
Marcano’s punishment has yet to have been finalized as he awaits ongoing negotiations between MLB and the MLB Players Association. In addition to Marcano, it is believed the four other players face potential disciplinary action for betting on baseball while competing in the minor leagues.
MLB players are allowed to bet legally on sports other than baseball, but betting on a baseball game involving teams other than their own results in a one-year suspension. Betting on a game involving one’s own team comes with a lifetime ban.
