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 arrives 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 wagered on two MLS matches, which is strictly prohibited by the league’s gambling policies. Notably, neither of the games involved his own team. Moreover, there was no evidence to suggest that Hernandez used insider knowledge to place his wagers or affected the integrity of the matches. Hernandez brought his gambling activities to the attention of his club in July 2021. Consequently, he was banned in October 2021, causing him to miss the final few matches of the season. Following his suspension, Hernandez disclosed that he had undergone treatment for a gambling addiction and expressed fears for his safety.
Reinstatement and Conditions
Hernandez was reinstated in January 2022, just in time for the start of the new season. Part of the conditions for his reinstatement included abstaining from gambling. The league and Sporting Kansas City committed to providing Hernandez with the necessary support and counseling to aid his recovery. Sporting Kansas City reiterated their commitment to Hernandez’s well-being and actively supported his recovery process.
New Allegations and Current Investigation
An investigation has now been launched into the new alleged breach of the league’s gambling policies by Hernandez. During the period of investigation, Hernandez is prohibited from training or playing with his team. Before being placed on administrative leave, Hernandez had started in two of the last three matches. The outcome of this investigation will be crucial in determining Hernandez’s future within MLS, as the league and his club closely monitor the situation.
Gambling in Sports: A Growing Concern
Gambling among professional athletes is not an issue unique to Hernandez or MLS. Major League Baseball (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 received a lifetime ban from the NBA for betting on games and sharing 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, and 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 that professional sports leagues face in maintaining the integrity of their respective games. Strict regulations against gambling are in place to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure fairness. The current investigation into Hernandez’s actions will be pivotal in determining his future in MLS. Throughout this process, the league and Sporting Kansas City will remain vigilant in monitoring the situation, reinforcing the importance of integrity and fair play as top priorities.
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 affect the individuals involved but also set precedents and warnings for other athletes. The sports world continues to strive for transparency, fairness, and integrity, with all stakeholders keenly observing how leagues manage these critical issues. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on upholding the principles that ensure the sanctity and fairness of professional sports.