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 guilty of wagering on two MLS matches, a strict violation of the league's policies. Despite none of the games involving his team, the act itself was enough to breach the league's rules. Crucially, no evidence was found indicating that Hernandez had used insider knowledge or affected the integrity of the matches.
Hernandez took the commendable step of informing his club of his gambling activities in July 2021. By October of that year, he accepted his punishment—a suspension that saw him miss the final few matches of the season. In his statement, Hernandez disclosed that he had undergone treatment for a gambling addiction and had feared for his safety during the ordeal.
Reinstatement and Conditions
Following his suspension, Hernandez was reinstated just in time for the 2022 season kickoff in January. However, this reinstatement came with stringent conditions, the foremost being his continued abstinence from gambling. MLS and Sporting Kansas City committed to providing Hernandez with the necessary support and counseling to ensure his well-being and recovery. The club demonstrated their commitment to Hernandez by supporting his journey towards recovery and reintegration into professional soccer.
New Allegations and Current Investigation
Despite the support and second chance, Hernandez now finds himself under investigation for a new alleged breach of the league's gambling policies. As the investigation unfolds, Hernandez has been placed on administrative leave, which prohibits him from training or playing with his team. Until recently, he had been actively participating, starting in two of the last three matches before this latest development.
Gambling in Sports: A Growing Concern
Gambling among professional athletes is not unique to Hernandez or MLS. Across various sports leagues, similar incidents have underscored the growing concern. In Major League Baseball (MLB), San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano received a lifetime ban for betting on his own team’s games. Similarly, in April, the NBA handed Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter a lifetime ban for betting on games and sharing confidential information, which led to the arrest of four alleged co-conspirators.
Soccer has also seen its share of gambling-related controversies. Brentford striker Ivan Toney was banned for eight games in May 2023 over betting allegations. More recently, in October 2023, Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali received a 10-month ban for gambling on Italian league matches while playing in Italy. These instances highlight the persistent challenge of maintaining the integrity of sports against the shadow of gambling.
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's actions will be pivotal in determining his future in MLS. Both the league and Sporting Kansas City will be closely monitoring the situation, reinforcing the importance of integrity and fair play.
Conclusion
Hernandez's situation serves as a stark 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. As the sports world continues to strive for transparency, fairness, and integrity, all stakeholders are keenly observing how leagues manage these crucial issues. The resolution of Hernandez's case will significantly influence the ongoing dialogue around gambling in professional sports and emphasize the priority placed on maintaining the integrity of the game.