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, Felipe Hernandez was suspended for wagering on two MLS matches, an action strictly prohibited by the league. Importantly, neither of these games involved Sporting Kansas City, his own team. Investigations revealed no evidence that Hernandez had used insider knowledge to place his bets or that he affected the integrity of either game.
The issue came to light when Hernandez himself informed the club of his gambling activities in July 2021. Consequently, he was banned in October 2021, missing the final few matches of the season. During this period, Hernandez disclosed that he had undergone treatment for a gambling addiction and had concerns about his personal safety.
Reinstatement and Conditions
Despite the suspension, Hernandez was reinstated in time for the start of the 2022 season in January. As a part of his reinstatement conditions, he was required to completely abstain from gambling. The league and his club committed to providing Hernandez with the necessary support and counseling, showcasing their commitment to his well-being and supporting his recovery process.
New Allegations and Current Investigation
Fast forward to the present, and Hernandez is under suspicion once more for allegedly breaching the league’s gambling policies. Consequently, an investigation has been launched into this new alleged violation. During this period, Hernandez is prohibited from training or playing for Sporting Kansas City. Notably, Hernandez had started two of the last three matches before being placed on administrative leave.
Gambling in Sports: A Growing Concern
Hernandez's case is not an isolated incident, as gambling among professional athletes remains a growing concern across various sports. For example, Major League Baseball (MLB) issued a lifetime ban to San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano for betting on his team's games. Similarly, in April, Jontay Porter, Toronto Raptors center, was banned from the NBA for life due to betting on games. Porter had used and shared 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 just 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 facing professional sports leagues in maintaining integrity. Strict regulations against gambling are designed to prevent conflicts of interest and to ensure fairness in competition. The current investigation into Hernandez's activities will be crucial in determining his future in MLS. Both the league and his club will be closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the importance of integrity and fair play.
Conclusion
Felipe Hernandez's case serves as a poignant reminder of the severe consequences athletes face for breaching gambling policies. Such outcomes impact the individuals involved and set significant precedents, serving as warnings 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.