Major League Soccer (MLS) has once again placed Sporting Kansas City midfielder Felipe Hernandez on administrative leave amid suspicions that he may have violated the league’s stringent gambling policies for a second time.
This recent 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 wagered on two MLS matches. Although neither game involved his own team, such actions are strictly prohibited by the league's regulations. An investigation revealed no evidence that Hernandez used insider knowledge to place his bets or that he affected the integrity of either game.
Hernandez reported his gambling activities to the club in July 2021. Shortly afterward, in October 2021, he was banned, which caused him to miss the final few matches of the season. In a candid disclosure, Hernandez admitted he had undergone treatment for a gambling addiction and expressed concerns for his safety amid his struggles.
Reinstatement and Conditions
Hernandez was reinstated in time for the start of the 2022 season in January, under the strict condition that he continues to abstain from gambling. The league and his club both committed to providing him with ongoing support and counseling as needed to aid in his recovery process. Sporting Kansas City emphasized their commitment to Hernandez’s well-being and supported his journey toward recovery wholeheartedly.
New Allegations and Current Investigation
Now, an investigation has been launched regarding a new alleged breach of gambling policies by Hernandez. During this period, Hernandez is prohibited from training or playing for his team. It is notable that Hernandez had started in two of Sporting Kansas City’s last three matches before he was placed on administrative leave.
Gambling in Sports: A Growing Concern
Gambling among professional athletes is not an issue unique to Felipe Hernandez or MLS. Major sports leagues around the world have faced similar challenges.
For instance, Major League Baseball (MLB) issued a lifetime ban to San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano for betting on his own team's games. In April, Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter was banned from the NBA for life for betting on games—a case complicated further by his use and sharing of confidential information, which led 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. Similarly, Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali received a 10-month ban in October 2023 for gambling on Italian league matches while still playing in Italy.
Maintaining Integrity in Sports
These high-profile cases underscore the ongoing challenges professional sports leagues face in maintaining integrity. Strict regulations against gambling are designed to prevent conflicts of interest and to ensure that the fairness and integrity of the game are never compromised.
The current investigation into Hernandez's actions 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 in the sport.
Conclusion
Hernandez's case serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences athletes face for breaching gambling policies. The outcomes of such investigations impact individual careers and also set 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 critical issues.