Former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig has been in the middle of a legal battle related to bets he placed on sporting events with an illegal gambling operation.
Puig initially agreed to plead guilty to one count of making false statements to federal law enforcement officials in August 2022, but backed out of that agreement after his attorneys discovered new evidence they believed would exonerate him.
Puig’s trial began last month in a Los Angeles federal court, and jurors deliberated for two full days before reaching a verdict.
According to Sam Blum of The Athletic, Puig has been charged with obstruction of justice and providing false statements to investigators:
Ex-Dodgers star Yasiel Puig was found guilty of obstructing justice and providing false statements to investigators, ending a years-long saga stemming from one voluntary interview with Federal authorities.
Puig now faces up to 20 years in federal prison, though any sentence could be far more lenient. Jurors took most of two days to unanimously agree on Puig’s guilt. The 35-year-old’s charges related to a Jan. 27, 2022 interview with investigators, who were looking into an illegal sports gambling operation.
Puig was released on bail and is currently awaiting sentencing:
The government requested that Puig be remanded, stating their belief that he was a “flight risk.” Judge Dolly M. Gee disagreed, stating Puig can remain out on bond, but would have to check in with the court before any international travel.
Puig’s charges have nothing to do with the bets he placed, but rather with lying to investigators when questioned about the illegal gambling operation.
His defense argued that he attempted to cooperate fully with the government, but did not understand the line of questioning due to cognitive issues.
Puig’s sentencing hearing is now scheduled for May 26.
Yasiel Puig’s Dodgers career
Puig made his MLB debut in 2013 and went on to spend parts of six seasons with the Dodgers. He was traded to the Cincinnati Reds after the 2018 season and also spent time with the Cleveland Indians.
Puig has since gone on to play for the Toros del Este of the Dominican Winter League, El Aguila de Veracruz of the Mexican League and Kiwoom Heroes of the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO). He most recently was with Navegantes del Magallanes of the Venezuelan Winter League.
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