Major League Soccer suspended midfielder Felipe Hernandez, of Sporting Kansas City, for not only gambling, but betting on two MLS games. Hernandez, who can return to play January 1, forfeits his pay as well for violating the league’s gambling integrity rules.
An independent investigation initiated in July revealed Hernandez was involved in “extensive and unlawful sports gambling,” but did not bet on his own team. Hernandez acknowledged his betting issues to team manager, Peter Vermes. Because of his gambling debts, he feared for his safety, according to ESPN.
In a post on his Twitter account, Hernandez said he has undergone treatment for a gambling addiction and is aiming to return to the field.
“Over the last several months, I have been able to reassess, take responsibility for my actions and get the proper care for something that has greatly affected me,” Hernandez wrote on Twitter.
Hernandez is the second professional athlete in a U.S. sports league reported to have bet on his own league since the Supreme Court struck down the sports betting ban in 2018.
“The integrity of our game and safety of our players is MLS’ top priority,” the league said in a news release announcing the suspension. “MLS would like to thank law enforcement, Sporting Kansas City, and the MLS Players Association for their cooperation and assistance in this matter.”
