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
Hernandez wagered on two MLS matches, which is strictly prohibited by the league. Importantly, neither of these games involved his own team, and there was no evidence suggesting that Hernandez used insider knowledge to make his bets or that the integrity of either game was affected.
Hernandez informed the club of his gambling activities in July 2021. By October of that year, he was officially banned, causing him to miss the final few matches of the season. During this time, Hernandez also revealed that he had undergone treatment for a gambling addiction and expressed fears for his safety.
Reinstatement and Conditions
Hernandez was reinstated in time for the start of the 2022 season in January, with the strict condition that he must continue to abstain from gambling. The league and Sporting Kansas City committed to providing him with the necessary support and counseling to aid his recovery. Sporting Kansas City also expressed a strong commitment to Hernandez’s well-being and supported his journey towards recovery.
New Allegations and Current Investigation
Now, an investigation has been launched into a new alleged breach of gambling policies. Pending the outcome of this investigation, Hernandez is prohibited from training or playing for Sporting Kansas City. It is worth noting that Hernandez had started two of the last three matches before his administrative leave was mandated.
Gambling in Sports: A Growing Concern
Gambling issues among professional athletes extend far beyond Hernandez or MLS. For instance, Major League Baseball (MLB) issued a lifetime ban to San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano for betting on his team's games. In April, Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter was banned from the NBA for life for betting on games, with Porter allegedly using and sharing 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 due to betting allegations, and most recently in October 2023, Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali received a 10-month ban for gambling on Italian league matches while playing in Italy.
Maintaining Integrity in Sports
These cases underscore the ongoing challenges professional sports leagues face in maintaining the integrity of their competitions. Strict regulations against gambling are designed to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure that fairness is not compromised. The current investigation into Hernandez’s actions will be crucial in determining his future in MLS, and both the league and his club will be closely monitoring the situation.
Emphasizing the importance of integrity and fair play remains a key priority for all involved parties. Despite the complexities and challenges, the need for transparency, fairness, and integrity in sports is non-negotiable.
Conclusion
Hernandez’s case serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences athletes face for breaching gambling policies. Such outcomes not only impact the individuals involved but also serve as precedents and warnings for other athletes. The sports world continues to strive for transparency, fairness, and integrity, and all stakeholders are keenly observing how leagues manage these crucial issues.