Guardians Pitchers Accused of Game Fixing in Betting Scandal
Image Credit: Sue Ogrocki/AP
NEW YORK – In a shocking turn of events, Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz have been charged with accepting bribes from gamblers to manipulate their pitching, ensuring favorable outcomes for certain bets.
The indictment, revealed in Brooklyn’s federal court, accuses the players of receiving substantial payments to aid two bettors from the Dominican Republic in winning over $460,000 through strategic in-game wagers.
Both players have been on paid leave since July, following an investigation by Major League Baseball into suspicious betting patterns during their games in the spring months.
Legal Proceedings and Arrests
Ortiz, 26, was apprehended by the FBI at Boston Logan International Airport and is set to appear in court. Meanwhile, Clase, 27, remains at large, according to officials.
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. expressed disappointment, stating, “These actions tarnish the integrity of professional sports, undermining public trust in a cherished institution.”
Ortiz’s attorney, Chris Georgalis, maintains his client’s innocence, asserting that all financial transactions were legitimate and unrelated to game manipulation.
MLB’s Response to Betting Irregularities
Major League Baseball initiated the investigation after detecting unusual betting activity and has been cooperating with federal authorities. The league continues to monitor the situation closely.
The Guardians organization has pledged full cooperation with ongoing investigations by both law enforcement and MLB.
Charges and Potential Consequences
Both players face serious charges, including wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering, with potential sentences of up to 20 years in prison.
The indictment details specific instances where Clase allegedly manipulated pitch speeds and outcomes, directly impacting betting results.
Ortiz is similarly accused of altering pitches in games against the Seattle Mariners and St. Louis Cardinals, further implicating him in the scheme.
Wider Implications in Sports Betting
This case is part of a broader crackdown on illegal betting in professional sports, following a series of high-profile arrests in the NBA.
Since the 2018 Supreme Court decision lifting the federal ban on sports betting, there has been a surge in gambling-related incidents involving athletes.
In a related development, MLB suspended several players last year for betting violations, highlighting the ongoing challenges in maintaining the integrity of sports.
