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 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's first run-in with the MLS gambling policies occurred when he wagered on two league matches, which is strictly prohibited by the league. Notably, neither of the games involved his own team, and there was no evidence suggesting that Hernandez used insider knowledge to place his bets or affected the integrity of either game. Hernandez personally informed the club of his gambling activities in July 2021. Consequently, he was banned in October 2021, missing the final few matches of the season. During this period, Hernandez disclosed that he had undergone treatment for a gambling addiction and had fears for his safety.
Reinstatement and Conditions
In a bid to support Hernandez’s recovery, MLS reinstated him in time for the start of the 2022 season in January. However, this reinstatement came with stringent conditions, primarily that Hernandez must continue to abstain from gambling. Both the league and his club committed to providing him with the necessary support and counseling. Sporting Kansas City expressed a dedicated commitment to Hernandez's well-being and supported his recovery process.
New Allegations and Current Investigation
Despite these efforts, fresh allegations have surfaced, prompting a new investigation to scrutinize the alleged breach of gambling policies. During this period, Hernandez is prohibited from training or playing for his team. As part of the investigation, all activities related to Hernandez on the field have been put on hold; he had started two of the last three matches before his administrative leave.
Gambling in Sports: A Growing Concern
Gambling among professional athletes is a concerning issue that extends beyond Hernandez or MLS. Other high-profile cases in different sports demonstrate this growing problem. For instance, MLB issued a lifetime ban to San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano for betting on his team's games. Likewise, in April, Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter was banned from the NBA for life for similar reasons. Porter’s case was particularly severe as he used and shared confidential information, leading to the arrest of four alleged co-conspirators.
The issue is also prevalent in European soccer. Brentford striker Ivan Toney was banned for eight games in May 2023 over betting allegations, and Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali received a 10-month ban in October 2023 for gambling on Italian league matches while playing in Italy.
Maintaining Integrity in Sports
These cases underscore the ongoing challenges that professional sports leagues face in maintaining integrity. Strict regulations against gambling are designed to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure fairness in the games. The current investigation into Hernandez's activities will be crucial in determining his future in MLS. Given Hernandez’s relapse, both the league and his club will be closely monitoring the situation. Emphasizing the importance of integrity and fair play remains a priority not only for MLS but for all professional sports leagues.
Conclusion
Hernandez's case serves as a reminder of the severe consequences athletes face for breaching gambling policies. These outcomes impact individuals and serve as a precedent and warning for other athletes who might contemplate gambling. As the sports world continues to strive for transparency, fairness, and integrity, all stakeholders are keenly observing how these crucial issues are managed. The handling of Hernandez's case will no doubt contribute to shaping the future policies and support systems provided to professional athletes regarding gambling.