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Court proceedings are now underway in downtown Los Angeles for former Major League Baseball outfielder Yasiel Puig. Federal prosecutors allege Puig took part in an illegal sports betting operation tied to a longtime underground bookmaker.
Puig built name recognition during his years with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2013 through 2018. Prosecutors now say that visibility did not keep him away from an illicit betting network during the 2019 calendar year.
Good to Know
According to court filings, Puig placed 899 wagers between May and September 2019. Prosecutors allege he used an associate to relay bets to Wayne Nix, a former minor league pitcher who ran the illegal operation.
The wagers covered football, tennis, and basketball. Prosecutors say Puig avoided betting on baseball.
Losses piled up quickly. Court records say Puig lost $282,900 in a short span and later sent $200,000 to Nix to cover part of that amount.
Federal authorities charged Puig with one count of obstruction of justice and two counts of making false statements to investigators. The obstruction charge carries a potential sentence of up to ten years. Each false statement charge carries a possible five year sentence. A maximum outcome across all counts could reach twenty years.
The case took a different shape after early negotiations.
In January 2022, Puig spoke with federal investigators about his role in the gambling operation. By November of that year, he agreed to plead guilty to one count tied to false statements.
That agreement did not last.
Soon after, Puig withdrew the plea and entered a not guilty position. Under the earlier deal, parole eligibility remained possible. By reversing course, Puig chose to contest the charges in court.
Puig said he wants to clear his name and said agreeing to a guilty plea was a mistake for something he says he did not do.
Defense attorney Keri Axel said new evidence prompted the decision. Axel said Puig had limited education, untreated mental health issues at the time of his interview, and lacked an interpreter or legal counsel during questioning. She said the defense team reviewed additional information and raised serious concerns about the claims against Puig.
Puig is now 35 years old. His MLB career included time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, and Cleveland Guardians. Across those seasons, he posted a .277 batting average with 132 home runs and 415 runs batted in.
After leaving Major League Baseball, Puig continued playing professionally in Mexico and South Korea.
The trial is expected to conclude in under two weeks. Testimony and evidence will focus on betting records, financial transfers, and statements Puig made during the investigation.
Prosecutors say he placed illegal sports bets and later misled investigators.
Prosecutors say he did not place wagers on baseball.
Authorities say Wayne Nix, a former minor league pitcher, operated the business.
The combined charges carry a potential sentence of up to twenty years.