UPDATE: A shocking new indictment has rocked Major League Baseball as federal prosecutors in Brooklyn have charged Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz with involvement in a scheme to rig bets on their performances. The indictment, filed in the Eastern District of New York, details how the players allegedly accepted bribes from bettors in the Dominican Republic, leading to serious concerns about the integrity of the game.
The indictment reveals that Clase began this illegal practice in May 2023, later involving Ortiz. Prosecutors allege that Ortiz, who is set to earn a base salary of $782,600 in 2025, received $5,000 to intentionally throw a ball out of the strike zone on June 15. Clase, earning $4.5 million this season, reportedly facilitated this for the same amount. Each player allegedly collected $7,000 for similar conduct on June 27.
Ortiz was arrested in Boston early on Sunday and is expected to appear in federal court on Monday. Both players have been on non-disciplinary leave since July, following an MLB investigation into unusual betting activity during their games. They face serious charges, including wire fraud and conspiracy to influence sporting contests, with potential prison sentences of up to 65 years if convicted.
In an official statement, MLB confirmed that they contacted federal law enforcement at the start of the investigation and have been cooperating fully. “We are aware of the indictment and arrest, and our investigation is ongoing,” the league stated.
This scandal marks the latest in a troubling series of sports betting controversies. Just days ago, Miami Heat player Terry Rozier was arrested for tipping off bettors about his playing status, and former NBA player Damon Jones was implicated in sharing sensitive information regarding LeBron James. Moreover, NBA Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups was arrested for alleged connections to illegal high-stakes poker games linked to organized crime.
The NBA has recently convened with members of Congress to discuss its approach to sports betting, with plans to tighten reporting rules on player injuries to prevent leaked insider information. Meanwhile, college sports are also facing scrutiny. The NCAA has accused six former college basketball players of manipulating games in 2024-2025 and providing information to bettors, which could lead to permanent ineligibility.
Even the UFC is under federal investigation, with Isaac Dulgarian released after a surprising defeat raised alarms over unusual betting patterns. UFC President Dana White has confirmed discussions with the FBI regarding this matter.
As these scandals unfold, the implications for athletes, teams, and the leagues themselves are profound. Fans are left questioning the integrity of the games they love. The investigations are ongoing, and more developments are anticipated in the coming days.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story continues to evolve.
