Betting crisis in American sports It gained further currency after Cleveland Guardians players Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were indicted for an alleged scheme to rig pitches during games.
Bettors in the US can bet on whether individual pitches will be balls or strikes. Prosecutors say Ortiz was paid $5,000 for intentionally throwing the ball during a June 15 game. His teammate Claeys, a three-time All-Star, was allegedly paid $5,000 for setting up the rigged field. Prosecutors say the pair did it again at a game on June 27, each getting $7,000.
ESPN's Jeff Passan reported. that Ortiz was arrested in Boston on Sunday and Claeys had not yet been taken into custody.
“MLB contacted federal law enforcement early in the investigation and cooperated fully throughout the entire process. We are aware of the indictment and today's arrest, and our investigation is ongoing,” Major League said. Baseball This was stated in a statement on Sunday.
The couple faces up to 65 years in prison if convicted on the fraud, conspiracy and bribery charges.
Ortiz made $782,600 last season, while Claeys, one of the league's top players, made $4.5 million. They have been on paid leave since July. Major League Baseball investigated unusual betting activity during games in which they participated.
“We are aware of recent law enforcement actions. We will continue to fully cooperate with both law enforcement and Major League Baseball as their investigations continue,” Guardians said in a statement.
The news comes after NBA Hall of Fame player Chauncey Billups. was arrested in connection with a mob-linked poker operation, and Miami Heat star Terry Rozier was accused of participating in a game-rigging scheme.
