![]() This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. There is no evidence in the plea agreement that Puig, who played for the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians in 2019 and now plays in South Korea, bet on baseball. In the second half of 2019, the government alleges, Puig made “899 bets on tennis, football, and basketball games” through an offshore website. The government alleges Puig lied when he said he had never discussed betting with the unnamed agent, described in the plea deal only as “a former collegiate baseball player and private baseball coach.” In fact, the government alleged, Puig had lost $282,900 on sports bets placed with that agent in the first half of 2019. Los Angeles Dodgers activated RF Yasiel Puig from the 15-day disabled list. Puig, who has a third-grade education, had untreated mental-health issues, and did not have his own interpreter or criminal legal counsel with him.” Los Angeles Dodgers placed RF Yasiel Puig on the 15-day disabled list. Of the Zoom interview in which Puig is alleged to have lied to investigators, Axel said: “Mr. ![]() This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Axel did not say in the statement what that new evidence might be, and she told The Times through a spokesman: "We are prepared to publicly share that information in the appropriate forum and at the appropriate time." ![]() Puig’s attorney, Keri Axel, said in a statement that “significant new evidence” prompted the change in plea. Without the agreement, Puig could face trial and a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Under the plea agreement, Puig would have been eligible for probation and had agreed to pay a fine of at least $55,000. “I never should have agreed to plead guilty to a crime I did not commit.” “I want to clear my name,” Puig said in a statement. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)įormer Dodgers star Yasiel Puig has withdrawn from an agreement to plead guilty to a charge of lying to federal investigators in a sports betting probe and has decided to plead not guilty, his representatives said Wednesday. The outfielder played for the Cincinnati Reds and the then-Cleveland Indians during the 2019 season and joined the Kiwoom Heroes of South Korea's KBO League this year.2018 photo of then Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers. He was named to the All-Star team in 2014. Puig defected from Cuba in 2012 and signed a seven-year, $42 million contract with the Dodgers. Puig, 32, faces two federal counts of making. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 8. Former Major League Baseball and Los Angeles Dodgers star Yasiel Puig faces new charges in connection with an alleged sports gambling operation. In April, Nix pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal sports gambling business and one count of filing a false tax return. In January 2022, federal investigators interviewed Puig in the presence of his lawyer and despite being warned that lying to federal agents is a crime, "Puig lied several times" about his relationship with the third party and the $200,000 payment. District Court on Tuesday.Īccording to his plea agreement, Puig began placing bets on sporting events though a third party who worked on behalf of an illegal gambling business run by former minor league player Wayne Joseph Nix.Īfter Puig paid off $200,000 of his losses in 2019 and regained access to Nix-controlled betting websites, he placed 899 additional bets on tennis, football and basketball games from July to September 2019. ![]() Puig also agreed to make his initial appearance at U.S. ![]() Attorney for the Central District of California said in a news release. Puig, 31, who now plays professionally in South Korea, has agreed to pay a fine of at least $55,000, the U.S. LOS ANGELES, Nov 14 (Reuters) - Former Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star Yasiel Puig has agreed to plead guilty to a federal charge of lying to law enforcement officials about sports bets the slugger placed with an illegal gambling operation, the Department of Justice said on Monday. ![]()
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