Rob Manfred on MLB’s unseen consequences of gambling

Lea Hogg July 17, 2024

Rob Manfred, the Commissioner of Major League Baseball (MLB), recently disclosed that players have reported receiving threats, a concern directly linked to the growing prevalence of gambling in sports. Manfred stressed that any threat to a player, regardless of its nature, is taken very seriously by the league.

Gambling has been a significant issue throughout the current MLB season. A recemt incident involved Ippei Mizuhara, former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers’ star Shohei Ohtani. Mizuhara pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud charges after an investigation cleared Ohtani of any misconduct but revealed Mizuhara had been embezzling funds from Ohtani to settle his gambling debts.

Threat to player safety

This incident was not the only gambling-related event during the first half of the season. Tucupita Marcano, an infielder for the San Diego Padres, received a lifetime suspension in June for engaging in gambling activities while with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Additionally, one-year suspensions were handed down to Padres pitcher Jay Groome, Oakland A’s pitcher Michael Kelly, Philadelphia Phillies infielder José Rodríguez, and Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Andrew Saalfrank. Despite these incidents, Manfred expressed confidence in the league’s ability to deter future betting activities from players and detect violations more effectively. He believes that the severe penalties and the league’s partnerships with gambling entities serve as a deterrent. Manfred stated, “Working your whole life to get to the major leagues in whatever role and lose that over sports betting, that’s a huge penalty.” However, the threats received by players from gamblers present a new challenge that extends beyond the players’ involvement in betting. While Manfred did not provide specific details, his comments suggest that the league is prepared to take a robust approach to address this issue as gambling becomes increasingly common in the sports world.

Global impact of gambling in sports

The issue is not confined to Major League Baseball only but it is a global concern affecting multiple sports leagues. In the United Kingdom for example, the government is mulling over a significant decision. As part of its review of the Gambling Act, it’s considering whether to ban gambling sponsorship in football. This potential ban has stirred up concerns, especially among clubs in the English Football League (EFL). The financial impact could be substantial, as these clubs could lose significant revenue. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the Canadian Football League (CFL) is dealing with its own gambling-related issues. The league recently suspended Shawn Lemon, a defensive lineman and three-time Grey Cup champion, indefinitely for engaging in sports wagering. This incident underscores the CFL’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is also experiencing similar issues. The league recently banned Jontay Porter, a forward for the Toronto Raptors, for violating league rules related to betting. This case highlights the NBA’s stringent approach to preserving the integrity of the competition.

These examples illustrate the widespread concern of gambling in sports. Each league is taking measures to address these challenges, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of their respective sports. The battle against gambling in sports continues, and the stakes are high. The integrity of the game and the safety of the players hang in the balance.