LOS ANGELES (AP) — A jury has found former major league outfielder Yasiel Puig guilty of obstruction of justice and lying to federal officials investigating an illegal gambling operation, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The verdict followed a multiweek trial that included testimony from Major League Baseball officials and Donny Kadokawa, a Hawaii baseball coach through whom Puig placed bets. The 35-year-old now faces up to 20 years in federal prison, with sentencing scheduled for May 26.
Initially, Puig pled guilty to a felony charge related to the illegal gambling investigation, admitting to over $280,000 in losses from betting on sports events via a third party associated with an operation led by Wayne Nix, a former minor league player. Nix has previously pled guilty to operating an illegal gambling business and is awaiting sentencing.
Prosecutors revealed that Puig placed at least 900 bets through websites controlled by Nix and during a January 2022 federal interview, he denied knowledge of the nature of his bets or the individuals involved in facilitating the business.
However, in a significant turn, Puig decided to change his plea to not guilty, citing “significant new evidence.” He expressed his desire to exonerate himself, declaring, I want to clear my name. I never should have agreed to plead guilty to a crime I did not commit. The prosecution argued that Puig's statements were deliberate fabrications, supported by audio evidence and expert testimony regarding his cognitive abilities.
Defending Puig, his attorneys claimed that he had untreated mental health issues, questioning the efficacy of interpretation during the initial interview with federal investigators. Witness accounts suggested that Puig sought to be cooperative, yet struggled with language barriers.
Throughout his seven MLB seasons, predominantly with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Puig maintained a batting average of .277 with 132 home runs and earned an All-Star selection in 2014. Known for his flamboyant playing style, he drew significant attention, even earning the moniker 'wild horse' from Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully. After his tenure in MLB, he played for the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians before moving on to international leagues, recently signing with South Korea’s Kiwoom Heroes for a one-year contract.
Initially, Puig pled guilty to a felony charge related to the illegal gambling investigation, admitting to over $280,000 in losses from betting on sports events via a third party associated with an operation led by Wayne Nix, a former minor league player. Nix has previously pled guilty to operating an illegal gambling business and is awaiting sentencing.
Prosecutors revealed that Puig placed at least 900 bets through websites controlled by Nix and during a January 2022 federal interview, he denied knowledge of the nature of his bets or the individuals involved in facilitating the business.
However, in a significant turn, Puig decided to change his plea to not guilty, citing “significant new evidence.” He expressed his desire to exonerate himself, declaring, I want to clear my name. I never should have agreed to plead guilty to a crime I did not commit. The prosecution argued that Puig's statements were deliberate fabrications, supported by audio evidence and expert testimony regarding his cognitive abilities.
Defending Puig, his attorneys claimed that he had untreated mental health issues, questioning the efficacy of interpretation during the initial interview with federal investigators. Witness accounts suggested that Puig sought to be cooperative, yet struggled with language barriers.
Throughout his seven MLB seasons, predominantly with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Puig maintained a batting average of .277 with 132 home runs and earned an All-Star selection in 2014. Known for his flamboyant playing style, he drew significant attention, even earning the moniker 'wild horse' from Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully. After his tenure in MLB, he played for the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians before moving on to international leagues, recently signing with South Korea’s Kiwoom Heroes for a one-year contract.
