Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz are facing serious federal charges for allegedly taking bribes to rig pitches during Major League Baseball games, enabling gamblers to win substantial bets.
The indictment claims that the duo intentionally threw non-strike pitches at the behest of bettors, allowing them to secure nearly $500,000 in winnings through manipulated gameplay.
Ortiz's arrest at Logan International Airport has cast a shadow over the Guardians, with both pitchers placed on paid leave as the investigation into the scandal unfolded.
The charges include bribery, wire fraud, and money laundering, with potential prison sentences looming over the players, underscoring the weight of their alleged actions on the integrity of the sport.
In response to the scandal, Major League Baseball has introduced stricter betting regulations, capping prop bets on individual pitches at $200 and banning them from parlay wagers to prevent future corruption.
This controversial case highlights the growing challenges of legalized sports betting and its impact on professional sports, raising critical questions about player integrity and the gambling culture within the league.
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