• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Law

Yasiel Puig Flips to Not Guilty Plea In Illegal Gambling Probe

  • Puig agreed to plead guilty in November for allegedly lying to federal investigators.
  • “I never should have agreed to plead guilty to a crime I did not commit.”
Baseball player Yasiel Puig looks over shoulder in dug-out
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Yasiel Puig is looking to clear his name for his involvement in an illegal gambling investigation.

After agreeing to plead guilty as part of a plea deal for his involvement in an illegal sports betting operation, Puig is now withdrawing that plea and will plead not guilty.

“I want to clear my name,” Puig said. “I never should have agreed to plead guilty to a crime I did not commit.”

Puig is being charged with lying to federal investigators in January about his alleged $282,900 in gambling losses over a two-month span in 2019. The 31-year-old had allegedly placed bets with former minor leaguer Wayne Nix, who, in April, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal sports gambling business and one count of filing a false tax return.

Cincinatti Reds outfielder Yasiel Puig looks dejected in team dugout

Yasiel Puig to Plead Guilty For Lying During Federal Gambling Probe

Court appearance on Tuesday after indictment for lying to investigators was unsealed.
November 15, 2022

Puig’s lawyers — who now include renowned civil rights attorney Lawrence S. Middleton as a consultant — are saying that the former MLB star was not properly prepared to enter a plea.

“At the time of his January 2022 interview, Mr. 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,” said Keri Axel of Waymaker LLP. “We have reviewed the evidence, including significant new information, and have serious concerns about the allegations made against Yasiel.”

Under his previous plea agreement, Puig agreed to pay a fine of $55,000 and faced as much as three years in prison.

Since his last season in MLB with Cincinnati and Cleveland, Puig played in the Mexican League in 2021 and with the KBO’s Kiwoom Heroes on a one-year, $1 million contract last season.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jul 1, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the third inning at PNC Park.

MLB ASG Missing Many Highly Paid Stars, Clearing Path for Youth

Many of MLB’s top earners are not part of the Midsummer Classic.

Texas Sports Teams, Leagues Donate Over $5M to Flood Relief

NFL, MLB, and NBA teams in Texas donate to flood recovery efforts.
Sports are shown on TVs behind a bar as guests enjoy the grand opening of DraftKings Sports & Social in Ohio.

California Has Declared Daily Fantasy Sports Are Illegal. Now What?

The opinion might spark a broader DFS conversation in the state.

ESPN Brings Pat McAfee to Atlanta for Home Run Derby Showcase

The Disney-owned network will bring one of its top stars to Atlanta.

Featured Today

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 5, 2025

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
July 4, 2025

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
July 3, 2025

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
Wimbledon
June 25, 2025

Players Suing Tennis Begin Negotiations With Grand Slams

They may add the Slams as defendants if talks fail in 90 days.
Wander Franco
June 26, 2025

Wander Franco Convicted of Child Sex Abuse, Receives 2-Year Suspended Sentence

Franco can avoid jail time but is unlikely to return to MLB.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Dec 24, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up before the game between the Browns and the New Orleans Saints at FirstEnergy Stadium
June 24, 2025

Unearthed NFL Arbitration Ruling Raises More Questions Than Answers

The NFL was cleared of collusion, but new questions have emerged.
Apr 24, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) controls the ball against the Denver Nuggets during the second half of game three in the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome.
June 24, 2025

James Harden Sued for Negligence in Sexual Assault Case

Harden hosted the party where the alleged incident happened.
Jun 23, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Petco Park.
June 24, 2025

Tatis Sues Big League Advance for ‘Predatory’ Future Earnings Deal

Tatis would owe $34 million from his current deal alone.
Jul 7, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson (28) react after striking out during the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Yankee Stadium.
June 23, 2025

Former Yankee Josh Donaldson Wins $222K in Lawsuit Against Landlord

Donaldson played the 2022 and 2023 seasons for the Yankees.