A federal jury has convicted former Major League Baseball outfielder Yasiel Puig on charges connected to an illegal sports betting investigation. The verdict followed a multiweek trial that examined his involvement with an unlawful gambling operation and his subsequent statements to federal investigators. Puig, 35, now awaits sentencing scheduled for May 26, where he faces potential prison time related to obstruction of justice and false statements.

Investigation And Statements To Federal Agents

The case centers on wagering activity that began in 2019, when Puig reportedly placed sports bets through an intermediary linked to an illegal bookmaking operation run by former minor league baseball player Wayne Nix. Prosecutors presented evidence showing Puig communicated wagers through Donny Kadokawa, who forwarded bets to the Nix organization. Within about a month, losses tied to these wagers reached approximately $282,900. Authorities said payment arrangements involved a $200,000 withdrawal that was converted into two cashier’s checks payable to a client connected to the gambling business.

After settling part of his debt, Puig received direct access to betting websites controlled by the operation. Between early July and late September 2019, prosecutors stated he placed 899 additional bets covering sports such as tennis, football, and basketball. Some wagers occurred shortly before or after games in which he participated as a professional baseball player. According to court testimony, the total gambling debt linked to the illegal operation approached $1 million, which remained unpaid.

Federal investigators interviewed Puig in January 2022 while examining the gambling business. During that interview, prosecutors said he denied knowledge of the gambling operation and minimized his relationship with Kadokawa. Authorities warned him that false statements to federal agents constitute a criminal offense. Evidence presented in court included testimony that he claimed he knew Kadokawa only through baseball and denied discussing gambling with him, despite records indicating extensive communications about betting activity.

Investigators also showed Puig documentation related to the cashier’s checks. As stated in the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s press release, prosecutors said he denied knowing who instructed him to send the funds and described a separate online bet with an unidentified individual as the reason for a $200,000 loss. Months later, an audio message sent through WhatsApp included an admission that he had lied to investigators and obstructed their grand jury inquiry.

Court filings further stated that Puig made inaccurate statements during his naturalization process, asserting he had not participated in illegal gambling or received related income. Authorities cited this as additional evidence regarding false declarations linked to the case.

Legal Proceedings And Potential Penalties

Puig originally indicated he would plead guilty to lying to federal agents in 2022, acknowledging gambling losses exceeding $280,000. He later withdrew that agreement, stating, “I want to clear my name,” and adding, “I never should have agreed to plead guilty to a crime I did not commit.” The case proceeded to trial, resulting in convictions on obstruction of justice and false statement charges.

The obstruction count carries a potential maximum prison term of 10 years, while false statements can bring up to five years. Some reports indicate he could face a combined maximum sentence approaching 20 years depending on how penalties are applied. Puig remains free pending sentencing under personal recognizance conditions.

Wayne Nix, identified as the operator of the illegal gambling enterprise, pleaded guilty in 2022 to conspiracy to run an unlawful sports betting business and filing a false tax return. His sentencing remains pending.

Puig’s legal team has argued the prosecution did not establish essential elements of the case and indicated post-trial motions may follow. Defense attorneys also cited factors, including language interpretation issues and educational background when discussing the 2022 interview with investigators.

Puig played seven MLB seasons, most prominently with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he gained All-Star recognition in 2014. He later played for the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland before continuing his career in Mexico and South Korea. His professional record includes a .277 batting average with 132 home runs and 415 RBIs.

The sentencing hearing scheduled for May 26 will determine the final legal outcome in a case that has drawn attention due to its intersection of professional sports, gambling oversight, and federal enforcement.