A federal jury in Los Angeles convicted former Major League Baseball outfielder Yasiel Puig on charges of obstructing justice and lying to investigators regarding his role in an illegal sports betting operation.

Career Highlights and Recent Playing Status

The 35-year-old Cuban-born player enjoyed six seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers before a final MLB stint in 2019 with the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians, during which he obtained U.S. citizenship. Puig later competed for two seasons in South Korea’s league, including last year with the Kiwoom Heroes, where he posted a .212 batting average, six home runs, and 20 RBIs. He returned to the U.S. due to a shoulder injury.

Trial Details and Charges

The 13-day trial stemmed from a 2017 investigation into an illegal gambling ring operated by ex-minor-league pitcher Wayne Nix. Prosecutors presented evidence that probes into Nix’s efforts to conceal income and launder money uncovered Puig’s involvement.

Authorities revealed Puig placed bets through Nix’s operation starting in May 2019, accumulating losses of $282,900 by June. Records showed he made 899 wagers from July to September 2019 on tennis, football, and basketball games via a Costa Rica-based platform linked to Nix.

Key Incidents and Penalties

In January 2022, federal agents questioned Puig via video conference in the presence of his attorney, where he denied any awareness of Nix’s gambling activities. Prosecutors also highlighted that Puig falsely claimed on his 2019 U.S. naturalization application that he had never engaged in illegal gambling.

Originally, Puig agreed to a plea deal in August 2022 on one count of lying to agents, which included a $55,000 fine. He withdrew from the agreement, prompting formal charges in 2023 and leading to the trial.

Conviction carries potential penalties of up to five years in prison for lying to federal agents and up to 10 years for obstruction of justice.