Major League Baseball Announced The league said it was disciplining umpire Pat Horberg for allegedly violating the league’s gambling policy. Most details of the suspension, including the length of the suspension and the nature of the violations, are still shrouded in mystery. Horberg denies betting on baseball and is appealing the suspension.
In a statement, MLB said: “During spring training this year, Major League Baseball opened an investigation into possible violations of MLB’s sports betting policy by umpire Pat Horberg. Horberg was removed from the field pending the investigation. While MLB’s investigation did not find any evidence that games in which Horberg officiated were in any way compromised or manipulated, MLB determined that disciplinary action was warranted. Horberg has elected to appeal the decision. Accordingly, we will not be able to comment further until the appeals process has concluded.”
Horberg did not respond to multiple media requests for comment, but released a statement in response to MLB’s statement: “I am appealing Major League Baseball’s decision that I should be disciplined for violating sports betting policies. It would not be appropriate for me to discuss this matter while my appeal is pending. That said, I have dedicated my entire adult life to the profession of umpiring, and the integrity of baseball is of the utmost importance to me. I look forward to the appeal process and appreciate the Major League Baseball Umpires Association’s support of my appeal.”
Hoberg is widely regarded as one of the best ball-strike calling umpires in the game and has consistently Top class in terms of accuracy They are provided by Umpire Scorecards and other independent internet services that rate umpire accuracy.
The suspension comes as baseball and other sports struggle to expand legal sports betting in the United States. Baseball’s most famous player, Shohei Ohtani, was embroiled in a major gambling scandal earlier this year when millions of dollars were transferred from his account to pay off gambling debts he had made to unlicensed bookmakers. The FBI, MLB and Ohtani have said they believe the activity was carried out by Ohtani’s interpreter, without Ohtani’s knowledge. The interpreter said: Pleaded guilty to federal charges In connection with the incident.
MLB also banned Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano for life after an investigation into his alleged betting on Pirates games while with the team. Earlier this year, Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter Banned for allegedly manipulating the game At the gambler’s command.
