Former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig was convicted Friday on charges of lying to federal agents during their investigation of an unlicensed bookmaker in Southern California who facilitated sports betting for high-profile athletes.
A federal jury deliberated for a day and a half before finding the former All-Star guilty on one count of obstruction of justice and one count of making false statements to federal investigators. Chief U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee set his sentencing date for May 26.
Puig faces up to 15 years in prison on the combined charges, though his actual sentence will likely be significantly less severe. The judge denied the government's request to remand him to custody, determining he was neither a flight risk nor a danger to the community. However, Puig must notify the court if he plans to travel outside the United States.
The conviction stems from a 2022 video interview with federal agents investigating Wayne Nix's illegal gambling operation. Nix, a former minor league pitcher, operated an unlicensed betting business for approximately 20 years that catered to high-profile athletes.
During the trial, prosecutors presented extensive evidence of Puig's involvement with Nix's gambling syndicate over a five-month period in 2019. A prosecution witness testified that Puig lost more than $1.5 million betting on tennis, basketball and football games during this period. Importantly, Puig was not accused of betting on Major League Baseball games, and he has not denied placing sports bets.
The federal investigation focused on $200,000 in cashier's checks that Puig allegedly sent to one of Nix's other clients to settle an outstanding debt with the bookmaker. Agents from the Internal Revenue Service and Homeland Security, working with prosecutors from the U.S. attorney's office in Los Angeles, also questioned Puig about his relationship with Donny Kadokawa, a private baseball coach whom the government identified as a middleman who placed bets with Nix's organization on Puig's behalf.
Puig, who was 35 at the time of his conviction, was playing for the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians during the 2019 period when the betting activity occurred. The Cuba-born slugger was not initially a target of the federal investigation but became a focus when agents discovered his financial connections to Nix's operation.
Defense attorney Keri Axel expressed shock and disappointment with the verdict, telling reporters that Puig plans to seek an appeal. Axel argued that the government failed to prove key elements of the charges, particularly whether Puig's alleged false statements were material to the investigation of the illegal bookmaker and his organization.
Puig has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, claiming he did not knowingly lie during the federal interview. His defense centered on the argument that he was confused during questioning and could not accurately recall events from three years prior to the 2022 interview.
The case highlights the ongoing federal crackdown on illegal sports gambling operations, particularly those involving professional athletes. The investigation into Nix's operation appears to be part of a broader effort by federal authorities to combat unlicensed bookmaking businesses that operate outside regulated sports betting frameworks.
Nix's gambling syndicate reportedly served numerous high-profile athletes over its two-decade operation. The former minor league pitcher's business model relied on middlemen like Kadokawa to connect athletes with betting opportunities while attempting to maintain distance from the actual wagering activities.
The prosecution's case relied heavily on financial records and testimony demonstrating Puig's substantial losses through Nix's operation. The $1.5 million in losses over just five months illustrates the scale of betting activity that occurred through the illegal network.
Puig's conviction represents a significant legal consequence for a player who enjoyed considerable success during his MLB career. The former outfielder was known for his powerful hitting and dynamic personality during his time with the Dodgers, where he became a fan favorite and earned All-Star recognition.
The sentencing hearing scheduled for May 26 will determine Puig's actual punishment. While the maximum penalty is 15 years in prison, federal sentencing guidelines typically result in much shorter terms for first-time offenders convicted of obstruction and false statements charges.
This case serves as a cautionary tale for professional athletes about the legal risks associated with illegal gambling operations, even when the betting does not involve their own sport. The federal government's willingness to prosecute athletes for lying about their gambling activities signals a serious approach to enforcing laws governing unlicensed bookmaking operations.
The conviction also underscores the importance of honesty when dealing with federal investigators, as the charges against Puig focused not on the gambling itself but on his alleged false statements during the investigation.