Not Even Major League Soccer is Immune to Gambling Scandals

Sports players being involved in gambling scandals is nothing new. Even before the repeal of PAPSA is 2018, the legislation which opened the door to licensed and regulating gambling in the States, there were plenty of cases of players, referees, and managers being caught up in gambling scandals. Think Pete Rose or Tim Donaghy.

Recent years have seen an explosion of college and pro players getting caught being involved in sports betting. Regardless of the severe punishment associated with the activity, some players seemingly cannot help themselves. Now, Major League Soccer has their very own gambling case to deal with.

Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah were placed on administrative leave so that MLS could investigate this possible gambling scandal. The MLS investigation uncovered “extensive gambling” by Jones and Yeboah over the 2024 and 2025 seasons, including on their own matches. It was also found that both players likely shared what they were doing with other sports bettors.

In a statement, MLS commissioner Don Garber said “Major League Soccer remains steadfast in its commitment to match integrity. The League will continue to enforce its policies, enhance education efforts, and advocate for the elimination of yellow card wagering in all states to protect the integrity of our competition for clubs, players, and fans.”

This isn’t the first run-in for MLS players either. In 2021, MLS suspended and ultimately terminated the contract of Sporting Kansas City’s Felipe Hernandez for what it described as “multiple violations of the league’s betting policy”. MLS and Sporting KC have both publicly assured fans and critics that the anti-gambling policy they have has been thoroughly communicated with every single player of the league many times over.

Players, coaches, and refs gambling on sports only serves to hurt the sport and legal gambling. It undermines the integrity of both. Fans don’t want to watch or go to games where the outcome is pre-determined by players or refs betting on the game. Likewise, sports bettors don’t want to risk their hard-earned money on a fix to which they are not privy.