David Ortiz posted a note on his Instagram page on Thursday to strongly deny any ties to gambling on baseball in 2005.
Eddie Dominguez, a former Boston Red Sox security agent, wrote a book called “Baseball Cop: The Dark Side of America’s National Pastime.” In his book, he alleges that a top member of Ortiz’s entourage bet on baseball multiple times in 2005, including wagers against Boston. His wagers led to a meeting between Ortiz, former Red Sox manager Terry Francona, an MLB official, and Dominguez.
Ortiz responded on Thursday and called the allegation a bunch of garbage.
“I wasnt gonna comment on this episode but someone outta nowhere once again try to diminish my image just to sell a couple books…jus for some $$ in his pocket. MLB do a hell of a job letting us know as a player the importance of NOT betting on baseball…especially after pete rose. I have been a player that has been extremely blessed…not only with the love of the fans, but also with lots of $$$. And im SMART ENOUGH to not get caught in some BS like that….trust me!!! im doing this NOT because of u who wrote the book, im doin this for my fans to have peace of mind, cuz y’all deserve that. if i had been involved in anything related to gambling in 2005, my career wouldn’t have ended in 2016….MLB woulda gotten rid of me ASAP, cuz MLB don’t play that!!!! Ill leave this here…remember, you knock me down 10 time, I’ll learn how to get up 11. TRUST. GOD BLESS AMERICA. ” Ortiz wrote.
Dominguez also alleges in his book that he called immigration, leading to the 2007 arrest of the entourage member. That upset Ortiz and even led to a call from then-Sox GM Theo Epstein to Dominguez.
Ortiz retired after the 2016 season and had his jersey retired by the Red Sox last year. He made 10 All-Star Games during his 14 seasons with the Sox.
