Former MLB outfielder Yasiel Puig was found guilty on Friday of obstruction of justice and making false statements to federal officials.
The verdict, announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, stemmed from a multi-week trial in Los Angeles investigating an illegal gambling operation.
In 2019, Puig incurred over $280,000 in losses by placing at least 900 bets on tennis, football, and basketball through a third party linked to Wayne Nix, a former minor league player who ran the illicit scheme.
During a January 2022 interview with federal agents, Puig denied knowledge of key details about his bets, betting partners, and debt payments — actions prosecutors deemed intentionally misleading.
Puig initially pleaded guilty in August 2022 to lying but later withdrew, citing new evidence and claiming he should not have admitted to a crime he did not commit. His defense highlighted his limited education, mental health issues, and interpreter challenges.
The 35-year-old faces up to 20 years in federal prison, with sentencing scheduled for May 26.
Puig’s attorney, Keri Curtis Axel, plans to raise post-trial motions.
“We look forward to clearing Yasiel’s name,” he said, via ESPN.
Puig, a 2014 All-Star with the Dodgers, played seven MLB seasons before pursuing opportunities in Mexico and South Korea.
