Former Dodgers Star Yasiel Puig Found Guilty on Two Federal Charges in California Court…Read More…

Former Dodgers Star Yasiel Puig Found Guilty on Two Federal Charges in California Court…Read More…

A federal jury in Los Angeles, California has found former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig guilty on two criminal charges stemming from an illegal sports gambling investigation that has spanned several years. The verdict, delivered Friday after a multi‑week trial, marks a dramatic development in a case that intertwines sports, law enforcement, and the long‑standing issue of illegal betting in professional athletics.

Puig, 35, was convicted by a jury in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on obstruction of justice and making false statements to federal investigators, concluding a trial that ran for approximately two weeks. Prosecutors allege that Puig lied during a January 2022 interview with federal agents who were investigating an illegal sports gambling ring based in Southern California.

The charges against Puig trace back to evidence gathered in an inquiry focused on an unlawful gambling operation run by Wayne Joseph Nix, a former minor league pitcher. Authorities say that Puig placed hundreds of bets through intermediaries associated with Nix’s illegal operation from July to September 2019 — wagering on sports such as football, basketball, and tennis. Prosecutors presented evidence showing that Puig made at least 899 bets and lost more than $1.5 million during that period.

During the January 2022 interview, federal agents allege that Puig denied placing bets or having knowledge of the operation — statements that formed the basis for the charges of making false statements and obstruction of justice. Obstruction charges in federal court carry serious potential penalties, and prosecutors have noted that they could seek substantial prison time.

Indeed, Puig now faces a maximum potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison — with up to 10 years possible for obstruction of justice and up to 5 years for each count of false statements. Sentencing has been scheduled for May 26, although Puig currently remains free on his own recognizance pending that hearing.

The case has had dramatic twists over the years. In August 2022, Puig had agreed to a pre‑indictment plea deal in which he would plead guilty to a single count of making false statements and pay a fine of $55,000, ultimately avoiding prison time. However, he backed out of that agreement weeks later, insisting that he had not committed a crime and saying at the time, “I want to clear my name.” With that plea deal withdrawn before a formal guilty plea was entered, prosecutors moved forward with additional charges, culminating in the recent trial and guilty verdict.

Puig — once known to baseball fans for his dynamic playing style, colorful personality, and “Wild Horse” moniker during his playing days — spent six seasons with the Dodgers from 2013 to 2018 before moving on to stints with Cincinnati and Cleveland, as well as professional leagues abroad. The conviction adds a complex chapter to the former All‑Star’s legacy.

Legal analysts say Puig’s defense team may pursue appeals, including arguments about the interview and evidence presented at trial. Still, the conviction stands as a reminder of the serious legal consequences professional athletes can face when entangled in unlawful conduct off the player.