MLB Umpire Faces Sports Betting-Related DisciplinePat Hoberg Appeals, Denies Charges |
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Fresh off suspending several players for gambling-related incidents earlier this month, including issuing one lifetime ban, Major League Baseball is looking to discipline umpire Pat Hoberg following allegations he violated the league’s sports betting policies
After an investigation into the matter, MLB announced on Friday that Hoberg, 37, was appealing a ruling. The league didn’t offer an explanation of what rule the umpire violated or the initial disciplinary action levied against him.
“While MLB’s investigation did not find any evidence that games worked by Mr. Hoberg were compromised or manipulated in any way, MLB determined that discipline was warranted,” MLB noted in a statement. “Mr. Hoberg has chosen to appeal that determination. Therefore, we cannot comment further until the appeal process is concluded.”
Actions Follow Investigation
The league began the investigation during spring training and Hoberg was removed from the field while that probe was underway. He’s been working Major League games since 2014 and became a full-time umpire in 2017.
The Associated Press reported that he scored a perfect grade after working behind the plate during the second game of the 2022 World Series. Hoberg has denied the allegations that he’s violated league policy.
“I am appealing Major League Baseball’s determination that I should be disciplined for violating the sports betting policies,” he noted in a statement to ESPN. “While that appeal is pending, it would not be appropriate to discuss the case. That said, I have devoted my adult life to the profession of umpiring, and the integrity of baseball is of the utmost importance to me. I look forward to the appeal process, and I am grateful that the Major League Baseball Umpires Association is supporting me in the appeal.”
Hoberg isn’t the only referee to face scrutiny regarding gambling in recent years. In December, former NFL executive Dean Blandino said NFL referees had at least been approached on occasion to make calls that might benefit those with some action on the game.
Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy pleaded guilty to charges related to betting on games in 2007 after an investigation by the FBI. He ultimately served 15 months in prison, but claims he wasn’t the only ref compromised.
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