Former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig was found guilty of obstruction of justice and lying to federal investigators looking into an illegal bookmaking operation on Friday in a verdict delivered in Los Angeles.
Puig, 35, faces up to 15 years in federal prison after the completion of the 12-day trial. Sentencing is slated for May 26. Puig was released on bond Friday.
According to prosecutors, Puig accumulated $282,900 in gambling losses between May and June 2019 through an associate in a business run by former minor league pitcher Wayne Nix. The prosecutors allege that Puig sent Nix $200,000 to offset a portion of the losses the ballplayer accumulated in just a few weeks.
Puig then placed an additional 899 wagers on sporting events — excluding baseball — between July and September 2019. Puig made many of his bets at major league ballparks before or after games. His gambling debt eventually reached nearly $1 million, which he was unable to pay.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, investigators questioned Puig about his involvement in the gambling operation in January 2022. They allege Puig provided false statements to them on multiple occasions.
Puig initially reached a deal with prosecutors in August 2022 to close the case, agreeing to plead guilty to one count of lying to federal investigators. It likely would have meant probation and a fine. Instead, he chose to withdraw from the agreement in November.
During the trial, Puig’s defense stated he tried to cooperate fully, but the government refused to listen to his answers. Defense lawyers also said interpreters struggled to understand Puig’s Spanish dialect.
Puig’s defense said he is dealing with cognitive issues — including post-traumatic stress disorder — which impacted his ability to understand the line of questioning.
Puig’s bets were placed on tennis, football and basketball.
Nix pleaded guilty in April 2022 to one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal sports gambling business and one count of filing a false tax return. Nix is expected to be sentenced later this year.
Puig batted .277 with 132 homers and 415 RBIs in 861 games over seven seasons with the Dodgers (2013-18), Cincinnati Reds (2019) and Cleveland (2019). He was runner-up for National League Rookie of the Year honors in 2013 and was an NL All-Star in 2014.
