Ex-Dodger Yasiel Puig Found Guilty in Sports Gambling Probe

Jury convicts former MLB player of lying to investigators and obstructing justice.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig, 35, was found guilty by a jury in downtown Los Angeles of lying to investigators about his involvement in illegal sports betting and obstructing justice. Puig was convicted as part of a federal investigation into an illegal gambling business.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing problem of sports gambling and the integrity of professional sports, as well as the consequences for athletes who attempt to cover up their involvement in illegal activities.

The details

According to court documents, during a final break in the investigation, federal prosecutors privately advised Puig's then-counsel that Puig's statements were contradictory to evidence the government had already obtained during the probe into the illegal gambling business.

  • Puig was convicted by a jury on February 6, 2026.

The players

Yasiel Puig

A 35-year-old former outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers who was found guilty of lying to investigators and obstructing justice as part of a federal probe into an illegal sports gambling operation.

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What’s next

Puig is scheduled to be sentenced on March 15, 2026, where he could face up to 5 years in federal prison.

The takeaway

This case underscores the serious legal consequences professional athletes can face for engaging in illegal sports gambling activities and then attempting to cover them up, which can undermine the integrity of the sports they play.