Major League Soccer Bans Two Former Players for Gambling on Matches

The league uncovered 'extensive gambling' by Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah over the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Major League Soccer has banned former players Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah for life after an investigation uncovered that they had been extensively gambling on matches, including bets on their own games. The league said the players likely shared inside information with other bettors as well.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing issue of gambling in professional sports, especially with the legalization of sports betting in many states. MLS is taking a strong stance to protect the integrity of its competition and deter players from engaging in any betting activities that could compromise the fairness of matches.

The details

According to the MLS investigation, Jones and Yeboah placed bets on matches, including bets on Jones receiving a yellow card during an October 2024 game, which he did in fact receive. The league also concluded that the players likely shared inside information with other bettors.

  • In October 2025, Jones and Yeboah were placed on administrative leave pending the league's review.
  • On March 9, 2026, MLS announced that it had banned Jones and Yeboah for life for their 'extensive gambling' on matches.

The players

Derrick Jones

A 29-year-old former player for the Columbus Crew, who appeared in 23 games across the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

Yaw Yeboah

A 28-year-old former teammate of Jones with the Columbus Crew, who later joined Los Angeles FC in 2025.

Don Garber

The Commissioner of Major League Soccer, who stated that the league remains committed to protecting the integrity of its competition.

Felipe Hernandez

A Sporting Kansas City player who was suspended by MLS in 2021 and then had his contract terminated in 2024 for multiple violations of the league's betting policy.

Jontay Porter

A former Toronto Raptors center who received a lifetime ban from the NBA in 2024 for violating the league's betting rules, including disclosing information used for prop bets and parlays.

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What’s next

The league will continue to enforce its policies and advocate for the elimination of yellow card wagering in all states to protect the integrity of the competition.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing issue of gambling in professional sports and the need for leagues to take strong action to deter players from engaging in any betting activities that could compromise the fairness of matches. MLS is setting an example by enforcing its policies and working to eliminate specific types of prop bets that can be easily manipulated.