Former MLB outfielder Yasiel Puig, once a rising star with the Los Angeles Dodgers, is now facing serious legal consequences that could land him behind bars for up to 15 years. The 35-year-old was found guilty on two federal charges-obstruction of justice and making false statements to federal investigators-stemming from his involvement in an illegal gambling operation.
Puig, who last played in the majors in 2019, was tied to a betting ring reportedly operated by former minor league pitcher Wayne Nix. According to court documents, Puig began placing bets in May of that year and racked up losses totaling nearly $283,000 by June.
After settling those debts, he was allegedly given direct access to the gambling sites and went on to place 899 wagers between July and September 2019. Notably, none of those bets were on baseball games, but instead spanned sports like tennis, football, and basketball.
The legal trouble intensified in 2022 when Puig was interviewed by federal agents as part of the broader investigation into the gambling ring. Prosecutors say he lied multiple times during that interview, denying the extent of his involvement. He initially agreed to a plea deal, admitting to lying to federal officials, but later withdrew from the agreement, stating, “I never should have agreed to plead guilty to a crime I did not commit.”
That decision to backtrack came with high risk-and now, high consequences. A federal jury found him guilty, and Puig is currently free on his own recognizance as he awaits sentencing, which is scheduled for May 26. He faces up to 10 years for obstruction and an additional five years for lying to investigators.
This marks a dramatic turn for a player who once electrified Dodger Stadium with his arm strength, bat speed, and raw athleticism. Puig burst onto the MLB scene in 2013, quickly becoming one of the league’s most talked-about talents. But after a rollercoaster career filled with on-field highlights and off-field headlines, his post-MLB chapter now includes a legal battle that could define his legacy far more than any stat line ever did.
While the sports world continues to grapple with the intersection of gambling and professional athletes, Puig’s case serves as a stark reminder of how quickly things can unravel-and how the decisions made off the field can carry just as much weight as the ones made on it.