(AsiaGameHub) – Prosecutors are asking for an 18-month prison term for Yasiel Puig, a former MLB player convicted on two federal charges. These charges stem from Puig’s connection to illegal bookmaker Wayne Nix, who will likely receive a shorter sentence.
Puig is scheduled to be sentenced on May 26. Nix is still awaiting his sentencing, but having pleaded guilty, he’s expected to face a punishment similar to that of fellow illegal bookmaker Mathew Bowyer.
Bowyer—known for accepting wagers from Shohei Ohtani’s disgraced interpreter—was given a 12-month prison sentence. He admitted guilt to running an illegal gambling business, money laundering, and filing a false tax return.
Puig’s Expected Sentence Linked to Failure to Cooperate
Puig was found guilty of lying to investigators and obstructing justice. While these offenses carry a maximum sentence of 20 years, prosecutors are seeking 18 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and a $55,200 fine. Nix’s charges have a maximum penalty of eight years.
Puig’s case revolves around a 2022 interview where he denied placing illegal bets. He told investigators he knew Donny Kadokawa—the intermediary he used to place bets—through baseball, not sports gambling.
It’s alleged he lost over $1.5 million gambling with Nix via Kadokawa. Yet it’s his lack of cooperation, rather than the illegal betting itself, that will lead to his imprisonment.
The 35-year-old initially agreed to a plea deal, telling prosecutors he would plead guilty to one count of making a false statement to a federal agent and pay a $55,000 fine. However, he later backed out of the agreement.
During the trial, investigators cited his lack of cooperation when playing interview audio. Nix also described dealing with the ex-Dodger as a “disaster.” While cooperating with investigators, the bookie said he cut ties with the player because “he simply wasn’t worth the headache.”
Nix stated Puig repeatedly refused to pay his losses yet demanded additional credit to place more bets.
Defense Seeks Leniency
Keri Curtis Axel, Puig’s attorney, has urged the judge to show leniency and spare her client from prison time.
“Yasiel Puig is a first-time offender who has already been punished through years of prosecution, reputational damage, financial consequences, and the effective destruction of his professional life,” she told The Athletic.
“A prison sentence is not proportional to his conduct and would not serve any rehabilitative purpose here. The Court has full discretion over the sentence, and the defense will request probation.”
Puig Avoided Punishment for Alleged Sexual Assaults
While facing prison time for lying to investigators, Puig has escaped consequences for what appear to be more severe crimes.
In March 2021, a woman accused him of sexual assault during a 2018 Lakers game. He denied the allegations, but the woman later sued him. The two parties settled in 2022, as reported by Sports Illustrated.
He is also alleged to have settled a lawsuit filed by two women who claimed he sexually assaulted them in 2017. The settlements were kept secret, allowing Puig to avoid any MLB sanctions over the cases.
Puig Continues Career in Canada Amid Charges
Despite the potential of facing prison time soon, Puig signed a contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs last month. He started their first game on May 10, hitting two home runs in the process.
When announcing his signing, the Canadian Baseball League made no mention of his likely imprisonment, but stated: “Puig’s signing continues a growing trend of high-profile talent joining the CBL.”
The Leafs have reportedly given the former Dodgers star the largest contract in Canadian Baseball League history. Before signing with Toronto, Puig played in Korea for the Kiwoom Heroes.
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