San Diego Padres shortstop Tucupita Marcano is facing a possible ban from baseball for allegedly betting on games as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates last season, as relayed by Jeff Passan of ESPN.
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"Marcano, 24, has yet to be formally penalized, but MLB Rule 21 explicitly states that a player who bets on games involving his own team is subject to a lifetime ban," Passan wrote. "Marcano tore an ACL last year and was on the injured list when he allegedly placed the bets, which were flagged by a sportsbook and reported to the league, according to sources."
Oh boy.
This news follows the lifetime ban of Jontay Porter, formerly of the Toronto Raptors, for betting on NBA games. That came during this past NBA regular season.
As for Marcano ... well, he may not be alone.
"Four other minor league players are facing potential discipline for gambling as well," Passan wrote, citing sources. "Even if a player in the minor leagues is on a team's 40-man roster, he would face a one-year suspension for gambling on major league games, according to Rule 21."
Pro sports just recently got in bed with the gamblers and bookies, making it legal to bet on the games. That ruling, of course, was supposed to be limited to fans.
But the MLB is under extra scrutiny, given that Pete Rose was banned for betting on games years ago. Despite being deserving as a player, Rose cannot get into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass.
Meanwhile, neither the MBL nor the players' union is commenting on the matter. But at least the Pirates did.
"We are aware of the matter that's under investigation and are fully cooperating," Pirates senior vice president of communications Brian Warecki told ESPN. "We will refrain from further comment at this time."
