Former Major League Baseball outfielder Yasiel Puig was convicted Friday of obstruction of justice and lying to federal investigators in connection with an illegal sports gambling operation, facing up to 20 years in prison after a jury verdict in Los Angeles. This marks a dramatic turn for the once-high-flying star, whose career has been overshadowed by legal troubles stemming from a probe into an unlicensed betting ring.
A federal jury found Puig guilty on charges of obstruction and making false statements after a multiweek trial that concluded on February 6, 2026. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the verdict, which came on the 13th day of proceedings in downtown Los Angeles, where prosecutors presented evidence linking Puig to an illegal gambling business run by former minor league pitcher Wayne Nix. Puig, who is 35 and no longer plays in the MLB, now awaits sentencing scheduled for May 26, with his defense planning post-trial motions to challenge the outcome.
The case originated from a 2017 investigation into Nix’s operations, which involved laundering illicit proceeds and hiding income from the IRS. Authorities revealed that Puig began placing bets through an intermediary of Nix’s in May 2019, accumulating losses of over $280,000 within months. Between July and September 2019, he placed 899 bets on tennis, football, and basketball games via a Costa Rica-based website associated with Nix, demonstrating a pattern of high-stakes wagering that drew federal scrutiny.
During a January 2022 interview with federal agents, Puig denied any knowledge of the Nix gambling business or his involvement, despite being warned that lying to officials is a crime. Prosecutors argued that he intentionally misled investigators, playing audio clips in court and calling expert witnesses to testify on his cognitive abilities. Puig’s defense countered that he had untreated mental health issues, a third-grade education, and lacked proper interpreter assistance during the interview, factors they claimed affected his responses.
Puig initially reached a plea deal in August 2022, agreeing to plead guilty to a single count of lying to federal authorities and pay a fine, but he withdrew weeks later, asserting his innocence. His attorney, Keri Curtis Axel, stated that the government failed to prove key elements and that Puig seeks to clear his name, highlighting disputes over the admissibility of evidence related to the withdrawn plea. The trial featured testimony from MLB officials and Donny Kadokawa, a Hawaii baseball coach through whom Puig placed bets, adding layers of complexity to the proceedings.
The conviction carries significant penalties, with the false statement charge punishable by up to five years in prison and obstruction by up to ten years, though sentencing guidelines may result in a combined maximum of 20 years. Puig’s legal team has emphasized his background, including his escape from Cuba and rapid rise to MLB stardom, as context for his actions, but prosecutors maintained that he knowingly obstructed justice to protect himself from further scrutiny.
Puig’s baseball career, which included six seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, an All-Star selection in 2014, and stints with the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland, has been marred by this scandal. His nickname “The Wild Horse” from broadcaster Vin Scully now contrasts sharply with his current legal predicament, underscoring the risks of involvement in illegal gambling operations that have increasingly targeted athletes. The case also highlights broader issues in sports betting regulation, as federal authorities crack down on unlicensed rings.
Looking ahead, Puig’s sentencing in May will determine his fate, with potential appeals likely to follow. Meanwhile, Wayne Nix, who pleaded guilty to related charges in 2022, awaits his own sentencing, illustrating the wider net cast by this investigation. For Puig, the verdict represents a stark reminder of the consequences of obstructing federal inquiries, and his story serves as a cautionary tale in the evolving landscape of sports gambling enforcement.
