MLB Takes Action: Umpire Dismissed for Sharing Sports Betting Account with Poker Player Who Bet on Baseball

Major League Baseball (MLB) confirmed on Monday that it stands by its decision to dismiss umpire Pat Hoberg. This decision came after an investigation into his sharing of a sports betting account with a friend, who is a professional poker player.

Hoberg was let go in May 2024 when MLB found out that the account was used for betting on baseball, which goes against league rules. Although Hoberg appealed the decision, insisting that a third-party review should take place, MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred Jr. upheld the firing after this review, stating Hoberg did not maintain the integrity of the game.

While no evidence showed that Hoberg placed any bets on baseball, investigators reported that his friend did place 141 bets on baseball between 2021 and 2023. This included eight bets on five games that Hoberg either umpired or oversaw during replay reviews. Furthermore, the pair deleted messages from Telegram discussing these bets, raising further concerns.

Hoberg acknowledged his mistakes, expressing shame over his actions. He stated that he never personally bet on baseball and denied sharing any insider information for betting purposes. In his apology, he promised to learn from his errors and improve himself.

As per league policy, Hoberg can apply for reinstatement as an umpire after spring training in 2026.

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