MLB: After gambling investigation, disciplinary action against referee Pat Hoberg was “justified”

By Jacob Lev, CNN

(CNN) — Major League Baseball has disciplined umpire Pat Hoberg after he was investigated for a possible violation of the league’s gambling rules, the second notable betting incident MLB has dealt with in the last month, the league announced Friday.

The league said an investigation was launched into Hoberg, 37, for a “possible violation of MLB’s sports betting policies” during spring training and he was removed from the field.

MLB has not yet announced the exact disciplinary action against Hoberg, but he has not umpired a game this season. The Athletic first reported on Hoberg’s disciplinary action.

MLB did not disclose whether its investigation found that Hoberg had bet on baseball. The league also found no evidence that the games Hoberg fixed were “in any way compromised or manipulated,” but added that “disciplinary action is appropriate.”

“Mr. Hoberg has decided to appeal this decision,” MLB said in a statement. “As such, we cannot comment further until the appeals process is complete.”

In a statement to USA Today, Hoberg said he would appeal the disciplinary action.

“I am appealing Major League Baseball’s decision that I should be disciplined for violating the sports betting policy. While that appeal is pending, it would not be appropriate to discuss the case,” he said. “That being said, I have dedicated my entire life to the umpiring profession and the integrity of baseball is of paramount importance to me. I look forward to the appeal process and am grateful for the support of the Major League Baseball Umpires Association.”

CNN was unable to reach the MLB Umpires Association or Hoberg for comment.

Hoberg began officiating Major League games during spring training in 2014 and was promoted to the full-time Major League umpiring staff in 2017.

The disciplinary action came just over a week after San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano was banned for life by the league for betting on baseball games. Four other players were also banned for one year each for violating betting rules.

The MLB investigation states: “There is no evidence – and Marcano denies this – that the results of the baseball games on which he wagered were compromised, influenced or manipulated in any way.”

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