Tue Feb 04 02:30:00 IST 2025: **MLB Umpire Fired for Sharing Betting Account with Pro Poker Player**
NEW YORK — Major League Baseball (MLB) announced Monday the termination of umpire Pat Hoberg, 38, following an upheld appeal. Hoberg was fired for sharing his sports betting account with a professional poker player known to bet on baseball, a violation of league policy.
While MLB found no evidence that Hoberg bet on baseball himself or manipulated game outcomes, the league cited his “extremely poor judgment” and the subsequent deletion of relevant messages as grounds for dismissal. An investigation launched in February 2024, prompted by a sports betting operator, revealed the shared account. Hoberg was initially suspended in Spring Training and later fired on May 31, 2024. His appeal was rejected.
In a statement, Hoberg admitted to errors in judgment but vehemently denied ever betting on baseball or providing information for betting purposes. He expressed remorse and apologized to MLB and the baseball community. He is eligible to apply for reinstatement in 2026.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized the league’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the game, stating that even without direct evidence of betting on baseball or game manipulation, Hoberg’s actions created the appearance of impropriety and warranted termination. The shared account, coupled with the deleted messages, were deemed sufficient cause for dismissal.
First Piper 