MLS Bars Two Ex-Players for ‘Extensive Match Gambling’
Major League Soccer (MLS) has taken a significant step in preserving the integrity of the sport by announcing lifetime bans for former players Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah. This decision, made public on a Monday, follows an investigation into extensive gambling on matches involving the players.
Details of the Ban
The investigation began after MLS received reports of suspicious betting activities linked to Jones and Yeboah. Both players were initially placed on administrative leave in October while the league examined potential violations of its gambling policy.
Player Backgrounds
- Derrick Jones – 29 years old, last played for the Columbus Crew, with 23 appearances in 2024 and 2025.
- Yaw Yeboah – 28 years old, previously a teammate of Jones at the Crew before joining Los Angeles FC.
Gambling Activities
The investigation revealed that Jones and Yeboah engaged in extensive gambling activities during the 2024 and 2025 MLS seasons. It was particularly alarming that both players placed bets on their own matches. In one notable instance during an October 2024 match, they bet on the occurrence of a yellow card for Jones, which was ultimately issued.
Integrity Commitment
MLS Commissioner Don Garber stressed the league’s unwavering commitment to match integrity. In response to the situation, he stated, “The League will continue to enforce its policies, enhance education efforts, and advocate for the elimination of yellow card wagering in all states to protect the integrity of our competition.”
League Response
The Columbus Crew publicly condemned the actions of both players. In their official statement, the organization expressed full cooperation with MLS’s investigation and highlighted their adherence to league policies concerning sports gambling regulations.
Previous Gambling Violations
This is not the first instance of gambling violations in MLS. In 2021, Felipe Hernandez of Sporting Kansas City faced disciplinary action, which culminated in the termination of his contract in 2024 due to multiple breaches of the league’s betting policy.
Wider Context of Betting in Sports
The issue of gambling, particularly involving prop bets, has become prominent in various North American sports leagues since the legalization of sports betting. For instance, two pitchers from the Cleveland Guardians faced legal charges last year related to pitch-rigging and in-game prop bets. In a similar vein, former NBA player Jontay Porter was banned for life for violating league betting rules by sharing confidential information with bettors.
Looking Forward
The 2026 MLS season commenced last month and is set to conclude in November. As the league navigates this challenging landscape, it will also implement a six-week break during the summer for the World Cup.
