MLB umpire Pat Hoberg was fired after it was revealed he shared a sportsbook account with a friend who placed bets on baseball. The league concluded that Hoberg violated its integrity policies, despite his claims that he did not bet on baseball himself. An investigation began in February 2024, after it was discovered that his electronic devices were linked to baseball betting, prompting MLB to terminate his employment on May 31, 2024. Hoberg expressed regret over his actions, acknowledging poor judgment, and stated he remained committed to upholding high standards in baseball. While he is banned from MLB activities until spring training in 2026, he emphasized he never provided information for baseball betting. The controversy stemmed from a friendship formed at a poker tournament in 2014, during which they exchanged betting information via Telegram and settled debts in cash. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred underscored the importance of strict adherence to gambling rules to maintain the integrity of the game.
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