The Cleveland Guardians lost two key pieces this season.
First, it was Luis L. Ortiz.
Then, it was Emmanuel Clase.
At least, Paul Hoynes has some positive news in the midst of this mini crisis.
Apparently, the team won’t face further discipline or sanctions, even if the players are found to be guilty:
“Not much information has come out of the investigations by MLB and the Ohio Casino Control Commission into gambling allegation against Guardians’ pitchers Ortiz and Clase, but according to sources here’s one nugget. If Ortiz and/or Clase are found to be guilty of any wrongdoing because of their actions during games, the Guardians will not have to forfeit those games,” Hoynes wrote.
Ortiz and Clase are currently on non-disciplinary paid leave.
They’re being investigated for their alleged involvement in a sports gambling scheme.
Of course, they have to be treated as innocent until proven guilty, and they deserve to have both the benefit of the doubt and a fair chance to defend themselves.
The integrity of the game should be above everything, and as much as losing them would hurt this team, something has to happen if the allegations are true.
We’ve already seen it happen in the NBA as well, and unfortunately, this might be just the beginning of a crisis.
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