MLB Pitch-Fixing Scandal Explodes, 2 Players Indicted

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00:00MLB pitch-fixing scandal explodes two players indicted.

00:05The rigged pitch scandal rocking the MLB has erupted into full-blown chaos,

00:09and this time, it's two of the Cleveland Guardian's most recognizable arms standing in the crosshairs.

00:15On Sunday, federal prosecutors unsealed indictments against all-star closer Emanuel Classé and right-hander Luis Ortiz,

00:23naming them as central figures in a sweeping gambling conspiracy.

00:26The charges, wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and bribery,

00:32carry a maximum sentence of up to 65 years if convicted.

00:37Prosecutors say the case threatens to shake the very foundation of professional sports.

00:42Ortiz was arrested in Boston, and Classé remains outside U.S. custody.

00:47Prosecutors say Ortiz accepted $5,000 for throwing a deliberate ball during a June 15th game,

00:53with Classé allegedly acting as the middleman.

00:56Less than two weeks later, both men reportedly repeated the act, this time for $7,000 apiece.

01:03According to U.S. attorney Josh Nocella Jr., the pitchers coordinated with co-conspirators,

01:08tipping off gamblers about exact pitches to be thrown.

01:11This wasn't a one-off incident or a momentary lapse in judgment.

01:15Integrity, honesty, and fair play are part of the DNA of professional sports,

01:21Nocella Jr. said in a searing statement.

01:23When corruption infiltrates the sport, it brings disgrace not only to the participants,

01:28but also damages the public trust in an institution that is vital and dear to all of us.

01:33The MLB probe runs parallel to a growing FBI investigation into a mafia-linked gambling ring

01:39stretching into the NBA and NFL.

01:41Former NBA player Terry Rozier has been arrested,

01:45and high-profile figures like Portland's Chauncey Billups have been named as alleged co-conspirators

01:49in a network of rigged poker games and insider betting.

01:53Back in Cleveland, Ortiz and Classe were already on paid administrative leave

01:57as MLB's internal investigation expanded.

02:00Classe, with 47 saves in 2024 and 24 more this season,

02:05had been seen as a key trade asset before being sidelined.

02:09His absence now takes on a chilling new significance.

02:12The fallout is just beginning.

02:14With more than 30 individuals already indicted across 11 states

02:18and the integrity of three major leagues under federal scrutiny,

02:21the question is no longer whether professional sports has a gambling problem.

02:25It's how deep the rod goes.