Sporting Kansas City midfielder Felipe Hernandez has been suspended without pay for the rest of the 2021 season by Major League Soccer, with MLS citing gambling integrity issues and standards of conduct violations as reasons for the decision.
According to MLS, Hernandez was found to have engaged in extensive and unlawful sports gambling, including wagering to two MLS matches. An investigation began in early July after Hernandez admitted to Sporting front office staff that gambling debts had left him concerned for his personal safety.
Born in Colombia and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, the 23-year old Hernandez has admitted to having a gambling addiction and has vowed to use his suspension to seek help to correct the problem. He had a goal and two assists in six games for Sporting this season. MLS did specify that Hernandez did not bet on Sporting Kansas City games, and he will be eligible for a return on January 1, 2022.
