MLB Worried About Threats To Players From Gambling
Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred has expressed concern for player safety as it relates to gambling while expressing confidence in the league\'s ability to catch personnel who violate the league\'s gambling policies.
Manfred said he\'s heard from players about threats they are receiving -- though he didn\'t get into specifics about them.
\"If a player receives a threat from any source, on any topic, it is a matter of concern to us that we take really seriously,\" Manfred stated. \"I\'ve had players in the last month mention this issue to me as one of concern and we\'re discussing what we should do to be more proactive in this area.\"
The comments come on the heels of several player suspensions this season and even a lifetime ban for gambling, combined with an umpire currently under investigation for a violation as well.
\"I\'m a believer that penalties and demonstration of your ability to figure what\'s going on serves as a deterrent,\" Manfred said. \"Working your whole life to get to the major leagues in whatever role and lose that over sports betting, that\'s a huge penalty.
\"I truly believe we\'re in a better position to know what\'s going on today then we were in the old days when it was all illegal.\"