Padres’ Tucupita Marcano investigated by MLB over allegations of gambling violations, could face lifetime ban
NBCJUN 2024
MLB: Padres' Marcano Receives Lifetime Ban for Betting
Above: Tucupita Marcano, then of the Pittsburgh Pirates, looks on against the Miami Marlins during the fourth inning at LoanDepot Park on June 24, 2023 in Miami, Florida. Image copyright: Megan Briggs/Contributor/Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Marcano almost certainly won't be the last player to face a gambling ban. Pro sports leagues have opened up a can of worms by teaming with sportsbooks and promoting gambling, and it was only a matter of time before athletes started wagering. Players are responsible for their own actions, but MLB and other leagues share culpability in the gambling crisis that's unfolding across the world of sports.
Narrative B
MLB is operating in a whole new world since the Supreme Court legalized sports gambling and it became lucrative for professional leagues and teams to partner with betting entities. But MLB's system of policing worked — Marcano and the others clearly violated the rules, they were caught, and they were punished. This is how the world of sports is going to operate moving forward.