Many of you probably relate: The sun setting before 5 pm is. not. it. Let’s just say my wellness and fitness routines are in flux — it might be time to give these morning workout tips a try. And to add these massage bars and serotonin bath salts to my cart — you know, for the days when I’m definitely not leaving the house for the gym. Still, I’m finding some sparks of motivation: Like Simone Biles revealing she’s tackling a whole new sport (she can win gold in anything). And Naomi Osaka and Taylor Townsend are reminding us that hard work — grueling tennis season or not — might just pay off with a boat vacation with your BFF. Enjoy the offseason, ladies. Now, let’s get to what else is making sports headlines…
— Maria Corpus / Editor / Madison, WI
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Another League, Another Scandal
What's going on: It’s hard to believe any professional athlete would intentionally rig a game, especially with thousands of people watching. (First, how embarrassing. Second, don’t you always want to win?) But that’s exactly what federal prosecutors say two MLB pitchers did as part of a gambling scheme. Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz are facing multiple charges, including fraud conspiracy, for allegedly helping gamblers rake in over $450,000. How? Prosecutors claim the players tipped off bettors about their pitches (think: manipulating ball speed and throwing balls vs. strikes), in exchange for a cut. Lawyers for both players say their clients are innocent, but this is one game plan MLB wants nothing to do with.
Our take: Professional sports are facing a reckoning over gambling. Just last month, a similar betting scandal allegedly involving former and current NBA players and coaches rocked the league. While the majority of US states have legalized sports betting, rigging a game or performance for a payout remains very much illegal. Now, some leagues are playing catch-up to curb these bets and maintain the integrity of the game. That’s no easy task, given that people aren’t just betting on whether a team wins or loses, but are also placing everything from “microbets” to prop bets. At least these problems aren’t as widespread in women’s sports — oh wait, some gamblers are trying to cash in on period bets…
