MLS Issues Lifetime Bans to Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah for Match Gambling
Major League Soccer (MLS) announced Monday that former players Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah have received lifetime bans for gambling on matches. The decision follows a thorough league review into suspicious betting activity.
Investigation Reveals Extensive Gambling
Jones and Yeboah were initially placed on administrative leave in October, pending a league review triggered by suspicious betting alerts. The MLS investigation subsequently uncovered extensive gambling by both players during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. This included placing bets on their own matches.
A particularly striking finding involved an October 2024 match. During this game, both players placed bets on Jones receiving a yellow card, which subsequently occurred. The investigation also concluded that the players most likely shared inside information with other bettors, further compromising match integrity.
"Both players placed bets on Jones receiving a yellow card, which subsequently occurred."
Player Details
Derrick Jones, 29, last played for the Columbus Crew. He appeared in 23 games for the club over the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Yaw Yeboah, 28, was a teammate with the Crew before joining Los Angeles FC last year. Both players are now permanently barred from the league.
League's Stance and Response
MLS Commissioner Don Garber issued a strong statement regarding the bans. "Major League Soccer remains steadfast in its commitment to match integrity," Garber said. He affirmed that the league will continue to enforce its policies, enhance player education, and advocate for the elimination of yellow card wagering.
The Columbus Crew condemned the players' actions and confirmed their full cooperation with the league's investigation. The club emphasized its adherence to MLS policies on sports gambling regulations.
"Major League Soccer remains steadfast in its commitment to match integrity." – Commissioner Don Garber
Broader Sports Betting Landscape
This is not the first time MLS has disciplined players for gambling violations. Felipe Hernandez, for instance, had his contract terminated in 2024 for multiple similar infractions.
The issue of gambling, particularly prop bets, has become a significant concern across multiple North American sports leagues since the widespread legalization of sports betting. Other high-profile cases include two Cleveland Guardians pitchers facing trial over alleged pitch-rigging. Former NBA player Jontay Porter also received a lifetime ban in 2024 for betting violations and disclosing information for prop bets, highlighting a growing pattern across professional sports.