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3d ago

MLS Bans Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah for Life Over Gambling on Own Matches

MLS will push to remove yellow-card betting to protect match integrity.

May 14, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles FC midfielder Yaw Yeboah (20) scores a goal against the Seattle Sounders during the second half at BMO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Alex Gallardo-Imagn Images/File Photo
Nov 3, 2024; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; Columbus Crew midfielder Derrick Jones (5) warms up before a game against the New York Red Bulls in a 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One match at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images/File Photo
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Alex Gallardo-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Integrity alerts led MLS to retain Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler to probe betting activity across the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
  • Investigators found both players wagered on Jones to receive a yellow card in the Oct. 19, 2024 Columbus Crew–New York Red Bulls match, which occurred.
  • MLS concluded the pair likely shared confidential plans to draw bookings with other bettors.
  • The league reported no evidence that the betting influenced any match results and outlined expanded education plus a push to eliminate yellow-card prop markets.
  • Both players were placed on administrative leave in October 2025; Yeboah now plays for Qingdao Hainiu in China and Jones is currently without an MLS club.