Colorado Rapids Suspends Player Amid Unlawful Betting Scandal

Amid the statewide expansion of sports betting, concerns about the integrity of professional and collegiate competitions continue to rise. On Wednesday this week, Major League Soccer (MLS), issued a statement via Twitter acknowledging that there have been media reports alleging the involvement of a former and a current player in “unlawful sports gambling.”

The League did not disclose any names within its statement. Still, MLS said that the integrity of its competitions is paramount and it takes such allegations seriously. Additionally, the League revealed that the current MLS player that was allegedly involved in such illicit activity was removed from team activities while an investigation into the matter is expected to start soon.

“The integrity of the game is critical to the league and MLS takes seriously these allegations and any contravention of the league’s integrity rules. The current player has been removed from team activities pending an investigation into this matter, which will begin promptly,“

reads a statement released by Major League Soccer

Shortly after the statement released by MLS, the Colorado Rapids, a famous American professional soccer club based in Denver that competes in MLS, issued a similar statement acknowledging that it was aware of media reports alleging that one of its players was involved in unlawful sports betting.

Similarly to MLS, the team noted that it takes any integrity threat seriously. Consequently, the Rapids said that the player has been suspended from all upcoming activities while an investigation into the matter will be conducted by MLS. At the time of the announcement, MLS did not disclose the name of the player.

“We are aware of the reports regarding a Colorado Rapids player in connection with unlawful sports gambling. We take matters of this nature seriously and seek at all times to protect the integrity of the game,“

reads a statement released by the Colorado Rapids

Max Alves Reportedly Involved in the Betting Scandal

Citing sources close to the situation, ESPN suggested recently that Max Alves, a Colorado Rapids winger, is the player that was recently suspended. Allegations against the player claim he was involved in unlawful sports betting. Yet, an official investigation by the MLS is yet to disclose data and determine whether the player was involved in any illicit activity or not.