Looking back at the sports gambling controversies throughout 2025, with NBA and MLB investigations leading way

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Over the years, as sports gambling has become more of a norm, lines have been crossed.

In 2023, several NFL players were suspended for multiple games for violating the league's gambling policy. Later that year, Iowa and Iowa State athletes were punished. A year later, Shohei Ohtani found himself in controversy after millions of dollars under his name were paid for gambling debts. Ultimately, the FBI found it was his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, stealing his money to pay off his own losses.

That April, NBA player Jontay Porter was permanently banned from the NBA after withdrawing early from games to get out from under large gambling debts so he and his co-conspirators could win bets on his performance.

But this year, the FBI's involvement grew as higher-profile athletes were accused of serious wrongdoing.

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(Left) Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier III (2) controls the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. The action took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Feb. 5, 2025. (Center) Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase (48) reacts in the ninth inning against the New York Yankees during Game 4 of the American League Championship Series for the 2024 MLB playoffs at Progressive Field. The game was played in Cleveland, Ohio, on Oct. 18, 2024. (Right) Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups takes a timeout during the first half against the Golden State Warriors at Moda Center. The game was played in Portland, Oregon, on April 11, 2025. (Kyle Ross/Imagn Images;David Dermer/Imagn Images;Troy Wayrynen/Imagn Images)

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