Major League Soccer (MLS) has issued lifetime suspensions to professional players Derrick Jones and Yaw Yeboah for violating the league’s gambling policy by betting on MLS games.
After receiving suspicious betting alerts through integrity partners, MLS retained the law firm Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler to conduct an investigation, with both players placed on administrative leave pending the completion of the review.
After reviewing the results of the investigation, MLS concluded that the players engaged in extensive gambling on soccer, including on their own teams, during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
In one instance, both players bet on Jones to draw a yellow card during a match in October 2024, which he received.
MLS also determined that the players likely shared confidential information with other bettors about their intent to draw yellow cards.
No evidence was identified that suggested any of these betting activities affected the outcome of a match.
“Major League Soccer remains steadfast in its commitment to match integrity,” said MLS commissioner Don Garber. “The League will continue to enforce its policies, enhance education efforts, and advocate for the elimination of yellow card wagering in all states to protect the integrity of our competition for clubs, players, and fans.”
Jones and Yeboah, who played once for the Ghana national team, are no longer under contract with an MLS club.
Jones was released by Columbus Crew last November, while Yeboah joined Chinese Super League club Qingdao Hainiu earlier this year.