MLB fines Marlins' Cosart, but finds no evidence he bet on baseball
MLB announced Friday afternoon that its investigation found no evidence of Miami Marlins right-hander Jarred Cosart gambling on baseball. Cosart will, however, be fined an undisclosed amount for a violation of gambling rules.
"Major League Baseball has completed its investigation into Jarred Cosart's possible connection to sports-related gambling," the statement read. "The investigation did not reveal any evidence to suggest that Cosart, who fully cooperated with the investigation, bet on baseball. Cosart has received an undisclosed fine for violations of Major League Rule 21(d)(3) that were revealed during the investigation. Major League Rule 21(d)(3) prohibits players from placing bets with illegal bookmakers, or agents for illegal bookmakers. This rule is strictly enforced and applies to gambling with illegal bookmakers of any sport or event."
On March 24, an article from Total Frat Move posted alleged screenshots of direct messages between Cosart's Twitter account (@JarredCosart) and @ghostfadekillah discussing betting. Later on, the person in charge of the account said it concerned NCAA men's basketball.
Last week, Cosart spoke with league officials as MLB security investigated his Twitter account, which has since been deleted. The 24-year-old righty also missed a spring training start with a blister on his right middle finger.
Following the Grapefruit League finale on Wednesday, when Cosart tossed six one-hit innings against the Washington Nationals, he said MLB hoped for everything to be done by Opening Day.
"Told all these guys, 'Never have, never will bet on baseball,'" Cosart said. "That's the only statement I can come out with right now. ... I'm in a good position and I'm confident. Like I said, it's just kind of in the commissioner's hands now. We'll see where he goes with it. That's it. I'm focused now on the 162 we've got ahead. I'll let that care of itself, and hopefully that's soon so we can move on from that."
Cosart is scheduled to start on April 11 in Miami's fifth game of the season against the Tampa Bay Rays.
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
