Congressional Republicans are turning up the heat on major U.S. sports unions after a string of betting scandals has rocked professional athletics. Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg has sent formal inquiries to the NFLPA, MLBPA, NBPA, NHLPA and MLS Players Association, seeking details on what they’re doing to stop players from sharing insider information with gamblers.
The move comes amid growing concerns that illegal sports wagering is undermining the integrity of American sports — and that player unions are failing to police their own members.
“These actions eviscerate the integrity of sports and hurt honest, law-abiding athletes,” Walberg wrote.
The Committee, he said, wants to know how unions plan to prevent players from leaking proprietary information to benefit bettors.
Walberg pointed to multiple high-profile cases that exposed a disturbing trend:
• Former Miami Heat player Terry Rozier and former NBA player/coach Damon Jones were arrested for using insider team information to place illegal bets. Gamblers allegedly used their information to bet on seven NBA games in 2023–2024.
• Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were indicted for tipping off bettors about upcoming pitches — a scheme that could influence outcomes and cost honest players, fans and legal bettors millions.
These are not minor infractions. Such actions strike at the heart of competitive fairness — and threaten to erode trust in the leagues that millions of Americans support.
Walberg’s letters demand that player associations detail what actions they have taken to educate athletes about sports gambling rules and prevent further corruption. He gave unions until Jan. 31, 2026 to respond.
The Committee wants to know:
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What education players receive on sports betting laws
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How insider information is safeguarded
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What disciplinary measures exist for violators
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Whether unions plan to increase oversight or sanctions
Since legalization expanded nationwide, the gambling industry has exploded — and so have the temptations. Republicans argue that without stronger safeguards, American sports risk becoming just another rigged system where insiders profit while fans and honest competitors pay the price.
This investigation could mark the beginning of a broader push to restore trust in professional sports — where fairness, not insider deals, should determine winners.
Walberg’s message is clear: Protect the integrity of the game — or Congress will.
