It looks like former MLB all-star Yasiel Puig will be in the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup a little while longer.
The controversial ex-Dodgers slugger has seen his sentencing on his obstruction of justice conviction delayed more than a month after his lawyers filed a motion for acquittal.
Puig had been scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday, but that date has now been pushed to June 30 as federal Judge Dolly M. Gee reviews the latest filing.
The 35-year-old had been convicted earlier this year of knowingly lying to federal investigators during a 2022 interview as the U.S. government investigated an illegal bookmaking operation.
He only was interviewed as a witness at the time and not a person of interest.
What his lawyers argue
According to the Athletic, Puig’s lawyers argued in the acquittal motion that the prosecution’s evidence was insufficient for “any reasonable juror to convict” the athlete.
His legal team also argued that because Puig’s interview with the authorities was not recorded and there is no transcript, there is not sufficient evidence for a conviction.
Prosecutors reportedly responded by arguing that the acquittal motion “is nothing more than a rehashing of the arguments he made at trial, which the jury rejected.” It also was noted that
The judge previously denied an acquittal motion before the jury’s conviction.
A sentencing memorandum filed in a California court shows that U.S. authorities are requesting an 18-month prison sentence, as well as three years probation and a US$55,000 fine. The maximum sentence, however, could be up to 15 years in prison.
The memo states that the sentence would be “sufficient” because it “reflects the nature and severity of defendant’s crimes and his lack of remorse” and “punishes defendant and deters both defendant and those contemplating committing similar offences.”
Prosecutors added that Puig’s “history and characteristics” played a factor in the recommendation.
How is Puig doing for the Maple Leafs?
After making headlines in his debut by hitting two home runs, Puig has yet to connect again for the Ball Leafs.
In fact, Puig’s two homers are his only hits through three games, with the slugger going 2-for-8 with four walks and three runs scored.
The Blue Jays had been scheduled to play two games over the weekend, but both Saturday’s away game against the Welland Jackfish and Sunday’s home matchup with the Guelph Royals were postponed due to rain.
What team has said about Puig’s legal issues
Maple Leafs CEO Keith Stein said when the team signed Puig that it had done its research looking into the issues and believes they have been “dealt with.”
“We carried out extensive diligence (before signing Puig),” Stein said. “We’ve had discussions with lots of different people. The issues have been dealt with by the justice system, by other, more qualified parties.
“We are focused on what is the best talent that we can put on the field that’s going to represent the Toronto Maple Leafs in a way we can be proud of. We think that he is really on the right track in his personal life.
“He certainly deserves a chance to play professional baseball. And we think he’s going to be a great contributor to the team and to the community,” Stein added.