Pat Hoberg, a well-known Major League Baseball umpire, was fired on Monday after an investigation revealed he shared his sports gambling accounts with a friend who bet on baseball games. While Hoberg didn’t personally bet on baseball, his actions raised serious concerns about the integrity of the game.

The investigation began last February when a sportsbook alerted MLB to suspicious activity. Hoberg, who didn’t officiate during the 2023 season, was found to have shared his accounts with a professional poker player. This friend placed 141 baseball bets totaling nearly $214,000, netting a profit of around $35,000. Although Hoberg didn’t directly manipulate games, he deleted messages that were relevant to the probe, which worsened the situation.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred upheld the decision to fire Hoberg, citing “extremely poor judgment” that created the appearance of impropriety. Hoberg, who once achieved a perfect game in calling balls and strikes during the 2022 World Series, expressed deep regret in a statement. “I take full responsibility for my errors in judgment,” he said, adding that he’s “ashamed and embarrassed” by his actions.

While the investigation found no evidence of game-fixing or direct bets by Hoberg, the umpire’s conduct violated MLB’s strict rules on gambling. Hoberg can apply for reinstatement no earlier than 2026 spring training.

This case underscores MLB’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport, especially in an era where sports betting is increasingly widespread. Fans and players alike rely on umpires to uphold the highest standards, and Hoberg’s dismissal serves as a stark reminder of the consequences when those standards aren’t met.