The National Basketball League (LNB) is actively investigating a bet made by Pedro Ortega, sports director at Vasco and digital influencer.
The event took place during the game between Vasco and Botafogo, last Saturday, at the Oscar Zelaya gym.
Unexpectedly, Ortega shared a screenshot where he was betting on Vasco’s victory by a margin of less than 85.5 points. Surprisingly, Vasco triumphed with 79 to 62 points, validating Ortega’s bet.
However, the scenario becomes more complicated, as the NBB code of conduct explicitly prohibits the involvement of directors and other officials with sports betting.
1) Participation, whether directly or indirectly, in betting or gambling that includes LNB games or any basketball activities is prohibited.
2) It is prohibited to bet on your own results or those of your opponents, or allow people you know to do so.
LNB’s statement on the case:
“The National Basketball League (LNB) is forwarding the incident for analysis by the responsible authorities. The objective is to verify whether Pedro Ortega has administrative influence on the Vasco basketball team and whether there was a violation of LNB rules. The LNB ensures a fair process , respecting the right to full defense and contradictory proceedings”.
Vasco expressed himself through an official statement:
“Club de Regatas Vasco da Gama highlights its commitment to integrity and the values that have always guided the club. It also emphasizes that all technical and game decisions belong exclusively to the technical committee. Pedro Ortega, as Basketball Director, plays a role consultancy, acting as an ambassador for the sport”.
Vasco currently occupies fifth place in the NBB, with four wins in five games. Their next challenge is against Flamengo, at home, in São Januário, on Thursday, at 8pm.
What is the situation after the Vasco director’s bet?
The National Basketball League’s investigation into the bet made by Pedro Ortega reinforces the organization’s zero tolerance policy regarding the integrity of games.
While Vasco reiterates the autonomy of its technical committee, separating game decisions from any external influence, Ortega’s position as director puts him under scrutiny.
Determining his degree of administrative influence could have significant implications for his future at the club and for Vasco’s image in the NBB, especially on the eve of the classic against Flamengo, where the team’s performance and adherence to ethical principles will be under scrutiny. spotlights.
