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Jonatan Gómez reveals gambling addiction and extortion claims
Argentine footballer Jonatan Gómez, formerly of São Paulo and Sarmiento de Junín, has publicly disclosed his struggle with gambling addiction, stating, “I lost everything.” Gómez described the addiction as a “silent drug” that has devastated his professional career, personal finances, and family relationships.
Gómez reported that his gambling issues began around 2020 and escalated through illegal online betting platforms, including one named Lexus. He alleged that a debt of $50,000 led to a severe extortion attempt. According to his legal counsel, Gómez was forced under death threats to sign promissory notes totaling $505,000.
Despite his reports to authorities, the judicial investigation was dismissed by prosecutor Aquiles Balbis, who concluded there was insufficient evidence of intimidation and suggested the documents were signed voluntarily. Gómez has criticized this decision, claiming the prosecutor had no intention of hearing his side. He is currently undergoing medical and psychological treatment and has been without a club for four months.
Entities
Aquiles Balbis · Independiente Santa Fe · Jonatan Gómez · Jonathan Gómez · Lexus · Sarmiento de Junín · São Paulo FC
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Gómez won the 2016 Colombian league title with Independiente Santa Fe. www.marca.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Former footballer Jonathan Gómez has lost his assets due to gambling addiction. www.marca.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The 36-year-old midfielder previously played in Brazil, Spain, and Saudi Arabia. www.marca.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Gómez stated his family is nearly destroyed by his addiction. www.marca.com