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Fansided

Philadelphia Union Broadcaster Peter Pappas Pleads Guilty

By Chuck Booth

Jul 17, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta (10) kicks a corner against the New York Red Bulls during the second half at Talen Energy Stadium. The game ended tied 2-2. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 17, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta (10) kicks a corner against the New York Red Bulls during the second half at Talen Energy Stadium. The game ended tied 2-2. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to an Associated Press report, Philadelphia Union color commentator Peter Pappas has pled guilty to receiving nearly 500,000 dollars in a prescription drug scam.

One way to understand this per Peter Andrews of Philly Soccer Page,

Known as one of the best indoor keepers to ever play the game Peter Pappas could now be spending the next ten years of his life in prison. Pappas was most well known for his time with the Philadelphia KiXX, Philadelphia’s indoor soccer team.

Pappas spent 13 seasons with the KiXX. During that time he played in 416 matches, recording 5,399 saves and 230 wins. He was named Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) ‘Goalkeeper of the Year’ four times and an All-League selection eight times.

Pappas retired on March 2nd, 2010 after a match with the KiXX’s biggest rival the Baltimore Blast. After that, the KiXX decided to retire his number 22 jersey in honor of his service to the team. After that season the team also dissolved entirely along with the MISL as a whole.

After retiring Pappas wasn’t done with soccer as he became a color commentator for the Philadelphia Union in 2013. A role which he served in until this current season. He was the TV face of the Philadelphia Union so this news is a black spot on the entire organization.

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Along with being the color commentator for the Philadelphia Union, Pappas was also  a district sales manager for New Jersey-based pharmaceutical company Celgene and that’s where things got hairy. He recruited others to join in on the scheme and while he made 481,773 insurance companies lost around 3.69 million dollars. The charges for this could span 10 years in prison as well as a 250,00 fine for Pappas.

According to the report,

“Pappas signed the plea deal in May, but Tim McDermott, the chief business officer for the Union, said that the team didn’t find out about it until Tuesday.”

Union Chief Business Officer Tim McDermott said in a statement, “Earlier today, we were made aware of Peter’s guilty plea with the Department of Justice. At this current time, we are gathering information and evaluating the facts as it relates to the case. At that point, we will have further comment and take the appropriate action.”

Next: The Role of Fabian Herbers

Currently, this means that the Philadelphia Union will be on the lookout for a new color commentator but it’s not yet clear what the plea means for Peter Pappas. The sentencing is set for Oct. 25. It’s expected that he would get a shorter sentence due to the plea but Pappas would still spend years behind bars. We’ll keep you updated on this story as more details become available.

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