White Sox: Ex-executive's scheme a 'betrayal'

[February 14, 2011]  CHICAGO (AP) -- The Chicago White Sox have released a statement saying the team is "gratified but also saddened" by a guilty plea entered by one of its former scouting executives.

David Wilder pleaded guilty Friday to one count of mail fraud in an alleged kickback scheme targeting players from impoverished parts of Latin America hungry to play in the U.S.

The statement from the White Sox says Wilder betrayed their trust, involved innocent players and abused the system. It adds the team is pleased he'll face responsibility for what he did.

Prosecutors accused the 50-year-old and two former scouts of accepting about $400,000 to secure 23 prospects between 2004 and 2008.

Wilder faces a maximum 20 years in prison. No sentencing date has been set.

[Associated Press; By MICHAEL TARM]

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