Jim Bowden Denies Charges of Skimming

Jim Bowden could be in a lot of trouble. That's the first thing that comes to mind, anyway, when it becomes public knowledge that the federal government is investigating his scouting/signing practices.

SI.com's Melissa Segura broke the story Sunday evening, alleging that Bowden has skimmed signing bonuses given to Latin America prospects since his days with the Reds. Bowden has now denied his involvement in any wrongdoing.

"I'm innocent of any wrongdoing, and besides that I don't have any comment."

This denial is only new because he's answering questions pertaining to Segura's report. She also noted that Bowden has previously denied any involvement when questioned by the FBI.

The particulars of Bowden's involvement seem to revolve around the recent and embarrassing prospect fiasco, in which Esmailyn González turned out to be someone else and also much older. González received a $1.4 million signing bonus.

The probe on Bowden extends, apparently, as far back as 1994, when he worked for the Cincinnati Reds. The charges would presumably be focused on baseball executives and scouts essentially embezzling money that was supposed to be given to prospects.