Major League Baseball Players Association Faces New Legal Challenges Amid Internal Turmoil
In a surprising turn of events, less than a year and a half after internal doubts about his leadership surfaced, Tony Clark, the Executive Director of the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), has engaged external legal counsel from the law firm Katten Muchin Rosenman to navigate an ongoing Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation. Meanwhile, several players represented by the union have independently retained their own legal advisors, following recent contact from investigators, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Union Responds to Federal Inquiry
“In close collaboration with our players, the MLBPA has appointed outside legal experts from Morrison & Foerster to address the DOJ’s inquiry,” a union spokesperson stated. “We are committed to full transparency and will cooperate thoroughly with law enforcement agencies during this process.”
Attempts to reach Clark’s legal team, led by Daniel J. Collins, for comment on Wednesday were unsuccessful.
Focus of the Investigation
The probe, first reported by ESPN last week, appears to center on whether union leadership has improperly profited from its partnership with OneTeam, a licensing enterprise launched in 2019 through a joint effort by the MLBPA and NFLPA. This company manages large-scale licensing deals for athletes, including merchandise and video game rights. Valued at nearly $2 billion in 2022, OneTeam’s operations are under scrutiny, though the FBI has not publicly confirmed details of the investigation.
OneTeam issued a statement emphasizing that the federal inquiry does not target its own activities but rather those of its partners-most notably the MLBPA and NFLPA. “We are aware of an active investigation concerning our partners,” the company said. “OneTeam is not the subject of this investigation and has not been accused of any misconduct. We are fully cooperating with authorities.”
Related Developments in the NFL Players Association
In December, the NFLPA enlisted the global law firm Linklaters to review its relationship with OneTeam. While no official findings have been disclosed, NFLPA Executive Director Lloyd Howell informed the union’s board in April that the review confirmed compliance between the union and OneTeam, according to sources.
The NFLPA has maintained a stance of cooperation, stating it is prepared to assist law enforcement if approached.
Allegations of Conflicts of Interest and Misconduct
The suspicion that Clark and other union leaders might have improperly benefited from their association with OneTeam was initially raised in a whistleblower complaint filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) late last year. The complaint alleges that Clark and others took equity stakes in the licensing firm, creating potential conflicts of interest with union members.
According to a copy reviewed by The Washington Post, the complaint also accuses Clark of nepotism, corruption, and mismanagement. It claims he used his influence to secure employment opportunities for family members within union-affiliated organizations. For instance, Clark’s daughter is listed as the Membership Services Director at the NFLPA, while another daughter previously worked in marketing for Players Way, a youth development initiative founded by the MLBPA, until March 2024.
In response, the MLBPA dismissed these claims as “baseless,” asserting they are recycled allegations from earlier in the year and promising to respond if the NLRB proceeds with formal charges.
Internal Union Strife and Leadership Challenges
Amidst these external investigations, internal discord within the MLBPA has also come to light. Following the departure of Clark’s daughter from Players Way, a player-led revolt emerged. Dissatisfied with Deputy Executive Director Bruce Meyer’s leadership, some players sought alternative leadership, turning to minor league union organizer Harry Marino and voting to oust Meyer-an effort first reported by The Athletic and confirmed by multiple sources.
Despite the vote, Clark chose not to dismiss Meyer, leading to further internal upheaval. Subsequently, most of the union’s eight-member executive subcommittee, including those favoring Marino, were replaced in elections held a few months later.
Financial Oversight and Player Confidence
During this period, players demanded transparency regarding union finances. An internal review was presented at meetings in December, and Texas Rangers infielder Marcus Semien, the sole remaining member of the previous subcommittee, expressed confidence in the review’s findings during spring training. “Players are ultimately in control of the union,” Semien stated. “It’s our responsibility to ask questions and seek clarity, and we’ve done that. I look forward to seeing what Clark and Meyer learned from recent negotiations.”
Leadership Background and Negotiation History
Clark assumed leadership of the MLBPA in 2013, succeeding the late Michael Weiner, becoming the first former Major League Baseball player to hold the position. His tenure has seen significant negotiations, including the contentious 2016 collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which was widely criticized by players. Following that, Clark hired veteran labor negotiator Bruce Meyer ahead of the 2021 season, leading to a lockout that delayed spring training and pushed back the start of the 2022 season.
While the 2022 negotiations resulted in a more favorable deal for players, they also exposed internal divisions. Notably, the entire MLBPA executive board initially opposed the final agreement but was overruled by the membership, which was wary of prolonged work stoppages. In late 2022, the union extended Clark’s contract through 2027, with the current CBA set to expire after the 2026 season.
Implications for Future Collective Bargaining
The timing of the DOJ investigation could significantly influence upcoming negotiations, especially as the union prepares for a potential work stoppage. Central to future talks will be the stark disparities in team payrolls, which have reignited debates over implementing a salary cap-a measure the union has historically opposed, proud of maintaining baseball’s status as the only major North American sport without one.
While it remains uncertain whether team owners will push for a salary cap, insiders suggest that if they do, negotiations could become protracted and contentious. The union has been preparing for such a scenario by withholding licensing revenue from players, creating a reserve fund to support players during potential strikes.
Uncertain Future Amidst Ongoing Investigations
With less than 18 months remaining on the current agreement and critical negotiations on the horizon, the MLBPA finds itself navigating turbulent waters. The recent investigation and internal conflicts have cast a shadow over leadership stability, but how these developments will ultimately impact union operations and player sentiment remains to be seen.
Contributing to this report, Mark Maske highlights the complex interplay between legal scrutiny, internal politics, and the future of labor relations in Major League Baseball.
