Lawyer involved in union drama alleges MLBPA ‘threatened’ players for speaking out

In the world of Major League Baseball, a power struggle is brewing within the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA). One faction of the union is accusing the other of attempting to “bully and intimidate” players into changing their thoughts about the union’s leadership. This latest development comes as tensions continue to rise between the current leadership, Tony Clark and Bruce Meyer, and a group of disgruntled players who are concerned with the direction of the union.

Harry Marino, a prominent lawyer involved in the MLBPA leadership, has been at the center of this ongoing power struggle. Recently, Marino and former MLBPA employee Josh Thole made serious allegations against the union, specifically director of player services Kevin Slowey. Thole stated that he had received calls from minor-league player representatives claiming that Slowey had called them to bully and intimidate them into changing their opinions on the union’s current direction. Marino echoed these sentiments, stating that it was shocking and disappointing to hear that players were being threatened, bullied, and retaliated against for expressing their honest opinions. He emphasized that federal law protects every union member’s right to express their views and assemble freely with other members.

MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark did not directly address these accusations but referred to the situation as a “coordinated and covert effort.” He expressed concern that the ongoing power struggle has troubled players at all levels of professional baseball. The tension has been building for the past week following a heated video call with members of the MLBPA’s executive board, during which some players called for Marino to replace Meyer.

The MLBPA’s eight-player major-league executive subcommittee also distanced itself from Marino, stating that the discussion was no longer about him. Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty, a member of the executive subcommittee, expressed regret over a phone call where he felt he put Clark in a difficult position. Flaherty clarified that he was not trying to give Marino any momentum but was simply informing Clark of what was happening.

This power struggle within the MLBPA is significant as it affects both major-league and minor-league players. Marino, who played a role in helping minor leaguers unionize, has become a central figure in the ongoing drama. It remains to be seen how this conflict will be resolved and what impact it will have on the future of the MLBPA’s leadership.

The allegations of bullying and intimidation within the MLBPA raise important questions about the functioning of player unions and the rights of union members. As this story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting players’ rights to express their opinions and assemble freely. The outcome of this power struggle will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences for the MLBPA and its members.