MLBPA executive director Tony Clark will resign (Hour 4)
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What shocking news did Tony Clark announce today?
Some shocking news today. I think, are all the players in shock, too?
Yeah, I mean, we got the text this morning, and to be honest, I think across the board, we're talking about the players' reps are going to meet today with the union, and that's really all we got for media.
That is White Sox player rep Davis Martin, who is the player rep for the Sox, talking to Bruce Levine. That was this morning with the news that was somewhat surprising to hear, especially ahead of what is considered the most important negotiation yet for Major League Baseball as we careen toward the end of the current CBA at the end of the 2026 season. This is Raheem Harrison-Grody on 104.3 The Score. And that news is that Tony Clark... is resigning as the Major League Baseball Players Association executive director. Now, Clark is somebody who had come under a lot of criticism and a lot of fire when it came to how he was representing the players, whether or not they had a strong enough say, even in their last collective bargaining agreement that took place, the one that is currently governing baseball's players union and ownership agreement.
But that is the word.
How are players reacting to Tony Clark's resignation?
That is a report that came out this morning. As you can imagine, Jeff Passan of ESPN, Don Vannata are a part of that report. And that's the latest news we've gotten so far. It's already tenuous, Mark, ahead of a situation that continues to be tenuous. Like everybody's saying cherish the season while you can. I think we're already starting to see sides gearing up for what could be a very difficult fight.
It really is, and it sucks, and it's a headache, and the idea of, my God, I mean, a lockout in December is what it would be if it came down to that. I guess the formal negotiations between the owners and players are expected to begin early in the regular season this year, but could you imagine a sport that has obviously never had free agency – All of a sudden, trying to figure out a plan? You mean salary cap?
What are the implications of Clark's resignation for MLB negotiations?
Salary cap, yes. Free agency. Salary cap. I got what she needs. Salary cap, yes. Could you imagine? I mean, there's so many complications that would go into trying to hammer that out. And who truly wins and who truly loses? Because it's not as simple to say... Oh yeah, all those teams, the Pittsburgh Pirates of the world, all of a sudden they're going to be on an even scale.
What investigation led to Tony Clark's resignation?
Unfortunately, it's a little bit more complicated than that. So even with all the fear that exists on the surface, I can't imagine what the negotiations and to put in something that has never existed in baseball just gives me a headache thinking about it.
Now, we were awaiting discussion with Evan Drellick on this. Evan is the senior writer for The Athletic covering Major League Baseball and really the labor negotiations and discussions that have gone on. Now, it's a busy news day, so Evan might be chasing down news right now. The report from Passan said that player leaders plan to meet at 4.30 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday. That's today. Hey. So that's in about two and a half hours to discuss the fallout of Clark's resignation, because now they've got to figure out who needs to represent them ahead of what is what is going to be a very, very, very big battle coming up.
Who might replace Tony Clark as executive director?
At least there is some lead time where you have the season to reacquaint yourself with what is supposed to happen next.
yeah yeah i mean it's it's bearing right down and it's like the it's almost like the stadium stuff we're all we're all mentioning in it and and kind of alluding to it and now all of a sudden like the stadium the with the bears the deal and the negotiations the collective bargaining agreement all of a sudden is right there in front of us it's getting like 2027 is getting way too close all of a sudden even though we just flipped to 2026 it's We're right there now.
No, it's so true. What's the phrase? Get a jump on the day before the day jumps you. That's kind of how I feel like this is going. And the article goes on to say the process for naming Clark's replacement is unclear and the union's constitution does not outline a succession plan.
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
What shocking news did Tony Clark announce today?
0:00–1:16
2
How are players reacting to Tony Clark's resignation?
1:16–2:16
3
What are the implications of Clark's resignation for MLB negotiations?
2:16–2:39
4
What investigation led to Tony Clark's resignation?
2:39–3:30
5
Who might replace Tony Clark as executive director?
3:30–4:30
6
What challenges does the MLBPA face moving forward?
4:30–5:28
7
What did Mark Grote learn at the Bears stadium rally?
5:28–5:56
8
How are local municipalities responding to the Bears' stadium plans?
5:56–42:46
Speakers
6 identifiedMore from Rahimi & Grote Show
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