MLBPA fires COO Xavier James and HR head Michael O'Neill with cause
The Major League Baseball Players Association fired two top executives Wednesday after an internal investigation. COO Xavier James and head of human resources Michael O'Neill were both fired "with cause."
The Major League Baseball Players Association fired two top executives Wednesday following an internal investigation. COO Xavier James and head of human resources Michael O'Neill were both terminated "with cause."
Being fired "with cause" means the union found serious wrongdoing that justified immediate termination without severance pay. The MLBPA has not revealed what the investigation found or what specific actions led to the firings.
The firings come after former MLBPA executive director Tony Clark recently resigned from his position. Clark had led the union since 2013 and guided players through several major contract negotiations with team owners.
The MLBPA represents all Major League Baseball players in negotiations over salaries, benefits, and working conditions. The union plays a key role in setting minimum salaries and negotiating the rules that govern player trades and free agency.
The MLBPA represents all MLB players in contract talks and workplace issues. Turmoil in the union's leadership could affect future negotiations between players and team owners over salaries and working conditions.
The MLBPA will need to replace both executives and select a new executive director to lead upcoming negotiations with team owners.
Was this article helpful?
0 people found this helpful