MLBPA fires top executives amid federal probe, union turmoil deepens ahead of CBA showdown
The Major League Baseball Player Association dismissed two senior executives Wednesday after an internal investigation commissioned by players uncovered findings tied to a broader federal probe into the union’s financial operations, sources told ESPN. Xavier James, the union’s chief operating officer, and Michael O’Neill, its head of human resources, were both fired for cause, continuing a period of significant leadership turnover within the organization. According to ESPN Don Van Natta Jr and Jeff Passan The internal review was led by attorney Adam Braverman, who presented his report to the union Wednesday.
MLBPA fires top executives amid federal probe, union turmoil deepens ahead of CBA showdown originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Major League Baseball Player Association dismissed two senior executives Wednesday after an internal investigation commissioned by players uncovered findings tied to a broader federal probe into the union’s financial operations, sources told ESPN.
Xavier James, the union’s chief operating officer, and Michael O’Neill, its head of human resources, were both fired for cause, continuing a period of significant leadership turnover within the organization. The dismissals follow the February resignation of former executive director Tony Clark, whose departure was also linked to the investigation’s findings. According to ESPN Don Van Natta Jr and Jeff Passan The internal review was led by attorney Adam Braverman, who presented his report to the union Wednesday.
The investigation was initiated in response to concerns raised by players amid an ongoing federal inquiry by the Eastern District of New York, which began last year and has examined several of the MLBPA’s business ventures and financial practices. Sources said the union intends to share information with federal authorities as the process continues. While specific reasons behind the firings of James and O’Neill were not disclosed, their exits underscore the seriousness of the issues facing the union.
Both individuals could not be reached for comment. In response, the MLBPA quickly named replacements to stabilize its leadership. Former major league pitcher Chris Capuano will take over as chief operating officer, while Ian Penny has been appointed interim head of human resources.