Major League Baseball Players Association Faces Setback in Arbitration Case

NEW YORK (AP) — The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) has encountered a legal setback as a federal judge declined to confirm an arbitration decision regarding the decertification of agent William Arroyo from Bad Bunny’s Rimas Sports firm. U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman ruled that the arbitrator's decision was not final and therefore not subject to judicial confirmation, leaving the disciplinary actions in place while an appeal is pending. On April 10, the MLBPA revoked Arroyo's certification and denied certification applications from Rimas co-owners Noah Assad and Jonathan Miranda, citing alleged violations of agent regulations. The union imposed a five-year ban on reapplication for certification and levied a $400,000 fine, additionally prohibiting certified agents from associating with Rimas and its affiliates. The MLBPA's allegations against Rimas included claims that employees were providing gifts, such as VIP concert tickets and suite access to sporting events, to players they did not represent. The union asserted that these actions violated regulations aimed at preventing inducements for players to switch agents. An initial request for a temporary restraining order against the union was denied by Arbitrator Michael H. Gottesman, with further appeals being handled by Arbitrator Ruth M. Moscovitch. In a related legal action, Rimas Sports, operating as Diamond Sports LLC, has filed a lawsuit against the MLBPA in federal court in San Juan, Puerto Rico, alleging tortious interference with its contracts. Rimas has not commented on the recent court decision, and the MLBPA has yet to respond to requests for comment.