MLBPA Chief Resigns Over Misconduct Allegations As Federal Probe Looms
Tony Clark, a former Major League Baseball player and longtime leader of the players’ union, has resigned from his position as executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) over misconduct allegations.
Clark, who assumed the role in 2013, stepped down on Tuesday following revelations from an internal union investigation. The resignation also occurs amid an ongoing federal probe into financial matters.
Clark, now 53, had a 15-year playing career in MLB from 1995 to 2009, over which he appeared in 1,559 games primarily as a first baseman. He batted .262 with 251 home runs over his career and was selected as an All-Star in 2001.
After retiring, Clark transitioned into union leadership, initially serving as the MLBPA’s director of player relations before becoming deputy executive director in 2013. Later that year, he succeeded Michael Weiner as executive director following Weiner’s death from brain cancer.
In this role, Clark has been responsible for overseeing the union’s operations, negotiating labor agreements, and representing the interests of approximately 1,200 active MLB players. The MLBPA navigated the 2016 and 2021 CBA negotiations under Clark’s leadership. In addition, Clark supported MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred’s controversial decision to relocate the 2021 All-Star game from Atlanta over the state’s election integrity law.
Clark speaks with MLB Network’s “Foul Territory” in July 2023
The resignation was announced Tuesday after an internal MLBPA investigation uncovered that Clark had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with his sister-in-law, who was hired by the union in 2023. This finding, as well as the report of Clark’s resignation, was first reported by ESPN.
The relationship was disclosed during a broader review of potential legal liabilities, and it was viewed by player leaders as a significant breach, especially given existing skepticism about Clark’s handling of other matters, the outlet reported. The sister-in-law worked at a large MLBPA office in Arizona, where Clark resides, which was one of the elements raised in related complaints.
In addition to the internal investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York has been investigating the MLBPA since at least the summer of 2025. The probe focuses on allegations of financial improprieties within the MLBPA, including the misuse of licensing funds and equity, according to a report from the New York Post.
The investigation was initiated following a whistleblower complaint filed with the National Labor Relations Board in November 2024. The anonymous complaint accused Clark of self-dealing, misuse of union resources, abuse of power, and nepotism
Specific concerns include Clark allegedly granting himself equity in OneTeam Partners, a joint venture between the MLBPA and the NFL Players Association focused on group licensing, without adequate disclosure. In addition, resources allocated to Players Way, an MLBPA-owned youth baseball initiative, have come under scrutiny due to suspicious spending.
In response to the federal probe, the MLBPA retained former assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Braverman as outside counsel to advise the union’s eight-player executive subcommittee. The investigation has expanded to include potential obstruction, ESPN reported.
Following Clark’s resignation on Tuesday, the MLBPA held an emergency meeting, but did not immediately vote on an interim executive director. A vote is likely to be held during a follow-up meeting on Wednesday.
The ongoing scandal comes ahead of CBA talks, which could address issues like revenue sharing, salary caps, and player mobility. Negotiations are expected to be tense, with a lockout highly probable for the 2027 season.