Tony Clark resigns as MLB Players Association executive director following alleged affair with sister-in-law during labor negotiations in the United States

In a sudden shake-up at the Major League Baseball Players Association, longtime executive director Tony Clark resigned on Tuesday following revelations of an alleged affair with his sister-in-law, who also works for the union.

The news stunned the baseball world, coming just months before critical collective bargaining negotiations with team owners are expected to begin in April.

Clark’s departure was requested by the MLBPA’s eight-member executive subcommittee after outside counsel uncovered evidence of the inappropriate relationship.

The union has kept many details private, including the identity of the woman involved, who was hired by the MLBPA in 2023.

Bruce Meyer Takes the Helm

Stepping into the interim executive director role is Bruce Meyer, a veteran labor lawyer who has been with the union since 2018.

Meyer’s experience includes negotiating a 99-day lockout in 2021–22 that resulted in a five-year agreement, narrowly avoiding canceled regular-season games.

His promotion is seen as a move for stability ahead of potentially contentious bargaining with team owners.

Matt Nussbaum, the union’s general counsel, has been promoted to interim deputy executive director.

Both Meyer and Nussbaum were approved unanimously by the executive board in an online vote.

Clark’s Career and Legacy

Clark, a former All-Star first baseman with 15 Major League seasons under his belt, had led the MLBPA since 2013. Married to Frances Clark, he has one son.

During his tenure, he guided the union through several major labor negotiations and lockouts, but his legacy is now overshadowed by the scandal.

Reactions from the Public and Media

Media personalities haven’t held back.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith expressed disbelief on First Take, calling Clark’s alleged actions “foolhardy” and questioning why the woman involved hasn’t been publicly named.

Smith stressed that accountability should extend beyond Clark, especially when the other party is a union employee.

Meanwhile, MLB players and union officials are attempting to focus on continuity and the upcoming labor discussions, emphasizing that player priorities remain intact despite the controversy.

The Role of the Executive Subcommittee

The executive subcommittee, composed of eight members, voted unanimously for Clark’s resignation.

Meyer said the decision came quickly, once the information surfaced.

“The players on the subcommittee made their feelings known.

And Tony, to his credit, he decided to take the action he did in the interest of the players,” Meyer said.

Notably, Meyer himself faced challenges in the past.

In 2024, three subcommittee members attempted to remove him from his position, but Clark backed Meyer, and the effort failed.

That context highlights the complex dynamics of leadership within the MLBPA.

Labor Negotiations and Future Challenges

Meyer, who led negotiations during the 2021–22 lockout, emphasized that the union is prepared for the upcoming bargaining talks.

A potential salary cap proposed by MLB could ignite tensions, but Meyer insists that player priorities remain unchanged.

“The end of the day, leadership comes and goes, but what remains is the players,” Meyer said.

He reaffirmed that the union would resist any salary cap, calling it “the ultimate restriction” that favors owners over players.

Legal Scrutiny and OneTeam Partners

Clark’s resignation occurs amid a separate investigation by the US Attorney’s office in Brooklyn into the union’s relationship with OneTeam Partners, a licensing company co-founded by MLBPA, the NFL Players Association, and RedBird Capital Partners in 2019.

Meyer clarified that OneTeam is not a target of the investigation and has cooperated fully.

Looking Ahead

Meyer will lead the union through upcoming collective bargaining, representing both major and minor league players.

The MLBPA has confirmed that the spring training tour of union officials began Wednesday, albeit a day later than planned.

Meyer stressed that the union’s focus remains on player priorities, not internal distractions.

What’s Next?

Attention now turns to the negotiations with MLB team owners, which are expected to address contracts, salary caps, and labor conditions.

Meyer will guide the discussions, and any decisions could have long-term implications for players’ rights and union operations.

Additionally, the MLBPA may review internal policies regarding hiring practices and family member relationships to prevent similar controversies in the future.

Summary

Tony Clark, former MLBPA executive director and All-Star first baseman, resigned following allegations of an affair with his sister-in-law and a union employee.

Bruce Meyer, a veteran labor lawyer with extensive experience in lockout negotiations, has been named interim executive director.

Matt Nussbaum is the new interim deputy executive director.

Clark’s departure occurs just before key collective bargaining talks with team owners.

Meyer emphasized continuity, player priorities, and opposition to a proposed salary cap.

Meanwhile, questions remain about internal policies, union accountability, and the ongoing US Attorney investigation into the union’s dealings with OneTeam Partners.