MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has failed to reject the notion of President Donald Trump getting involved in MLB’s ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations.
The President of the United States has become no stranger to involving himself in the behind-the-scenes negotiations in sports.
Only a matter of weeks ago was Trump involved in the FIFA U-turn to lift Folarin Balogun’s suspension for the last 16 game against Belgium at the World Cup.
Whether people like it or not, the 80-year-old carries a lot of weight when it comes to situations like the MLB’s negotiations.
The current CBA expires in December, but the clubs are believed to be far apart when it comes to reaching an agreement.
With negotiations seemingly not progressing, the threat of involving the President looms, and Manfred is not ruling out that possibility.
What Rob Manfred said about Donald Trump entering MLB collective bargaining agreement negotiations
For the first time since 1994, owners of MLB franchises have proposed a salary cap to be introduced.
The All-Star break has provided an opportunity to take stock of the situation unfolding, with Manfred refusing to reject the possibility of Trump becoming involved in the impasse.
“Look, I think it would be wildly, wildly inappropriate for me to speculate what the president of the United States might do or not do in a hypothetical situation,” said Manfred.
“We know this. He’s a great sports fan, and he is really knowledgeable about the business of sports, so it doesn’t surprise me. He’s interested, but behind that, I’m going to pass.”
Trump has already commented on the situation surrounding the MLB, with the President insisting it is ‘shocking’ that no salary cap is implemented like it is in the NFL.
Balogun has spoken out about Trump’s suspension involvement, which has divided soccer fans across the globe.
Although his involvement in any MLB negotiations would likely strike a quick resolution, many will feel that this is a matter Trump should watch from the sidelines.
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