Judge: MLB violated labor laws with young athletes

NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge ruled Tuesday that minor league players were hired throughout the year to work during training hours.

Therefore, the Major League violated the minimum wage law in the state of Arizona and must pay triple compensation.

Federal District Judge Joseph C. Spero determined that the Major League was fined $1,882,650 for failing to comply with California’s pay notice requirements in San Francisco.

Spero revealed a 181-page decision on Tuesday night in connection with a lawsuit filed eight years ago. He decided that minor league players should pay for their time playing away from home in the California League and practicing in Arizona and Florida.

“These are not students enrolled in vocational schools with the understanding that they will serve without pay as part of the practical training needed to compete and obtain a license,” Spero said.

By denying the consent of many majors to make summary judgments, Spero allowed these claims to continue the process scheduled for June 1.

He said the laws of the state of Arizona favor the players. Only the amount of compensation must be determined.

“For decades, Minor League players have been working for a long time throughout the year in exchange for poverty wages,” the Young Athlete Lawyer Steering Committee said in a statement. “Working as a professional baseball player requires hours of training, practice, and preparation throughout the year.

“I’m excited about today’s decision. This is a big step towards keeping the Major League responsible for the long-standing abuse of underage players.”

The major leagues did not immediately comment on the decision.

The lawsuit was brought by Aaron Senne, the first baseman and outfielder to be selected by the Florida Marlins in the 10th round of the 2009 draft; a senator who retired in 2013.

Senne joined the charges of two retired players who were selected in the lower round: Michael Liberto, from Kansas City, and Oliver Odle, from San Francisco.

The plaintiff alleges that he violated the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act and the state minimum wage and overtime allowance requirements for the estimated period of service between 50 and 60 hours.