Illinois governor not a fan of MLB players 'holding out' amid coronavirus pandemic
On Tuesday , three-time All-Star and one-time World Series champion Mark Teixeira urged MLB players to accept an offer from owners that includes a 50-50 revenue split to start the 2020 season amid the coronavirus pandemic.
As Kelly Bauer of Block Club Chicago tweeted, Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker verbally bashed the players for "holding out" and, thus, backed ownership regarding ongoing negotiations when speaking on the matter on Tuesday:
In March, owners and the MLB Players Association agreed to a deal that would pro-rate salaries if the pandemic shortened the season that hasn't yet gotten underway. Both the NBA and NHL had their campaigns halted in mid-March because of the virus outbreak, and neither has finalized plans to crown champions for 2019-20.
Ballplayers are understandably concerned about their safety. Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa, Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, and Los Angeles Angels slugger Mike Trout have all spoken out against proposals that involve players quarantining away from families for months.
Last week, Boston Red Sox pitcher Collin McHugh suggested some union members may opt-out instead of play during the pandemic.
On Tuesday morning, ESPN's Jeff Passan reported MLB and the MLBPA remain far apart in current negotiations.
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