Padres star Tatis sues Big League Advance in attempt to get out of future earnings deal
Eric Samulski unpacks the anticipated MLB debut for Reds pitching prospect Chase Burns, and while he should be added in all formats, managers should leave him on the bench with a difficult schedule ahead.
SAN DIEGO — San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. filed a lawsuit Monday against Big League Advance in an attempt to void the future earnings contract he signed as a 17-year-old minor leaguer that could cost him $34 million.
The lawsuit, filed in San Diego County Superior Court, accuses BLA of using predatory tactics to lure him into an 'investment deal' that was actually an illegal loan. BLA misrepresented itself to Tatis, hiding its unlicensed status and pushing him into loan terms banned by California's consumer protection laws, the suit alleges.
Attorney Robert Hertzberg said the suit also seeks public injunctive relief to protect young athletes from being lured into such deals.
Hertzberg said Tatis received $2 million up front in exchange for 10% of future earnings. Tatis signed a $340 million, 14-year contract in February 2021. Hertzberg said Tatis would also be on the hook for future earnings from any subsequent contract he might sign, unless the deal is voided.
'I'm fighting this battle not just for myself but for everyone still chasing their dream and hoping to provide a better life for their family,' Tatis said in a statement provided by a publicist. 'I want to help protect those young players who don't yet know how to protect themselves from these predatory lenders and illegal financial schemes - kids' focus should be on their passion for baseball, not dodging shady business deals.'
Tatis, a son of the former big league infielder, declined further comment before Monday night's game against the Washington Nationals.
Hertzberg said that even though Tatis signed the deal in his native Dominican Republic, he is covered by California consumer protection laws.
BLA declined comment.
'California lawmakers have put in place serious, straightforward protections against predatory financial activity, but BLA has still disregarded our laws to pursue a business model built on prohibited, deceptive and abusive practices,' said Hertzberg, a former speaker of the California State Assembly and majority leader of the California Senate.
Tatis has blossomed into one of the game's biggest stars, although he's been dogged by injuries and an 80-game PED suspension handed down by MLB in 2022. He debuted in 2019 and was an All-Star at shortstop in 2021 before being moved to right field, where he was an All-Star last year.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
20 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Fans Are Saying Mets Pitcher's New Nickname Has 'Saved the Season'
Fans Are Saying Mets Pitcher's New Nickname Has 'Saved the Season' originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The New York Mets are fresh off of a series loss to the rival Philadelphia Phillies, with their loss on Friday marking seven straight losses. While they snapped the streak on Saturday, a 7-1 loss meant eight defeats in their last nine. Advertisement With a June swoon similar to their crosstown rival Yankees, the Mets needed to change the course of their season in some way, with most impactful moves not happening until closer to the July 30 deadline. On Monday, the Mets signed pitcher Richard Lovelady to a major league contract after Lovelady opted out of a minor league deal with Minnesota. Richard Lovelady of the Toronto Blue Jays© Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images Lovelady, who has only pitched 1 2/3 innings in 2025, announced a new nickname that he wants the press to call him, and fans are loving it. Lovelady has requested to be called 'Dicky' which is a departure from the usual nickname of 'Dick' for people named Richard. It's impossible to say anything other than Dicky Lovelady has a fantastic ring to it. Anthony DiComo announced this news, and the tweet has racked up 2.4 million views and 11,000 likes. Advertisement Jon Heyman of the New York Post made the distinction that Lovelady will be referred to as 'Richard' in print and on the airwaves, but on social media, for example, Dicky it is. One fan wrote: "This saved the season." Another fan recalled the time that the Mets honored an Army veteran named Seymour Weiner, whose name generated lighthearted amusement on social media. Another fan tweeted: "dicky lovelady, what a name." Hopefully the resurgence of excellent baseball names such as Dicky Lovelady will fuel the Mets' turnaround as they look to get out of their swoon. Related: Former Mets GM Sends Clear Aaron Judge Message After Latest Win Related: Mets-Phillies Bidding War Predicted Before MLB Trade Deadline This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Times
27 minutes ago
- New York Times
Red Sox base-running blunders lead manager Alex Cora to second straight ejection
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Red Sox manager Alex Cora was ejected for a second consecutive game on Monday night, both times for arguing that calls were missed on baserunning blunders by his offense. In the third inning of Boston's 9-5 loss to the Angels on Monday, Red Sox first baseman Abraham Toro grounded into an unconventional double play. Jarren Duran — on second base with no outs — bolted for third on Toro's ground ball to shortstop. Duran was thrown out in a run down. Toro broke for second base during the rundown, but was thrown out sliding into the bag. Cora argued that Angels infielder Luis Rengifo obstructed the base before the ball reached his glove. However, after the umpires huddled to discuss the play, they confirmed their initial ruling. Cora, incensed, was ejected seconds after exiting the dugout to argue. 'We felt that the runner, no matter what the fielder had done in that situation, the runner was out,' crew chief Alan Porter told a pool reporter after the game. 'He was out by a lot. And that's part of also not calling the obstruction.' Advertisement In February of 2024, MLB provided an updated guidance to all umpires, requesting they enforce the rule prohibiting infielders from blocking the base before receiving the ball. While Porter said that guidance was a factor in this determination, the rule was essentially moot, given how far Toro was from the bag at the time of any potential interference. Cora and this crew have some history. In September of last season, Cora was ejected by the same umpiring crew when the same rule was utilized to overturn a safe call at second base, while Boston was in the field. On that play, Red Sox infielder Vaughn Grissom was ruled to have impeded a base-runner on a pickoff attempt at second base. 'I was trying to make that point. It happened six months ago,' Cora said. 'Same situation. And it was reversed last year. Maybe he's right, he was going to be safe, but I wanted to make sure.' On Monday, Cora might light contact with Porter while arguing. The umpire said that would be in his report filed to the league office. Cora was also ejected on Sunday afternoon for arguing that Duran was safe at second, despite sliding off the base. Replay review determined that the call on the field stood, and Cora was ejected afterward. The Red Sox issued 13 free bases on Monday, including four to bring in runs. They also made four outs on the bases, and committed an error that led to the Angels' game-winning run in the eighth inning. (Photo; Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)
Time Business News
32 minutes ago
- Time Business News
Malika Andrews Moves On from NBA Finals as ESPN Faces Backlash Over Haliburton Coverage
The 2025 NBA Finals delivered a thrilling Game 7, with the Oklahoma City Thunder clinching their first championship, led by Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. However, the victory was overshadowed by a devastating injury to Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton and a brewing controversy over ESPN's coverage, placing host Malika Andrews in the spotlight as she shifts to new projects. The Indiana Pacers entered Game 7 with high hopes, driven by Haliburton's resilience despite a lingering calf strain. The 25-year-old All-Star, who had authored a historic playoff run with 197 assists and clutch shots, confirmed his availability to ESPN's Malika Andrews before the game, saying, 'Calf's good. I'm ready to go.' Tragically, his championship dream ended early when he collapsed in the first quarter with a non-contact injury, later confirmed by his father to ESPN as a torn Achilles. Haliburton, who had already scored nine points, was helped off the court and ruled out for the game. Despite the pain, he remained a vocal leader, cheering his teammates from the sidelines on crutches. Pacers teammate TJ McConnell praised his selflessness, noting, 'That just speaks volumes to who Tyrese Haliburton is.' The injury drew heartfelt reactions from sports stars like LeBron James and Patrick Mahomes, who expressed their support on X. As the game unfolded, ESPN's broadcast came under fire for its handling of Haliburton's injury. Fans and former NBA players criticized the network for repeatedly airing footage of the moment Haliburton went down, with some alleging an inappropriate camera angle was shown. Former NBA star Detlef Schrempf took to X, demanding, 'Stop showing it again and again! Show the game!' Viewers echoed the sentiment, with one posting, 'They're gonna talk about it nonstop all game, aren't they?' The backlash highlighted a broader debate: how much focus should broadcasters place on injuries during critical moments? While acknowledging a star player's exit is standard, many felt ESPN's coverage crossed a line, detracting from the game's intensity and Haliburton's privacy. The controversy added to existing tensions, as Andrews had previously faced scrutiny over her coverage of Black players, which she addressed in 2024 as being rooted in 'falsehoods.' Amid the controversy, Malika Andrews, a prominent ESPN host, transitioned to her next assignment with poise. Having covered the Finals extensively, including pre-game interviews with Haliburton and post-game discussions with Gilgeous-Alexander, Andrews announced her latest venture on her Instagram Story. She shared that fans could catch her full conversation with the Finals MVP on NBA Today , signaling a shift from the Finals drama to fresh content. Andrews' ability to navigate high-pressure moments has been a hallmark of her coverage, though her role at ESPN remains under scrutiny as her contract's future is uncertain. Despite the network's challenges, Andrews continues to focus on delivering engaging basketball stories, maintaining her reputation as a skilled and resilient journalist. As the NBA moves to the offseason, attention turns to the upcoming draft, where the Dallas Mavericks are poised to select Duke's Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick. Meanwhile, ESPN faces the task of addressing fan concerns over its Finals coverage to rebuild trust. For Haliburton, the road to recovery from a potential season-ending Achilles injury looms large, casting uncertainty over his 2025-26 campaign. The 2025 Finals will be remembered for both triumph and heartbreak, with ESPN's coverage decisions sparking a conversation about media responsibility. As Andrews forges ahead, her ability to rise above the noise underscores her growing influence in sports journalism. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
