Rimas Sports, the sports agency co-founded by pop sensation Bad Bunny, is under fire for allegedly engaging in unethical practices to attract potential baseball clients. The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) has accused the agency of committing “a series of grave violations” in its dealings with players.
According to a report by The Athletic, the MLBPA detailed its accusations in court, claiming that Rimas Sports offered improper incentives to players in an attempt to recruit them as clients. These incentives included a $200,000 interest-free loan to one player and a $19,500 gift to another who ultimately signed with the agency.
Additionally, the MLBPA cited instances where Rimas representatives provided non-client players with VIP tickets to Bad Bunny shows and access to a luxury suite at a Phoenix Suns game. As a result of these alleged violations, the MLBPA revoked the certification of Rimas agent William Arroyo and barred two of the agency’s co-founders from becoming official agents for MLBPA members.
Rimas Sports’ most notable client, Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr., reportedly signed with the agency in May. Other players represented by Rimas include Wilmer Flores, Francisco Alvarez, Ronny Mauricio, and Santiago Espinal.
In response to the accusations, Rimas Sports argued in federal court that the investigation was biased and intended to shut down the agency. The company claimed that the penalties imposed by the MLBPA were equivalent to a “death penalty” for the business.
The controversy surrounding Rimas Sports highlights the competitive nature of sports agencies and the lengths to which some may go to attract top talent. As the legal battle unfolds, the future of the agency and its clients remains uncertain.