On April 12, 2024, the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) revoked the certification of the sports agency led by world-famous Puerto Rican rapper and singer Bad Bunny, named Rimas Sports. This decision came after an investigation into complaints from other agents about improper benefits being provided to players, as revealed by industry sources to ESPN.
According to sources, the MLBPA informed Arroyo’s clients of its decision in an email obtained by ESPN, with Arroyo and Rimas Sports having the right to appeal the decertification. However, it is not certain if Arroyo will challenge the decision as a representative for the MLBPA declined to comment, and Rimas Sports representatives could not be reached for a statement.
Rimas Sports, in a statement, maintained that they uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the industry and will refrain from commenting on the ongoing process within the MLBPA Agent Regulations. The agency stated their commitment to continuing to serve their clients with excellence.
The investigation into Rimas Sports began a week after their official release in mid-April 2023 when the MLBPA received evidence that the agency had offered players cash and gifts to change agencies, a violation of the MLBPA agent regulations. Bad Bunny, along with his manager Noah Assad, founded Rimas Sports in April 2023, with Jonathan Miranda as president and Iván Rodríguez as ambassador.
Rimas Sports focused on representing young Latin American baseball players and had negotiated significant deals such as a contract extension for player Ezequiel Tovar worth $63.5 million. Despite potential cross-pollination between Rimas Entertainment and Rimas Sports, the MLBPA warned clients about the involvement of uncertified executives from the agency in player negotiations.
The decertification of Rimas Sports by the MLBPA marks a significant development in the world of sports management, highlighting the importance of integrity and compliance with regulations in player representation.