Sen. Dick Durbin says Congress should “reconsider” the antitrust exemption Major League Baseball enjoys as commissioner Rob Manfred announced the lockout that has already disrupted spring training would continue.
“Enough. After almost 100 days of the MLB lockout, it’s time to reconsider MLB’s special antitrust exemption, which allows them to act as a lawful monopoly. Fans across America deserve better,” Durbin (D-Ill.), the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, tweeted Wednesday.
“Message to the owners: unlock the lockout and play ball,” he said.
Major League Baseball’s exemption came out of a 1922 ruling by the US Supreme Court that federal antitrust laws do not apply because professional baseball is not considered “interstate commerce” and not applicable to the Sherman Act.
The beginning of the season was delayed due to stalled talks between the owners of the 30 teams and the players union over a collective bargaining agreement, pushing back Opening Day until April 14.
Negotiations have been ongoing — in fits and starts — since Dec. 2.
