Elias' designating Chris Holt, a non-uniformed staffer, for a pension plan is the core of the disputeGETTY IMAGES
MLB "vehemently denied any wrongdoing on the Orioles' part" in regard to a report that suggested Exec VP & GM Mike Elias and Dir of Pitching Chris Holt "were being scrutinized in a potential case of pension impropriety," according to Nathan Ruiz of the BALTIMORE SUN. The apparent issue "stemmed from Holt being among the permitted maximum of four coaches that Elias designated for a pension plan that is part of the joint agreement" between MLB owners and the MLBPA. Holt is not an official uniformed member of the Orioles' major league coaching staff, but MLB in a statement said that the Orioles' "designation of Holt was approved beforehand." MLB said, "Major League Baseball is completely comfortable with the Orioles' coaching designations for the 2020 season. ... The suggestion that there is an ongoing investigation that could result in discipline is simply false" (BALTIMORE SUN, 10/25).
UNDER REVIEW: In N.Y., Bill Madden noted Elias is "facing his own investigation for potential pension fraud," and it "could result in equally severe consequences." The Orioles pension scandal "centers on Elias' decision to give Holt benefits for which he was likely ineligible." Under the aforementioned joint agreement, "only four coaches can be designated by the clubs for the pension plan, as well as the licensing money." Earlier this year, it was learned that Elias "had designated Holt as one of the Orioles coaches to be placed on the plan, even though Holt is not listed as a coach for the Orioles, wasn't with the team all year and was not even given a uniform number." Holt reportedly "spent much of his time working in their minor league complex." MLBPA Special Assistant/Player Benefits & Career Development Program Steve Rodgers said that the matter is "presently in the hands of pension committee lawyers." Madden noted it is "going to be up to the six-member MLB pension board to determine Elias' culpability" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 10/25).
