Identity hoax uncovered in Australian Baseball League – MLB News
An identity hoax was unearthed on Tuesday, November 15 as the Pittsburgh Pirates Xavier Paul would have become the victim. The Australian Baseball League was expecting Paul to be part of the season, but it later turned out he had never struck any deal to
play in it.
The reports that came to fore on Tuesday suggested that some other player had promised Paul’s participation in the ABL which the player was completely unaware of. Breland Brown, a Minor League outfielder is said to be the person who pledged to play for ABL.
Having skilfully made multiple fake Ids made, Brown tried to establish himself for both ABL and MLB. The ABL source was quick to say it was a hoax. The aim was to play for the ABL.
"[We] are pleased to say that despite the initial misinformation, the fraudulent activity was identified in the regular course of events," said Ben Foster, general manager of the ABL.
It was only last week when the Pittsburgh Pirates player Paul came to know about the misuse of his identity. Internet articles had brought to his notice the fact that he had promise to play to the ABL to which he had never given any commitment to.
While the news was a shock to him, he was later contacted by ABL as to why he had not joined the ABL yet. The Paragon Sports International stated that it is yet considering what legal action is to be taken against Brown.
"I am not sure about legal action as of yet, but we certainly will consider all of Xavier's rights and remedies and also will consider enforcing those rights vigorously” said Joe Longo, president of Paragon Sports International.
Brown was part of the Independent League in 2009 before being elevated to the Minor League with a deal that saw him join New York Yankees, which he could not eventually play.
He was ultimately released in August after he appeared in 11 games with Missoula, Mont. It is unusual to find such a hoax at such a high level in Baseball. It will be interesting to see what charges will be filed against Brown so that no such action is done
in the future.
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