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MLB reinstates former Braves GM John Coppolella

By Mitchell Barbee

Nov 8, 2016; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Atlanta Braves general manager John Coppolella during the MLB general managers meeting at the Omni Scottsdale Resort. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2016; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Atlanta Braves general manager John Coppolella during the MLB general managers meeting at the Omni Scottsdale Resort. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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In somewhat unexpected news, MLB reinstated former Braves GM, John Coppolella, The Athletic’s Jayson Stark reported Monday morning.

It’s been five years since MLB banned him for life after it was discovered that he had circumvented international signing rules over a two-year period. As punishment, not only was Coppolella banned from MLB, but the Braves were also forced to forfeit 13 international prospects that they had signed. The team was additionally prohibited from signing any international player for more than $10,000 until the 2019-2020 signing period and had a reduced signing bonus pool for 2020-2021.

What does this mean for John Coppolella?

John Coppolella hasn’t worked in sports since his resignation and eventual ban from MLB, according to Stark. Since departing from the Braves in 2017, Stark reported that he had worked for two time-share companies, both located in Orlando, Florida.

While his “permanently ineligible” status has been lifted, it remains to be seen whether or not teams would be interested in hiring the former general manager.

While Coppolella worked with MLB front offices for 17 years, his involvement in the international signing violations might have teams stray away from hiring him. The former GM also did not state whether or not returning to baseball is something he would be interested in doing.

Coppolella, for his part, issued an apologetic statement when contacted by the Athletic this past weekend.

"I deeply regret and accept accountability for my actions. I want to again apologize to the Atlanta Braves organization, Major League Baseball, its fans, and especially my family and friends. I am grateful for this decision and will strive each day to honor this opportunity."

What does this mean for the Braves?

Thankfully, unless the organization decides to rehire the former GM, John Coppolella’s unbanning means essentially nothing to the Braves. Since Coppolella’s resignation in September of 2017, the Braves have won five straight division championships and a World Series.

While some of this groundwork was laid by Coppolella, like the drafting of Austin Riley and the acquisitions of Max Fried and Dansby Swanson, current GM, Alex Anthopoulos has put together a perennial contender, thanks to the savvy contract extensions, trades, and drafting.

Simply put, very few fans are pining for the Coppy Days with Anthopoulos at the helm. While AA’s track record hasn’t been perfect, Braves fans can feel fairly certain that their favorite team will contend for years to come.

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