ATLANTA — John Coppolella was forced to resign as Braves general manager Monday after an investigation by Major League Baseball revealed serious rules violations in the international player market.
Gordon Blakeley, a special assistant to the GM who was the team’s international scouting chief, also has resigned.
Braves president John Hart will take over GM duties while the team searches for a full-time replacement.
Hart said the Braves cooperated when they first learned of the investigation “in the past couple weeks.” He wouldn’t reveal details of the rules violations but he did say they did not involve criminal activity.