Umps Call Foul on Background Check Plan MLB talks break off over Donaghy-inspired 'integrity' probes By Max Brallier Posted Aug 7, 2007 4:34 AM CDT Copied Home plate umpire Brian Runge wipes sweat off his forehead during a baseball game between the Washington Nationals and St. Louis Cardinals, Sunday, Aug. 5, 2007, in Washington. The Nationals won 6-3. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari) (Associated Press) Major League Baseball is planning a series of detailed background checks for all umpires, spurred by the NBA's referee gambling scandal. But the umps aren't pleased: Discussions with their new union drifted foul when the league balked at their compromise request to add a 7th ump to postseason games. MLB says it won't make an "economic concession in return for the members being forthcoming on what we regard to be an integrity issue." A union spokesman replied: "We understand the need in light of what's taken place. But we feel we just don't need to have a knee-jerk reaction and a witch hunt." Read These Next Keith Urban interview ends after Nicole Kidman question. Sean Combs jury reaches a decision on all charges. Bryan Kohberger has admitted his guilt. Who added bill's proposed tax on clean energy? No one knows. Report an error