MLB takes charge of troubled Dodgers
Source: Agencies |
April 22, 2011, Friday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
MAJOR League Baseball, in an extraordinary move, plans to take control of the day-to-day operations of the Los Angeles Dodgers because of mounting concern over the franchise's financial plight.
Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, who is locked in a bitter divorce battle that many expect will result in the storied team's sale, reportedly took a personal loan from Fox Broadcasting Company last week to cover the Dodgers' payroll.
"I informed Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt today that I will appoint a representative to oversee all aspects of the business and the day-to-day operations of the club," MLB Commissioner Bud Selig said.
"I have taken this action because of my deep concerns regarding the finances and operations of the Dodgers and to protect the best interests of the club, its great fans and all of Major League Baseball.
"My office will continue its thorough investigation into the operations and finances of the Dodgers and related entities during the period of Mr. McCourt's ownership. I will announce the name of my representative in the next several days."
Guidelines
McCourt responded in a statement: "Major League Baseball sets strict financial guidelines which all 30 teams must follow. The Dodgers are in compliance with these guidelines. On this basis, it is hard to understand the Commissioner's action today."
Earlier, McCourt sent an email message to Dodgers employees in which he said: "I ask that you please continue to conduct business as usual with our complete dedication to the game and our loyal fans. Each of you has represented this organization with class, and while this is no doubt a challenging time for all of us, I truly appreciate your efforts."
The Dodgers, winners of six World Series titles, have been one of baseball's glamor franchises but have been gripped by bitter in-fighting since McCourt's wife, Jamie, filed for divorce in October 2009 after over 30 years of marriage.
The Dodgers were bought by the McCourts from Fox's parent company News Corp. in 2004. A judge ruled in December that the Dodgers were in effect jointly owned by the newly-divorced couple, setting the stage for further wrangling over the team.
Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, who is locked in a bitter divorce battle that many expect will result in the storied team's sale, reportedly took a personal loan from Fox Broadcasting Company last week to cover the Dodgers' payroll.
"I informed Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt today that I will appoint a representative to oversee all aspects of the business and the day-to-day operations of the club," MLB Commissioner Bud Selig said.
"I have taken this action because of my deep concerns regarding the finances and operations of the Dodgers and to protect the best interests of the club, its great fans and all of Major League Baseball.
"My office will continue its thorough investigation into the operations and finances of the Dodgers and related entities during the period of Mr. McCourt's ownership. I will announce the name of my representative in the next several days."
Guidelines
McCourt responded in a statement: "Major League Baseball sets strict financial guidelines which all 30 teams must follow. The Dodgers are in compliance with these guidelines. On this basis, it is hard to understand the Commissioner's action today."
Earlier, McCourt sent an email message to Dodgers employees in which he said: "I ask that you please continue to conduct business as usual with our complete dedication to the game and our loyal fans. Each of you has represented this organization with class, and while this is no doubt a challenging time for all of us, I truly appreciate your efforts."
The Dodgers, winners of six World Series titles, have been one of baseball's glamor franchises but have been gripped by bitter in-fighting since McCourt's wife, Jamie, filed for divorce in October 2009 after over 30 years of marriage.
The Dodgers were bought by the McCourts from Fox's parent company News Corp. in 2004. A judge ruled in December that the Dodgers were in effect jointly owned by the newly-divorced couple, setting the stage for further wrangling over the team.
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