Black Los Angeles religious leaders back Frank McCourt
Wrote letter to MLB commissioner Bud Selig
LOS ANGELES, Calif.—Prominent Los Angeles religious leaders throw their support behind Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, saying they sent a letter to Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig and urged him to approve a $3 billion deal between McCourt and Fox.
“As religious leaders in the Los Angeles community and lifelong fans of the game of baseball, we are writing to express our sincere displeasure with the manner in which the Los Angeles Dodgers and Frank McCourt have been treated by Major League Baseball,” according to the June 3 letter.
“In particular, we are deeply troubled by the rancor, media attacks, and lack of equity that has been afforded the Los Angeles Dodgers and Frank McCourt as they seek provide financial stability to one of baseball’s most notable franchises ... At a minimum, the estimated $3-billion television deal with Fox should improve the financial viability of the franchise ...”
“It is our sincere hope that you will exercise your judgment wisely and explore all options and remedies prior to making a determination on the future of the Los Angeles Dodgers, including the state of their ownership and any revenue-generating plans.”
The letter was signed by 20 religious leaders, including the Rev. Dr. John J. Hunter, senior minister of the First A.M.E. Church of Los Angeles; Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, presiding prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church; Pastor Marvin Davis, president of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Los Angeles and Southern California, New Bethel Baptist Church; and Pastor John E. Cager III, president of the Southern California Ministerial Alliance, A.M.E. Church, Second A.M.E. Church Los Angeles.
In April, MLB Commission Bud Selig appointed former Texas Rangers executive Tom Schieffer to monitor the day-to-day operations of the Dodgers, citing what he called “deep concerns regarding the finances and operations of the Dodgers.”
Last month, former Cincinnati Reds COO John Allen was hired as Schieffer’s assistant in monitoring the Dodgers.
McCourt, who has owned the team since 2004, has blasted the decision to appoint an oversight team. He met with league officials in April in hopes of winning approval of his proposed $3 billion media deal with Fox—a 17-year pact that he said would result in an immediate infusion of $300 million to the team.
Rob Manfred, vice president of labor relations for Major League Baseball, said Selig had not vetoed the deal, but would not make a decision “until after his investigation into the club and its finances is complete so that he can properly evaluate all of the facts and circumstances.”
LOS ANGELES, Calif.—Frank and Jamie McCourt announced today that they have reached a divorce settlement over ownership of the Dodgers, ending what is believed to be the costliest marital split in California history.
“The terms of the settlement, which is already in effect, will remain private,” according to a joint statement issued by the McCourts. “Jamie will be withdrawing her opposition to the Dodgers proposed sale of media rights and instead will be filing papers in support of the process proposed by the Dodgers.”
The new ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers this week promised a fan-friendly, accessible and winning organization and announced an immediate $5 reduction in the $15 parking price.
New team president Stan Kasten also announced the establishment of an email address for fans to send suggestions—fanbox@ladodgers.com—along with a lot more opportunities for autographs.
The record $2 billion purchase of the team by Guggenheim Baseball Management from reviled former owner Frank McCourt became official on Tuesday.
LOS ANGELES, Calif.—Former Los Angeles Laker Magic Johnson said today he has joined a financial team in hopes of purchasing the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“Thrilled to announce that I’ve partnered with Mark Walter & Stan Kasten to form Guggenheim Baseball Mgmt in pursuit of purchasing the Dodgers!”
Johnson wrote on his Twitter page. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to be part of the Dodgers legacy & bring a World Series championship back to LA.”
LOS ANGELES, Calif.—The City Council today threw its support behind an effort to give Los Angeles Dodgers fans a chance to own the ball club.
The council approved a resolution calling on Congress to make such an ownership change possible. Councilwoman Janice Hahn, who is running for Congress and introduced the motion, said she is not proposing the city of Los Angeles take ownership of the team, but rather to let fans invest during a public offering.
LOS ANGELES, Calif.—Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said today he welcomed news of a pending sale of the Los Angeles Dodgers, but said he wanted the new owner to be somebody local.
“It absolutely has to be somebody from L.A., somebody who loves this town, who believes in this city and understands that the Dodgers aren’t just a team. They’re a collective community asset,” the mayor said.
