LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio (SCPR), a member-supported public media network. Hear our news on-air at our partner site:
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
News that the Los Angeles Dodgers havefiled for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection inspired a multitude of reactions yesterday from fans, civic leaders, other ball teams, and media talking heads, however today one of the big'uns has spoken. Major League Baseball has formally objected to the bankruptcy filing.
In fact, MLB says team owner Frank McCourt is not only to blame for "driving the Dodgers into a liquidity crisis," according to CBS2, but of "siphoning off more than $100 million in club revenue."
MLB submitted papers to the court today in which Commissioner Bud Selig asserts that their organization can "provide a loan on better terms." Selig urges the court's rejection of McCourt's proposed financial plan on grounds " it compels the team to sell valuable future broadcast rights to meet current expenses and to provide money for McCourt’s personal use." One personal use, levies Selig, is payments by Frank McCourt to ex-wife Jamie.
The bankruptcy battle has quickly become a platform for Selig and McCourt to demonize each other. In his statement following yesterday's filing, McCourt said Selig "turned his back on the Dodgers, treated us differently, and forced us to the point we find ourselves in today."