MLB commissioner Bud Selig finally determined something Wednesday he should have known seven years ago: Frank McCourt is not a suitable owner and operator of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The stunning announcement was made that MLB would take over the business and day-to-day operations of the historic franchise and appoint a trustee to run things.
Here is the official statement from Bud Selig:
“Pursuant to my authority as Commissioner, 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. 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. The Dodgers have been one of the most prestigious franchises in all of sports, and we owe it to their legion of loyal fans to ensure that this club is being operated properly now and will be guided appropriately in the future.”
This is something that should have happened a long time ago but I suppose we should celebrate that it finally did happen. When Frank and his wife were publicly airing grievances related to their divorce they embarrassed the proud franchise. That was enough reason to strip them of the franchise. When we learned the Dodgers needed multiple millions of dollars loaned to them to operate the team, that was reason enough to take over the franchise. And when Frank McCourt had to borrow millions of dollars in order to buy the team, it was the ultimate sign that he had no business being an owner.
Wednesday’s announcement does not mean that the McCourts will no longer own the team. Selig may finally force a sale, but he’ll likely face a court battle from the McCourts first. What I’m wondering is how Frank will afford to finance a legal war against Major League Baseball when he needed a loan to make payroll last month. The man has embarrassed himself and the Dodgers and it’s time to finally let go of the team. It’s no longer yours Frank, you don’t deserve it.
Best part of all, the IRS is investigating the McCourts who somehow managed to avoid paying taxes in 2009 according to court records.
Finally the world is starting to unfold as it should.
