FILE - In this Feb. 28, 2006, file photo, Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig, left, and Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt wait for the Urban Youth Academy opening ceremony to begin in Compton, Calif. Major League Baseball is taking over the Dodgers, a team financially paralyzed by the divorce of its owners, Frank and Jamie McCourt. Selig says in a release Wednesday, April 20, 2011, that he will appoint a representative to oversee the "business and the day-to-day operations of the Club." (AP Photo/Ric Francis, File)
A day after Major League Baseball announced they will be taking over operations from the Los Angeles Dodgers, Frank McCourt’s newly hired vice chairman sounded off on Commissioner Bud Selig’s move, calling it “irresponsible.”
Steve Soboroff told the Los Angeles Times: “This is like having money in the bank and having somebody hold your ATM card,” Soboroff said. “The money is in the bank. The Fox deal is done.”
According to the Los Angeles Times the Dodgers were in talks with Fox about receiving a $30-million loan to help with the team’s payroll–a move that may have finally forced Selig to step in.
The McCourt’s much publicized divorce has cast a shadow over the Dodgers, taking attention away from the team.
“He can pay the piper,” vice chairman Steve Soboroff told the Los Angeles Times, referring to McCourt.
Selig announced in a statement on Wednesday that Major League Baseball will take over the organization, and he will name his representative in the next several days.
“Pursuant to my authority as Commissioner,” Selig said, “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.”
He continued: “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.”
But Soboroff said there are other revenue streams available that will keep the club financially viable. He mentioned the Fox deal and “other potential new revenue sources.”
