A new development was announced this week in the McCourt divorce drama. The McCourts bought the Los Angeles Dodgers years ago, but now the ownership of the team is in limbo. Here is the short story:The McCourts bought the team in 2004 and shortly thereafter entered into an agreement that is now the subject of their divorce dispute. The agreement was allegedly created to separate the team from the McCourts other properties in case the team suffered financial hardship. The team was to be Frank McCourt's property, while the couple's real estate would become Jamie McCourt's property. Jamie adamantly denies this allegation, claiming that the team is community property, shared by the couple. The agreement was signed six times, three of which conform with Jamie's understanding of the agreement, and three of which are in line with Frank's opinion of what occurred. The couple was divorced in late 2009 and are still just revving up a lengthy divorce battle over control of the Dodgers.
Last week, Jamie rejected a mediator's decision regarding the divorce and instead proceeded to the first phase of a trial. This week the judge leading the trial ruled that the agreement signed between the couples does not give Frank sole ownership of the team. This is a huge victory for Jamie, but one that is going to draw out this battle for years into the future, unless the parties can agree on a settlement arrangement. A likely settlement would require the parties to sell the team outright and split the proceeds.
Unfortunately, at this point it is bad for baseball, the Dodgers, and L.A. if either of the McCourts continue to control the team. The team will not only be the subject of costly litigation, but also a casualty in an ugly divorce. Any other individual will bring a better image to the team and hope to Los Angeles.
McCourts - it is time to give it up. Take a check now, because otherwise your legal fees will continue to diminish your bottom line, publicly and financially.
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