Major League Baseball has announced that it will appoint a representative to oversee all financial and day-to-day business operations of the Los Angeles Dodgers. This move is likely the first official step in the beginning of the end of Frank McCourt ownership of the Dodgers. Commissioner Bud Selig issued the following statement on Wednesday:
"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.
Concerns over McCourt's debt load have been around since he bought the club in 2004, but have come to a head in the last year and a half as Frank has been battling his wife Jamie in a very public divorce and subsequent fight over the Dodgers. Just last week, the Los Angeles Times reported that Frank McCourt received a $30 million personal loan from Fox to cover team expenses, including payroll.
"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," Selig added in today's statement.
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