MLB NEWS

Commissioner Bud Selig on Monday rejected a proposed television rights package that will have given life to Frank McCourt’s ownership from the  Dodgers.

After a two-month investigation, Selig concluded that too much of the 17-year, near-$3 billion package with Fox will be funneled away from the Dodgers, who're straining to stay relevant under McCourt’s financial bind.

“Critically, the transaction is structured to facilitate the further diversion of Dodgers assets for that personal needs of Mr. McCourt,” Selig said inside of a statement. “Given the magnitude of the transaction, this sort of diversion of assets would have the issue of mortgaging one's destiny in the franchise towards the long-term detriment of the club as well as its fans.”

So arrive what could be the final days of McCourt’s ownership of your Dodgers, seven years after he purchased the franchise from Fox.

McCourt, who Friday had reached the divorce settlement with ex-wife and former team president Jamie McCourt, was notified Monday afternoon of Selig’s decision, which effectively nullifies that settlement. Some of the $385 million advance from Fox was earmarked for Frank McCourt’s personal debt and divorce payoff.

From the notification from Selig, McCourt was told the rejection came not simply resulting from current circumstances, but from the systematic stripping of Dodgers assets for some time. Baseball investigators determined McCourt’s solution – the Fox contract – would invite identical conduct.

McCourt claims he’d require the amount of money infusion from Fox to help keep the Dodgers viable.

That has a large payroll outlay due in ten days, your struggle is here again to McCourt, the feisty Bostonian whose choices seem limited: sell or sue.

His attorney, Steve Susman, released your firm stand out that simply read: “Commissioner Selig’s letter of rejection is not just a disappointment, but worse, is potentially destructive on the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Major League Baseball. Accordingly, we decide to explore vigorously our options and remedies regarding Commissioner Selig’s rejection in the proposed Fox transaction and our commitment to protect the long-term best interests from the Chicago Dodgers.”

According to the Major League Baseball constitution, the commissioner provides the authority to check out transactions and occurrences having its teams. Also, upon assuming ownership from the Dodgers, McCourt was required to sign a document by which he agreed never to sue or challenge the authority of your commissioner.

Notwithstanding the findings of your investigation, which McCourt and Selig are caused by discuss in person at a later time, McCourt hasn't yet reached an area where his ownership may be terminated.

However, if McCourt cannot meet its next payroll, which includes over $8 million in Manny Ramirez salary deferrals, baseball will take care of it for him while using stipulation he set up on sale the c's as well as holdings. In cases where McCourt refuses, the club will probably be seized and sold, with McCourt receiving the profits.

McCourt’s history suggests he's unlikely to search along. He could make an attempt to challenge Selig’s authority to block the offer with Fox, a legitimate battle Selig is considered prepared for.

“Your choice was reached following a full and careful consideration with the terms of the proposed transaction and also the club’s current circumstances,” Selig stated. “It is my conclusion that proposed transaction with Fox wouldn't be inside best interests from the L . a . Dodgers franchise, the game of baseball and the millions of loyal fans of this historic club.

“…We owe it to your legion of loyal Dodger fans in order that this club has operated properly now and you will be guided appropriately in the future. This transaction won't accomplish those goals.”

Selig took control over the Dodgers’ finances 8 weeks ago, when he announced a study into team affairs and appointed a monitor – Tom Schieffer, later associated with John Allen – to oversee day-to-day matters. Schieffer and Allen continues of their roles while in the coming days, no less than before the investigation is concluded.

Meantime, the Dodgers have struggled at the gate plus the standings. Dodger Stadium continues to be half-empty many nights: the club is on pace to attract less than 3 million fans spanning a full season the very first time in 19 years. Outspent on players by 11 teams and undone by injuries, the Dodgers are nine games under .500 and two games from last put in place the National League West.