NewsReport: Jamie McCourt let go as LA CEO
Frank McCourt decides on dismissal after couple separatesBy Ken Gurnick / MLB.com
10/22/09 9:37 PM ET
LOS ANGELES -- Dodgers owner Frank McCourt dismissed CEO Jamie McCourt this week in what is shaping up as a difficult divorce case involving, among other things, control of the ballclub, according to two published reports. A team spokesman said the club's policy is not to comment on "personnel matters."
Jamie McCourt's attorney, Dennis Wasser, confirmed to the Los Angeles Times that his client had been "terminated," adding that it would be addressed in court along with other issues. The firing of Jamie McCourt was first reported on Thursday by SI.com.
It previously has been reported by local media that the team could be considered community property under California law, with each spouse entitled to 50 percent of all assets acquired during a marriage.
The couple, married in 1979 and now with four grown sons, announced last week that they had separated. The Los Angeles Times said Jamie McCourt is gathering investors for a possible effort to buy out her husband and gain control of the club.
As the listed owner and chairman of the club, Frank McCourt holds the highest office in the organization, and he was followed by Jamie as chief executive officer. Frank McCourt was present in Philadelphia when the Dodgers lost the NL Championship Series Wednesday night and was in the clubhouse following the game.
After the final game, Mr. McCourt said the ownership uncertainty would not affect financial resources available for offseason personnel moves or create a distraction to the baseball management.
"This group is all very solid, very tight," he said. "We're well aligned, and we'll do what we've done every year. We'll start tomorrow on next season and figure out how to get better and get over the top. Our organization is on a mission to win, and we're going to do it. We're really getting the culture established where our expectation is to win. Everybody is learning what it takes. It takes a huge commitment."
Frank McCourt continued to be visible in the operation of the club this week, quoted in the press release that announced the contract extension of general manager Ned Colletti.
Ken Gurnick is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
