McCourts' Lawyers File Proposed Decisions; Wait Begins on Dodgers' Fate

Filed under: Dodgers, Sports Business and MediaLOS ANGELES -- Lawyers for Frank and Jamie McCourt threw their final pitches Monday in the divorce tussle over ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers, filing proposed "statements of decision" to Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Scott Gordon, who now has until late December to rule on the validity of the couple's marital property agreement (MPA).

Gordon's decision, which may arrive as early as next week, is likely to trigger more intrigue about the future of one of the sports world's most iconic franchises. The Dodgers have been dogged by questions about the McCourts' management and financial resources since last November, when Jamie filed for divorce after the Dodgers lost to the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Championship Series.

The McCourts signed conflicting versions of the MPA in late March and early April of 2004, shortly after purchasing the Dodgers for about $430 million from Fox Entertainment Group. One version gives Frank control of the team, while the other specifically excludes Frank from sole ownership, thereby making the Dodgers "community property" that belongs equally to both McCourts.

The documents filed Monday articulate how each spouse's lawyers envision Gordon's decision. As one of Jamie's attorneys said after the couple's divorce trial ended earlier this month, the statements are "the legal equivalent of writing your own recommendations for a college application."

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