I wrote yesterday about how the McCourts, current Dodger owners, have no sense of timing, when it was reported, on the eve of the NLCS, that they were divorcing. I did not mention then, but I mention it now, that they are also selfish. Why? Because they could care less about the organization, the people that work in it, the people who root for it, and the city that loves it.
The first thing that this divorce tells me is that these people are really selfish. To be the owner of a big-time sports franchise or the head coach of a big time college program you have to be married. The Dodgers may not be recent World Series winners but in terms of franchise value, they are one of the top franchises in all of sports, along with the L.A. Lakers, New York Yankees, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, and a few others. They are at that level. And if you own one of those teams, you are a figurehead. Just like the President of the United States would not get a divorce during his term, because he too is a figurehead. A figurehead is responsible for providing stability as a couple to countless of people. Even if a big-time college football coach doesn't like his wife, he is still married to her because you still have to recruit. No one is going to sit in their living room with with a single divorced coach, worried about whether he's hitting on the wife or daughter. A single divorced head coach for a big-time program is just not going to happen. I'm not telling you it's right. I'm telling you that's just the way it is.
This is not making a difference in the playing of the series. Though, man, I'd love to blame them for the Dodgers losing game one. But don't kid yourself if you don't think this is not a distraction. It is because it certainly puts the future of the franchise in limbo. This is selfish and a bush league move. You can't sleep apart?! He can't go sleep in one wing of the house? Or the maid's quarters? Or the guest house? I don't know what's going on between them but how about hiding it for...the rest of your time on earth?! Because with a divorce, this team has to be sold and then everything is in upheaval again. What do you do with Joe Torre? Ned Coletti? What do you do with Manny Ramirez? Andre Ethier? Everything is put into question. I don't care if they lead separate lives but you have to find a way to make it work. You have to stay together for the kids, which in this case are all the Dodgers employees, the city, and the fans.
Let's not forget that Jaime McCourt is not just the wife of the owner. She's the CEO of the organization. This is going to be a bad scene.
If you think I'm nuts, check out the L.A. Times this morning. Both McCourts are claiming ownership of the Dodgers. Last time I checked, California is a community property state. Neither McCourt has the money to buy out the other one in order to keep the team. Selfish.
Tags: LosAngeles Dodgers
