'We Want Somebody From The US!': Dodgers Fans React To Chinese-Backed Bid
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — A record-breaking offer to buy the Los Angeles Dodgers was met with mixed reaction from local baseball fans and residents on Thursday.
KNX 1070's Vytas Safronikas reports the founder of the Los Angeles Marathon, Bill Burke — with the backing of unnamed Chinese investors — offered Frank McCourt $1.2 billion to purchase the Dodgers.
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The deal would include the team, surrounding land and media rights, according to The LA Times.
Reports of the proposed cash deal was greeted with thumbs-down from outspoken fans in Echo Park.
"No, I'm not happy about it," said one woman.
"We want somebody from the United States to own the team!" another said.
Marathon founder Bill Burke and his backers sent a letter Tuesday to McCourt making the offer, according to the Los Angeles Times who cited two unnamed sources familiar with the offer.
The $1.2 billion price would be a record for a Major League Baseball team.
Still, some fans are likely to embrace any new owner who pledges a stronger security presence at Dodger Stadium after the parking lot assault on Giants fan Brian Stow back in April.
"As long as we have a team, I'm OK with it," one woman said. "Honestly, I don't mind as long as there are more strict rules and more security at Dodger Stadium."
Frank McCourt has said numerous times that he is not interested in selling the Dodgers and wants to be the majority owner when the team emerges from bankruptcy.
Major League Baseball has not commented on the offer.
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