MLB announced yesterday that Reds President & CEO Marge
Schott has agreed to relinquish day-to-day operation of the team
through the '98 season. Schott will turn over the team to Reds
Controller John Allen for an interim period of 60 days in which
she and NL President Leonard Coleman will search for a new
managing executive to run the team through the suspension period.
Schott will retain her ownership position in the club, but she
will not be involved in the day-to-day decisions or be a
spokesperson. She will continue to have access to all areas of
Riverfront Stadium, including her field seats, private box and
office (MLB).
FURTHER DETAILS: Schott agreed to step down rather than
face a suspension and a lengthy legal battle. Acting MLB
Commissioner Bud Selig said last night the suspension "likely
would have been two years." Selig added if there is a violation
of the agreement "it will lead to something far more serious"
(WASHINGTON TIMES, 6/13). Some Reds players worried that under
Allen the club "may be dismantled" to save money. But Selig said
that Coleman would closely monitor actions on a daily basis (Hal
McCoy, DAYTON DAILY NEWS, 6/13). Schott did not agree to a deal
until early evening, and only after MLB's Executive Committee
"steeled its resolve" during a 90-minute afternoon meeting,
according to Sam Donnellon in Philadelphia. Sources say
obstacles included control of the budget and access to the team
(PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 6/13). USA TODAY's Hal Bodley notes
the cost of a potential legal battle with MLB would have been $1M
(USA TODAY, 6/13). But in Chicago, Jerome Holtzman notes that
Selig "refused to acknowledge Schott also had agreed to waive
legal action" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 6/13). Selig said Schott can
only act in an advisory capacity in negotiating a new stadium in
Cincinnati, and can approve the annual budget, but not set it.
Selig: "This will not be a sham" (Mark Maske, WASHINGTON POST,
6/13).
PARTNERS NOT HAPPY?: During the late "SportsCenter," ESPN's
Rich Eisen noted that the agreement may "not necessarily keep
Major League Baseball out of court. The Reds' minority partners
are reportedly unhappy that Schott wasn't completely removed. In
fact, one minority partner threatened to sue Major League
Baseball if they don't get oversight of the team"
("SportsCenter," ESPN, 6/13).
