MLB owners "unanimously approved the sale of
controlling interest" in the Reds from Marge Schott to Carl
Lindner, William Reik and George Strike, according to John
Erardi of the CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, who notes that Schott's
15-year "reign was marked by controversy." The transaction
was for $67M and the deal will close October 1. Reik said
that there "will be no change in the day-to-day operation of
the club." Reik: "John [Allen's] in charge, and John will
be in charge" (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 9/16). In a sidebar,
Erardi writes that the ownership change ends "one of the
most flamboyant, controversial and, yes, successful on-the-
field eras in Reds history." Schott "will retain one
ownership share" in the Reds, 21 blue-level box seats and a
luxury suite (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 9/16). In Cincinnati,
Tim Sullivan: "No prospective franchise owner in memory has
sought approval with more certainty of a rubber stamp. No
outgoing owner has been pushed toward the exits with greater
enthusiasm. It's the end of an error" (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER,
9/16). FSN's Keith Olbermann, on the Reds sale: "O.K., you
can clear out all the second World War memorabilia and those
vodka bottles. Major League owners have finally approved
the sale of the Reds" ("Primetime," 9/15).
