Appellate Court Rules In Favor Of Angels In Team Name Case

City Of Anaheim Expected To Drop Case Against Angels After Friday's Ruling

In a ruling "expected to end a legal challenge" from the city of Anaheim against the Angels over the team's name that lasted nearly four years, the 4th District Court of Appeal in California Friday "declined to set aside a jury verdict in favor of the Angels," according to Bill Shaikin of the L.A. TIMES. The city is "expected to drop the case rather than pursue its lone remaining legal option, an appeal to the California Supreme Court." Justice David Sills, who was part of the three-judge appellate panel who issued a split decision, said, "As a result, we end up with the oxymoronic monstrosity that is the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim." Angels VP/Communications Tim Mead said the team is "certainly pleased with the decision." Mead: "We look forward to working with the city, not only in 2009 but as we prepare for the 2010 All-Star game, and in other projects." Shaikin noted the appellate court "declined to order the city to reimburse the fees the Angels paid to their attorneys." Sources indicated that the Angels' legal fees are "expected to exceed" $8M (L.A. TIMES, 12/20).