McCourts file dueling motions on Dodgers

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LOS ANGELES, May 19 (UPI) -- Frank McCourt asked a judge Thursday to approve the TV deal he has negotiated with Fox for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

McCourt's request came a day after his ex-wife, Jamie McCourt, sought an order for the sale of the National League team, the Los Angeles Times reported. Superior Court Judge Scott Gordon scheduled a hearing on the dueling motions for June 22.

Gordon also said he would serve as a mediator in the coming weeks in an effort to bring the parties to a settlement.

The former couple accuse each other of hurting the team.

In her filing late Wednesday, Jamie McCourt said Frank has "brought the Dodgers to the brink of financial ruin."

Jamie, who was chief executive officer of the team until she was fired in 2009, said the Fox television deal is below market value.

Frank McCourt said his ex-wife's claim to be a half-owner of the Dodgers threatens the team's financial stability. He also said it has contributed to Major League Baseball's effort to seize the team.

McCourt values the Fox deal at $3 billion, enough to keep the Dodgers going and pay for the divorce. He has warned that without it he might be unable to meet payroll May 31.