Dodgers CFO: Jamie McCourt knew of risks

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- A Los Angeles Dodgers official, contradicting Jamie McCourt's testimony, said Monday McCourt knew buying the team would be a risky investment.

Dodgers Chief Financial Officer Peter Wilhelm testified at the Los Angeles divorce trial of Jamie McCourt and her estranged husband, team owner Frank McCourt. Wilhelm said he had heard Jamie McCourt tell Frank McCourt she had concerns about buying the money-losing team, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Frank McCourt is contesting his wife's claim she is a 50-50 owner of the Dodgers, citing an agreement she signed ceding him sole ownership of the franchise. Jamie McCourt contends she never read the agreement because she did not consider the purchase of the Dodgers a particularly risky proposition.

Wilhelm contradicted that position at Los Angeles Superior Court, the Times reported. When asked by Jamie's attorney, "Did you ever hear Jamie McCourt say, 'Don't make the deal, Frank?'" Wilhelm answered, "Yes."

Wilhelm said it was known in 2003, when the McCourts were negotiating to buy the Dodgers, that team officials were projecting losses of $53 million for the year.