LOS ANGELES, June 11 (UPI) -- A group of Los Angeles clergy sent MLB Commissioner Bud Selig a letter voicing their support for embattled Dodgers owner Frank McCourt.
The letter signed by 20 ministers from mainly African-American churches called McCourt a "faithful steward" of the franchise that broke baseball's color barrier by signing Jackie Robinson.
"We are deeply troubled by the rancor, media attacks and lack of equity that has been afforded the Los Angeles Dodgers and Frank McCourt as they seek to provide financial stability to one of baseball's most notable franchises," the June 3 letter said.
McCourt has been drubbed by the media due not only to the Dodgers' mediocre play but his rancorous divorce and the high-profile beating of a San Francisco Giants fan outside Dodger Stadium.
A team spokesman told the Los Angeles Times McCourt did not offer any donations or other quid pro quo for the letter. The letter came a month after a coalition of Latino leaders sent a similar message of support to Selig.
John Hunter, senior minister of First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles, told a news conference Friday McCourt's "inner circle" had reached out to the ministers, who then met with him personally.
