Dodgers bankruptcy complicates divorce

The Los Angeles Dodgers were forced to file for bankruptcy protection in a move that Dodgers owner Frank McCourt said was caused by Major League

Baseball's refusal to approve of a media transaction between the team and Fox television.

The bankruptcy is likely to further complicate the divorce proceedings between McCourt and his wife, Jamie, who have been locked in a bitter dispute regarding ownership of the Dodgers. The McCourts had recently reached a settlement that would have allowed Frank McCourt to retain ownership of the team if MLB Commissioner Bud Selig had approved of the long-term Fox contract.

McCourt reportedly planned on using at least $10 million of the proceeds to pay Jamie, as well as for personal use, according to the New York Post.

In a statement, Frank McCourt said Selig "turned his back on the Dodgers" by denying the television contract, which reportedly would have solved the team's financial struggles.

"I simply cannot allow the Commissioner to knowingly and intentionally be in a position to expose the Dodgers to financial risk any longer. It is my hope that the Chapter 11 process will create a fair and constructive environment to get done what we couldn't achieve with the Commissioner directly," McCourt stated.

Under the Chapter 11 filing, the salaries and benefits of Dodger employees will be paid and the team will operate within their existing budget to sign and acquire players. Ticket prices and other stadium amenities will also be maintained.