MLB demands that Dodgers reinstate Schieffer

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The Dodgers must let Tom Schieffer resume his job as the league-appointed trustee, a bankruptcy attorney representing the commissioner’s office has demanded.

‘The debtors’ refusal to permit the monitor to continue performing his duties represents an ongoing violation of the Major League Constitution,’ said a letter sent Thursday from MLB attorney Thomas Lauria to Dodgers attorney Sidney Levinson.

[Updated at 10:22 a.m.: Levinson declined to comment Friday.]

The Dodgers are unlikely to agree, which could lead to a showdown on the issue in bankruptcy court. In the bankruptcy case, Dodgers owner Frank McCourt is essentially challenging the powers of the commissioner’s office, including those within the MLB constitution.

When the Dodgers filed for bankruptcy Monday, the team told the league that Schieffer was prohibited from his league-appointed duties under a provision called the ‘automatic stay,’ which restricts creditor action upon a bankruptcy filing.

In his letter, Lauria said the Dodgers’ interpretation of that rule with regard to Schieffer is ‘incorrect’ and said the commissioner’s office demands the team provide Schieffer with ‘immediate access to the club’s facilities and employees.’

Schieffer has not worked at Dodger Stadium since Monday’s bankruptcy filing.

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-- Bill Shaikin