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McCourt Speaks Frankly With Jim Hill And Apologizes To Fans, Team, Family

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — In an interview with CBS 2/KCAL 9 Sports Director Jim Hill, Dodgers owner Frank McCourt for the first time expressed some regrets and talked about his first meeting with Major League Baseball-appointed monitor Tom Schieffer.

Frank McCourt Interview
(credit: CBS)

"I'm sorry that my mess has become their mess and has affected the fan experience," McCourt told Hill. "I'm sorry that some of my lifestyle decisions has some fans thinking I did not want to put the best product on the field."

Hill spoke to McCourt live on the KCAL 9 News at 3 p.m. from Dodger Stadium.

McCourt also said he was "sorry for the embarrassment this has caused the community, to the team, to our fans...and I'm sorry this has affected my kids, my family and all the employees here."

Hill asked McCourt why the fans should still support him. "In 2009, when I got separated, I sat with my four boys, they asked one thing. For us to keep our divorce out of the media. In October 2009, when I issued that press statement saying I wasn't going to talk about our divorce because I viewed it as a personal matter it's because I made a promise to our boys. And I was true to my word. Recently, my boys have told me that it's okay with them now...if I defend myself."

In the wide-ranging interview, McCourt also talked about his ex-wife, his thoughts and feelings about MLB president Bud Selig ("he's ducking me") and about new Dodgers Monitor Tom Schieffer ("we had a good meeting today.")

Throughout the nearly 20-minute interview, McCourt sounded contrite. He said bluntly, "I've made my share of mistakes." He was also measured and contemplative. Especially when talking about Bud Selig. "Communication is critical in solving problems. And I'd love to sit down with him."

When asked if he would consider suing MLB, he took a long pause before saying, "...I'm going to protect what's mine. But this isn't just about money. It's not about money. It's what's right."

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