Rice University expert available to comment on MLB’s decision on sale of Astros

CONTACT: Franz Brotzen
PHONE: 713-348-6775
EMAIL: franz.brotzen@rice.edu

Rice University expert available to comment on MLB’s decision on sale of Astros

Rice University sport management expert Patrick Thornton is available to discuss the proposed sale of the Houston Astros and the likelihood that potential new owner Jim Crane’s past dealings with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) would hold up the sale, which must be approved by Major League Baseball.

The EEOC issued a report in 2000 on Eagle Global Logistics, the company owned by Crane, that found the company failed to promote blacks, Hispanics and women into managerial positions. Without admitting wrongdoing, Crane eventually signed a consent decree that settled the charges for $8.5 million.

“Major League Baseball has made a concerted effort in recent years to become more diverse in every part of the game, from the front office to the playing field,” Thornton said. “However, in light of its history, MLB needs to ensure that new ownership understands its mission and goals. It is doubtful Jim Crane’s bid to purchase the Astros could be denied by MLB. The league will most certainly interview Mr. Crane and review EEOC documents surrounding his former company’s settlement with the EEOC to determine if Mr. Crane did everything he could to promote minorities within his company and provide equal opportunities for all employees within the corporation.”

Thornton is a lecturer in the sport management program in Rice University’s Department of Kinesiology and author of “Sports Law” (Jones and Bartlett, 2010).

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/19/sports/baseball/discrimination-case-may-pose-problem-for-bud-selig.html?ref=baseball.

To speak with Thornton, contact Franz Brotzen at 713-348-6775 or franz.brotzen@rice.edu.