Spreading Blame for Big A Debacle

I’ve read the incredible nonsense relating to Disney pulling out of the Angels purchase and Jackie Autry’s insane comments. I have never seen such a blatant display of greed in all my life.

The Walt Disney Co., since the death of Walt Disney, has repeatedly shown its disregard for the sensitivity of citizens (For example, the release of the film “Priest” on Good Friday) and its insatiable appetite for more and more profits--at any cost.

As for the Autry “family,” if they have lost money--as they claim (and I don’t believe it for a minute)--why wouldn’t they be anxious to sell to the Seahawks owner or any qualified buyer? Mrs. Autry seems to project the notion that she and “good old Gene” are doing a favor to Orange County when just the opposite is true. Their many management mistakes over the years have fielded terrible teams--but still, their support in the stands has been exceptional. Where else could they draw nearly 3 million fans with the caliber of teams they have presented (until the last two years)?

Should the taxpayers pay for those mistakes? I think not. The obvious answer is having Anaheim--or a consortium of Orange County cities--buy the team. In fact, cities here and everywhere should buy the teams as Green Bay, Wis., did many years ago. It is a revenue-generating operation and stability is assured. Think about it.

WILLIAM HUGGINS

Fullerton

* The City Council and mayor of Anaheim continue to make boneheaded decisions, showing they don’t have a clue. Over 17 years ago, though the names were different, these representatives brought the Rams to Anaheim. In doing so, they ruined the intimacy and charm Anaheim Stadium brought to baseball.

Three years ago, through their stupidity, they permitted a loophole in the Rams contract which allowed them to leave. Now, they have shown more concern about accommodating the Seahawks rather than taking care of the Angels, who have been a loyal tenant for nearly 30 years. They seem more interested in talking with Ken Behring, who is trying to leave a city over an absurd excuse, than in working the details out with Disney, who is more valuable to Anaheim and this county than any corporation. Have they asked themselves who else is willing to put $70 million of their own money up to refurbish an outdated facility?

People may not always agree with the Autrys’ baseball decisions, but they deserve much better treatment and respect than the City of Anaheim’s representatives have given them over the years. In six years, when the Angels’ lease expires, “Sportstown Anaheim” may well be a ghost town.

BOB KARGENIAN

Placentia

* Let’s see. A baseball stadium in a commercial area, with a rail station and no parking. Isn’t that the situation Walter O’Malley left behind in Brooklyn for the expanse of Chavez Ravine? I’m afraid that there are plenty of places that have acreage for the California Angels, with a new state-of-the-art stadium included.

R.W. TOLBERT

Anaheim

Editor’s note: The Angels and Disney have resumed negotiations, Tony Tavares, president of Disney Sports Enterprises, said Friday.