Gonda Isn’t Interested in Dodgers

I’m still waiting for a return call from USC President Steven Sample, but I’m happy to report that businessman Lou Gonda made contact (on my vacation) to say it’s all hogwash--this talk about his buying the Dodgers.

“I’m affirming to you there is no truth whatsoever to this,” he said.

Gonda said he has not offered $400 million for the Dodgers, has not talked to Fox officials about buying the team and has never even thought about it.

Two high-profile people in L.A. sports and business familiar with Gonda had told The Times earlier--in separate conversations--that Gonda, an aircraft leasing mogul, had been deep into negotiations with Fox.

Those two high-profile people would appear to need credibility make-overs.

A call to Gonda’s office several weeks ago went unreturned, although his assistant was advised of what was being said and what was going to be reported. After waiting for almost two weeks--and getting no response--it was reported as one of those crazy things you hear, but without comment from Gonda there was no telling.

He has now called, which gives me an idea: We have reason to believe Sample is trying to buy the Dodgers.

It worked before. But here’s hoping Sample waits until I’m back from vacation.