Opinion

McLane: End of broadcast network litigation will spell hope for Astros Reorganization plan for Comcast Sports Net is the best, possibly only, option so people can see games

It's time to return Houston Astros baseball to the fans. This past year, a game you and I love has suffered through the distraction of protracted litigation that has done nothing to promote and celebrate the game.

For that reason, I decided Wednesday to support a reorganization plan for the Comcast Sports Net Houston, even though that decision will likely cause a significant financial loss for me and my company. Why make a decision with those consequences? I truly believe it's in the best interest of the Astros, Rockets and, most important, fans.

I sold the Astros, but I did not lose my love for Houston, the team or the fans. From 1993-2011, our family's ownership was life-changing for me and my family. We learned lessons on commitment, resolve, long-term planning, strategy and the pure joy of camaraderie and spirit you share with people who love baseball.

Since late last year, you have heard about a bankruptcy litigation lawsuit revolving around a regional sports network. This concept was the brainchild of George Postolos, who was then president of the Rockets. Eventually, the Astros agreed to join the network. Existing complex contracts with other broadcasters delayed the launch. In fact, it went live in 2012, a year after the team's sale.

The network, however, failed to persuade carriers other than Comcast to broadcast the games. Whatever the cause, the result was unacceptable - most fans cannot watch Astros games. Subsequently, the bankruptcy proceedings began, and after nearly a year, as well as a full baseball season, nothing has changed for the fans except they are frustrated and angry at baseball.

Having spent 19 years immersed trying to build a contender every season, I understand that continuation of this litigation will have long-term negative results for the Astros, Rockets and the fans. That's why I made the decision to support the reorganization.

Separately, I was completely shocked and angered when shortly after the original bankruptcy petition was filed last year, my beloved Astros and Jim Crane filed suit against me personally and my company. We have filed a motion to dismiss the case. I have denied as false the assertions in the lawsuit and personally feel them to be an affront to a business reputation for proven integrity and forthrightness in transactions that I have built for over 50 years. I will continue to vigorously challenge the assertions, and I am hopeful the motion to dismiss will be accepted.

Under the terms of our original agreement, the regional sports network is duty-bound to pay for our attorneys in the defense of the Crane lawsuit. If the reorganization plan is ultimately approved and finalized, it is quite possible that obligation will be dissolved. Nevertheless, I voted for the plan as the best and maybe only option to revive the network so more people can watch games. I hope that will happen.

I believe that ownership of a MLB team is a public trust; I worked diligently to honor that trust and commitment. From 1993-2011, the Astros had the sixth-highest winning percentage. Only the Yankees, Braves, Red Sox, Cardinals and Giants were ahead of us. We signed and retained players like Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio, who I hope is inducted into the Hall of Fame next year. Fans also saw legendary players such as Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte who helped lead us to the World Series, the first for Texas. I am also proud of our stadium, Minute Maid Park, and the rejuvenation it has produced for downtown Houston.

Finally, contrary to what some have said, we provided a strong farm system to Jim Crane's ownership group. It included a number of players you see now, such as Jose Altuve, Jason Castro, George Springer and others you have seen on today's 40-man roster or on other major league teams.

These past few years of 100-game losses have been extremely difficult for fans. I am hopeful and prayerful that the end of this litigation will help launch the Astros and also the Rockets to winning seasons year after year.

As Joe Dimaggio said, "When baseball is no longer fun, it's no longer a game." It's time to get back to having fun and join in a celebration of the game.

McLane is former owner of the Houston Astros.