Sheel Seidler, the widow of late San Diego Padres owner Peter Seidler, is suing two of her brothers-in-law for control of the team.
In a lawsuit filed Monday, January 6, in Texas, Sheel Seidler asserts that her late husband wanted her to control the team after his death, but that Bob and Matt Seidler “schemed to solidify their control of the Padres.”
The Texas lawsuit, first reported by Sportico, also alleges “racist, profane and hateful communications directed at Sheel–a woman of Indian descent–in communications” sent by Bob Seidler’s wife.
Sheel Seidler posted a public letter Monday on social media addressed to Padres fans.
“I do not wish to litigate this matter in public, but rest assured I will do what it takes to protect my children, Peter’s legacy and this remarkable ball club,” she wrote.
Sports Illustrated covered the conflict with a worrisome headline for San Diego professional sports fans: “Peter Seidler’s Wife Fears Brothers Could Sell or Relocate Padres Amid Lawsuit.”
Local fans are still upset over the San Diego Chargers’ departure from the city after the end of the 2016 season.
Sheel Seidler’s lawsuit states: “Indeed, Matt’s efforts to promote his brother John as Control Person and to block Sheel may well be part of his efforts to sell, and perhaps relocate, the team, over Sheel’s strident objection.”
In her social media post, Sheel Seidler writes that her devotion to the team and the San Diego community “is stronger than ever…it is my intention to build upon the many recent successes, investing in both the short-term and long-term future of the franchise, and ensuring our dream of multiple championships is fulfilled.”
[UPDATED] Matt Seidler has publicly disputed claims from Sheel Seidler’s lawsuit. He says Peter Seidler intentionally named his brothers, and not others, as successor trustees.
The San Diego Padres are not commenting on current litigation. Major League Baseball also has not commented.
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the Padres must give MLB the name of their control person before the start of spring training in February. SDSun
