Thursday September 28, 2023
Law

Brotherly Feud Over Control of Orioles Heads to Court

  • Louis Angelos sues his brother and mother in a Maryland court over control of Peter Angelos' estate.
  • Peter Angelos has been in failing health since a heart issue caused him to collapse in 2017.
Orioles lawsuit
Tommy Gilligan/USA TODAY Sports
Front Office Sports Today

Bucks Go All-In on Giannis Era

The Milwaukee Bucks altered the NBA by swinging a deal for Damian Lillard.
Listen Now
September 28, 2023 | Podcast
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

The fight for control of the Baltimore Orioles that occurred mostly in private in recent years became very public in a lawsuit obtained by Front Office Sports. 

Louis Angelos alleged in the civil complaint that his brother, John, manipulated their mother, Georgia, to seize control of the team as the family patriarch, longtime Orioles owner Peter Angelos, was left “disabled” after an aortic valve failure in 2017.

The attorneys for Louis Angelos asked a Maryland court for an injunction to restrain Louis’ brother and mother from selling either the Orioles or MASN, the regional sports network controlled by the Orioles. 

The lawsuit also seeks the removal of Louis’ brother as co-trustee and Peter Angelos, a co-agent of the trust that went into effect in 2017. 

“If Mr. Angelos could speak to this situation, he would vociferously reject any effort by an adult child presuming to override his will. Mr. Angelos’ infirmity requires this Court to act where he cannot,” the lawyers wrote in the lawsuit. 

The Baltimore Banner was the first outlet to report about the lawsuit. 

“Peter Angelos created a trust for the express purpose of ensuring that his sons would share equally in decision-making and inheritance of all family assets, including the Orioles,” Jeffrey Nusinov and Paul Raschke, the attorneys for Louis Angelos, said in a statement to FOS. “John Angelos, however, has been working secretly to undermine his father’s intentions and to gain unilateral control. Lou Angelos is compelled to bring this action to set things right.”

Peter Angelos, 92, purchased the Orioles for $173 million in 1993. The team is currently valued at $1.4 billion. 

An Orioles spokesperson declined comment when reached by FOS Thursday night. 

The complaint alleges that John Angelos “concealed and misrepresented the facts, feeding his mother a steady diet of half-truths and prevarications” about the Orioles. 

“He acted unilaterally and informed Mrs. Angelos about his unilateral actions only after the fact,” the complaint states. “He worked steadily, and stealthily, to undermine her confidence in his brother, Lou, and to exclude him from business matters at the Orioles.He fired long-time employees who would not play ball and surrounded himself with yes-men.”

According to the complaint, that deception included misleading their mother about a potential sale of the team, something she favored. 

John Angelos told Georgia Angelos in February 2021 “that a sale was only three to four months away.”

“In fact, as his attorney subsequently acknowledged, at no time — then or since — has John conducted any discussions for the sale of the team,” the lawsuit alleges. 

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

BioSteel

BioSteel Bankruptcy Shows Perils of Costly Sports Partnerships

BioSteel spent heavily on partnerships deals before bankruptcy.
Taylor Swift at Chiefs vs. Bears game.

Taylor Swift NFL Hype Likely To Continue Another Week

Swift could drive blockbuster TV ratings for NBC's "Sunday Night Football."

Lillard And Giannis Pairing Could Be Big For The NBA, Too

Bucks to be featured on national TV 19 times this season

Magic Johnson Open To Knicks Minority Ownership Stake

Basketball Hall of Famer only interested in specific NBA franchise
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Bucks Go All-In on Giannis Era

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

Golden State Warriors majority owner Joe Lacob walks alone the baseline during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Chase Center.

Warriors Owner Reportedly Adding A Bay Area WNBA Franchise

An official announcement could come as soon as early October.
NFL concussions
September 27, 2023

The NFL’s $1B Battle Over Concussion Settlement Heats Up

The NFL is seeking at least $1.2 billion from its risk carriers.
September 26, 2023

NFL's Swift Mania Starting To Show Impact Through Merch Sales, Viewership

Taylor Swift stole the NFL's spotlight by attending Sunday's Chiefs game.
First Take vs. FS1
September 26, 2023

Sharpe: 'First Take' Would Still Beat 'Undisputed' Without Stephen A.

Even if Smith leaves, Sharpe said he will still beat Skip Bayless in the ratings.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Chicago Cubs
Chicago
Fanatics
New York
Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group, Inc.
USA - Multiple Locations
Patrick Reed

Judge Dismisses Both of Patrick Reed’s Defamation Cases

A federal judge dismissed both of Patrick Reed’s defamation cases.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is among the FTX endorsers who have reached a settlement for their roles in promoting the crypto exchange.
September 18, 2023

Trevor Lawrence Settles Lawsuit Over FTX Crypto Endorsement

Lawrence has settled while other FTX athlete endorsers still face lawsuits.
Lane Kiffin
September 15, 2023

Ole Miss Football Player Files $40M Lawsuit Against Lane Kiffin, School

Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin is being sued by one of his players.
Senate Hearings
September 13, 2023

Senate Subpoenas Saudi Investment Fund Records in PGA Tour Inquiry

Senate hearing reveals deep concerns about the potential PGA Tour-LIV deal.
Jim Trotter
September 12, 2023

Reporter Jim Trotter Sues NFL, Alleges NFL Owner Made Racist Remark

Trotter alleged Terry Pegula made a "highly offensive and racist" remark.
Michael Irvin
August 31, 2023

Potential Trial in Michael Irvin’s Lawsuit Against Marriott Many Months Off

Irvin returned to the air this week as a contributor on FS1’s “Undisputed”.
Brett Favre sues Shannon Sharpe, Pat McAfee, and Mississippi State Auditor Shad White .
August 29, 2023

Brett Favre’s Attorneys Mount Challenge Over Text Messages in Welfare Funds Lawsuit

Favre is among more than 40 defendants in the civil case.