Political Gumbo: Battle Lines Have Been Drawn

Here’s what you can expect in today’s hearing between UCLA and the City.

First some background.

The City is seeking a temporary restraining order barring the Bruins from breaking its lease with the Rose Bowl.

That lease doesn’t end until 2044, and apparently the bigwigs at this institute of higher learning never heard of a prenup.

There is no early exit clause, or buyout language in the contract.

But according to media reports, that has not stopped the college from trying to strike up a deal to play at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood next year.

Yes, that means according to the report, the Bruins plan to leave after their next game in the Rose Bowl.

And I thought only their fans left early.

Rumors are they will get a piece of the revenue on the box suites at SoFi, something they don’t get from the Rose Bowl.

Other rumors say the distance from the campus to SoFi is also a factor, as attendance to home games is abysmal.

The Rose Bowl is about 27 miles away. SoFi is less than 20.

By the way, Nebraska is even farther, but that did not stop fans of the Cornhuskers from filling the Rose Bowl last week.

Of course I’m not a mouthpiece, but the way I see it is this is today’s hearing is dicey for the Bruins.

In order to get a restraining order, the City will have to illustrate why UCLA’s potential actions could be damaging to the City.

So …

Here’s the important question, the folks from Westwood should have to answer in court.

Are you seeking to leave the Rose Bowl?

If the answer is yes, they plan to violate the lease.

If the answer is no, it’s on the record the Bruins are staying and judges, well they don’t like being lied to.

… so I am told.

I fully expect an answer that includes the term “preliminary discussions” or “early stages.”

But even that’s dicey.

Have those preliminary discussions included any talks that would see UCLA’s football program leave Pasadena before 2044?

I wouldn’t be surprised if the judge hears from both sides and decides to come back with a decision on the TRO.

Either way, the Bruins will find themselves in a pay or play situation.

And the most iconic stadium in the nation, built in fact for college football, could end up hosting one college football game a year.

Sad indeed.