Frank McCourt testifies in Bryan Stow civil trial

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt testified on Friday in the lawsuit against him and the Los Angeles Dodgers for the 2011 Bryan Stow beating.

Stow is suing McCourt and the team for $35 million for the infamous beating on opening day at Dodger Stadium on March 31, 2011. Stow's father was the only one from the family in court to hear the testimony.

"Is he (McCourt) concerned about how Bryan is doing?" asked David Stow, Bryan's father.

Lawyers for Stow put up a chart of the stadium's operations managers and their duties on the day that the Giants fan was beaten.

McCourt admitted that going into the 2011 season, the director of securities position was vacant, but he said he had someone acting in that director position.

He also testified that he had no experience in security operations at a large venue prior to owning the Dodgers. When asked whether he had hands-on involvement in security matters, McCourt said he did not. He testified that he did not know that two watchtowers from which lots 1 and 2 could be observed were unmanned when Stow was attacked.

"I don't recall any specific conversations about watchtowers," McCourt said.

The lawsuit accuses McCourt and the Dodgers of not providing adequate security the day Stow was beaten.

"I was appalled at the criminal behavior of Sanchez and Norwood. And make no mistake: They are the parties responsible for this tragic incident," McCourt said outside the court.

McCourt blames the brutal assault on the two men who were convicted of the attack, Louie Sanchez and Marvin Norwood.

Witnesses have said that the key aggressor, Sanchez, was from the 2nd inning onward combative enough to be ejected from the stadium, but he was never removed.

"Had they gotten rid of Sanchez when they should have, then this beating wouldn't have occurred," said Tom Girardi, Stow's attorney.

Stow suffered brain damage and is permanently disabled. Stow's lawyers say the $35 million from the lawsuit would cover the costs of his lifetime care.

The two men involved in the beating, Rialto residents Sanchez and Norwood, pleaded guilty in January. Sanchez, 31, was sentenced to eight years in prison, and Norwood, 33, was sentenced to four years in prison.

City News Service contributed to this report.