FORT WORTH — Frustrated fans have apparently decided to target the negotiator appointed to work out a deal to lift the Rangers out of Chapter 11. William K. Snyder, 51, has suggested that the bidding be reopened at a new auction.
Security at the courthouse was stepped up after Snyder received threatening phone calls, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Michael Lynn said Monday.
Snyder declined comment on the threats.
Security was stepped up at the federal courthouse Friday, when Snyder attended a Rangers bankruptcy hearing. A Federal Protective Service vehicle was parked conspicuously in front of the entrance, and the number of guards on duty was more than doubled.
“I don’t know anything more than that Snyder has received threatening calls,” Lynn said in an e-mail relayed from the bench.
Although a source close to the case said the calls were serious enough to alert federal officials, Lynn downplayed any potential danger. No one would describe the content of the threats or say how many have been received.
“I am not particularly worried about them,” the judge said. “After all, we do get those e-mails from disgruntled fans who believe — as, I understand, do some sports writers — that I should construe the Bankruptcy Code as wished for by the fans.
“I don’t expect anyone to shoot at him or me,” he said. “A baseball through my window is another matter.”
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