Man Sues L.A. Dodgers And Team's Charity Over Raffle Prize Winnings

LOS ANGELES - A man who says he participated in the Dodgers' 50/50 raffle sued the team and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Wednesday, alleging false advertising concerning prize winnings.

Joshua Friedman's proposed class-action lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges the winners do not get half the jackpot's gross proceeds as he expected, but only a smaller amount after deductions are made by the defendants to cover costs and pay third parties a share. The other 50 percent goes to the foundation's charitable activities.

"Plaintiff felt ripped off and cheated by defendants for being charged for products that were substantially different than were advertised," the lawsuit states.

The Dodgers and the foundation "conceal the fact that (they) have no intention of providing the full 50 percent in order to deceive customers into purchasing raffle tickets in hopes of obtaining the false prize," the complaint alleges.

A team representative could not be immediately reached for comment on the suit, which seeks an injunction requiring the Dodgers to stop the alleged deceptive advertising and for an award of damages to the class members.

The suit states that Friedman went to Dodger Stadium on April 3 and saw the raffle ads on the large outdoor screen and at kiosks. He bought 40 tickets for $20, thinking he would get half of the gross profits if he won, according to his court papers.

"Had plaintiff known that the prize would be substantially less than advertised, plaintiff would not have purchased the raffle tickets," the suit states.

Friedman has suffered emotional distress, wasted time and anxiety, according to his lawsuit.

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