Baseball owners voted Thursday to install John Seidler, the oldest brother of the late former Padres chairman Peter Seidler, as the team’s control person.

“We’re looking forward to continued stewardship of the Padres by a member of the Seidler family,” Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said. “And that is really noncontroversial.”

John Seidler is not yet the trustee of Peter Seidler’s trust; such a move is expected in the coming weeks. But the move by MLB owners does come amid controversy — a lawsuit brought by Peter Seidler’s wife.

Sheel Seidler sued brothers-in-law Matthew and Robert Seidler last month, attempting to prevent John Seidler from taking control of the team. Sheel Seidler alleged Peter Seidler, who died at age 63 on Nov. 14, 2023, wanted her to succeed him as the team’s control person.

Ohtani’s ex-interpreter sentenced to 4 years and 9 months >> The former interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison and three years’ supervised release for bank and tax fraud after he stole nearly $17 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers player’s bank account.

Ippei Mizuhara, who was supposed to bridge the gap between the Japanese athlete and his English-speaking teammates and fans, was sentenced in federal court in Santa Ana after pleading guilty last year.

Pham joins 10th big league team >> Outfielder Tommy Pham joined his 10th major league team, agreeing to a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates worth $4,025,000.

The deal is pending a successful physical for Pham, who turns 37 next month.

Pham split the 2024 season among the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals, hitting .248 with 20 doubles, nine home runs and 39 RBIs.

NBA

LeBron goes No. 1 in All-Star draft >> LeBron James got drafted No. 1 — again.

James, the player with the most All-Star appearances in NBA history, was selected No. 1 overall for the Feb. 16 competition in San Francisco. The All-Star draft was held on TNT, with analysts Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley picking the teams.

The 21-time All-Star was the No. 1 pick, just like he was when he entered the NBA in 2003.

24 All-Stars were drafted onto one of three eight-man rosters.

James will join the Warriors’ Steph Curry, who was taken fifth by Team Shaq.

Wizards trade Butler to 76ers >> The Washington Wizards traded guard Jared Butler and four second-round draft picks to the Philadelphia 76ers for guard Reggie Jackson and a 2026 first-rounder.

Washington then quickly requested waivers on the 34-year-old Jackson, who is averaging 12.4 minutes per game this season.

The rebuilding Wizards receive one of three possible first rounders in 2026 — whichever is least favorable among picks owned by the Clippers, Thunder and Rockets, assuming Houston’s isn’t in the top four.

Golf

Kupcho, Koerstz Madsen share 1st-round lead >> Jennifer Kupcho shot a 6-under 65 to share the first-round lead with Nanna Koerstz Madsen at the Founders Cup.

Kupcho made the turn at 2 under and shot a bogey-free 4-under 31 on the back nine at Bradenton Country Club.

Lauren Coughlin, a teammate of Kupcho on last year’s winning U.S. Solheim Cup squad, was one shot back along with Jin Hee Im and Angel Yin.

NFL

Bears owner McCaskey, daughter of George Halas, dies at 102 >> Virginia McCaskey, who inherited the Chicago Bears from her father, George Halas, but avoided the spotlight during four-plus decades as principal owner, has died. She was 102.