Poway’s Tony Gwynn Owes IRS More Than $400,000, Newspaper Reports

Baseball Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn of Poway failed to pay more than $400,000 in federal income taxes, possibly jeopardizing a bid to buy the San Diego Padres, it was reported Saturday.

The former Padre, now a coach at San Diego State University, has joined an ownership group headed by a Burbank movie company owner that has sought to buy the Major League Baseball team.

He had liens for unpaid taxes in 2003, 2007 and 2009, U-T San Diego reported. The 2009 notice was for $227,093, and last year's tax tab was for $209,156.

Gwynn earns a salary of about $115,000 from the university, about $40,000 for outside income for speaking appearances, $200,000 from the Padres, $60,000 from El Cajon Ford and $135,000 for television appearances, U-T San Diego reported.

His salary was about $2 million to $6 million annually in the final decade of his lengthy MLB career.

Tax attorney Mitch Dubick did not think Gwynn's tax issues would affect his role with ownership group and Gywnn was working to pay down the tax debt in installments, but he would not reveal the remaining balance, U-T San Diego reported.

The ownership group is headed by Legendary Pictures CEO Thomas Tull of Burbank, and is among several prospects trying to buy the team from John Moores.

—City News Service