So much for the notion that a summer would go by without a saga for the Nashville Predators. Last year it was about how the team was going to move to Hamilton, Ontario would not move to Hamilton would be sold to a California investor would be sold to a group local investors plus a few Californians. This year is about how the second largest stakeholder managed to cook the books a bit (at his former company) and has filed for bankruptcy. He apparently owes the former owner of the Predators $10 million.
Here is a statement from Dave Freeman, the largest stakeholder in the team and chairman of the group (emphasis mine):
"The developments of the past several days have been shocking and disappointing. I am particularly disappointed because so many have worked so hard for so long to bring stability to this franchise. This is an unfortunate distraction for the NHL, the city of Nashville, our fans, and our business partners.
"Obviously, I cannot and will not comment on Mr. Del Biaggio's personal situation.
"Here's the bottom line for the citizens of Nashville and fans of the Predators: regardless of how many lawsuits are filed against Mr. Del Biaggio, regardless of the amounts of the claims, regardless of the details of the allegations, Mr. Del Biaggio's problems are personal. Mr. Del Biaggio is a minority owner. His minority ownership stake and its final disposition will not impact operation of the club. It is my hope and anticipation that the club will be even stronger once this saga reaches its logical conclusion and Mr. Del Biaggio is no longer associated with the club.
"We are in frequent contact with the City, our banking partners and the League to ensure that we are responding quickly and appropriately and we will continue to work closely with these partners throughout the process. At the same time, our organization is moving forward uninterrupted and unaffected by these developments."
I would much rather be reading stories about who they are bringing in to the organization to wrestle the Stanley Cup away from the Detroit Red Wings instead of a lot of red on a balance sheet.