While the "shotgun showdown" between Raptors partners John
Bitove Jr. and Allan Slaight continues to take shape over
ownership of the team, Raptors VP/minority shareholder Isiah
Thomas stands "right in the middle, where the bullets are
flying," according to Steve Simmons of THE FINANCIAL POST.
Simmons notes that Thomas, who was brought to Toronto by Bitove
and whose position is "almost certain not to change no matter who
owns the club," cannot "lean one way or the other, even if he
wants to." Thomas: "I think it's uncomfortable for everyone
who's involved right now" (THE FINANCIAL POST, 10/23).
BETTING LINE: Even though "early betting" was that Bitove
would have difficulty in obtaining the finances to buy out
Slaight for control of the team, sources cited by David Israelson
of the TORONTO STAR say it is "still an open question" as to whom
will emerge as the Raptors' main owner. Israelson notes that
"most insiders" believe Bitove's biggest "problem" will be to
finance both the proposed Air Canada Centre and a shareholder
buyout at the same time (TORONTO STAR, 10/23). In Toronto, Craig
Daniels of the TORONTO SUN compares the merits of Bitove and
Slaight, noting while Bitove has become the person "this city
loves to hate," he has a "feel for sports, he understands its
culture and, in particular, he knows basketball." Daniels adds
if Slaight, who has a "reputation of being a take-no-prisoners
businessman," takes over the Raptors and forges an arena
partnership with the Maple Leafs, the Raptors would "forever be
second-class citizens" (TORONTO SUN, 10/23).
LEAFS WATCHING CLOSELY: The "duel" for control of the
Raptors is being watched with "particular interest" by the Maple
Leafs -- especially with regard to the potential sharing of a new
facility, according to Israelson of the TORONTO STAR. While some
speculate Slaight has already opened negotiations with the Maple
Leafs on the arena issue, Maple Leaf Gardens "sources" say "this
hasn't happened yet." The Leafs are "moving forward" with their
own arena plans, and an in-house committee has narrowed down six
new sites, five of them within the City of Toronto, as potential
locations for a new building. The committee is scheduled to make
its decision around the middle of November, "exactly when" the
Raptors ownership situation is expected to "shake out" (TORONTO
STAR, 10/23).
