Penguins co-Owner Roger Marino was "prohibited" by U.S.
Bankruptcy Judge Bernard Markovitz "from talking to any
other cities about moving" the team, according to Ann Belser
of the PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE. Depositions showing that
Penguins Dir of Development William Craig and Marino "had
contacted officials" in nine cities about possible
relocation were presented, in addition to a letter from
Craig "discussing the possibility" of having the team play
in Las Vegas by the '99-2000 season. Penguins attorney
Robert Sable told Markovitz the team "would agree to a 45-
day suspension" of talking to other cities, but said that
the team should have "a right ... to see if it is getting a
good deal in Pittsburgh." Marino has denied talking with
other cities about moving the Penguins. In related news,
Markovitz approved an agreement for the team to pay its
current amusement tax to the city every two weeks, but did
not approve "giving the city a priority when it comes to
repaying the past taxes that the team owed before filing for
bankruptcy" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 11/14).
FRENCH DRESSING: The Pens "reached an agreement" for a
$20M loan from Societe Generale, which would provide the
Penguins with "working capital" through August. Penguins
interim CEO J. Garvin Warden: "This should end all questions
about whether we will be able to meet player payroll or have
funds to pay other immediate bills" (TRIBUNE-REVIEW, 11/15).
