In Phoenix, Mike Sunnucks profiles NFL Cardinals President MICHAEL BIDWILL, and writes while he is “mostly recognized" as the team's boss, Bidwill’s "growing presence in the state’s economic development efforts has showcased his personality to both fans and foes.” People who have “worked with him say he’s a demanding businessman, even if the Valley isn’t used to how he plays ball.” Bidwill said that his leadership style “is more delegatory than people think.” Bidwill has “not been hesitant to drop the gloves in his economic development and business endeavors.” Assessments of Bidwill by business leaders “range from pegging him as direct, hard-charging and results-oriented, to calling him arrogant, brusque and unforgiving.” Greater Phoenix Economic Council President & CEO BARRY BROOME and others “acknowledge that Bidwill’s style can rub some people the wrong way.” Bidwill’s “brash personality has earned unflattering assessments of his style” (PHOENIX BUSINESS JOURNAL, 10/4 issue).
COURT REPORT: In Phoenix, Paul Giblin reports a federal bankruptcy court in Arizona threw out most of the NHL’s claims against former Coyotes Owner JERRY MOYES for "expenses associated with the team’s tenure in bankruptcy and NHL ownership." Moyes sent the team into bankruptcy in '09. The NHL "initially sought to recover" $145.9M from Moyes, including $112.7M in operational losses while the league ran the team and $6.5M in unpaid salary for former coach WAYNE GRETZKY. U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge REDFIELD BAUM on Friday "ruled in a summary judgment that Moyes isn’t responsible for covering the tabs for the operational losses or for Gretzky’s salary" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 10/8).
PRETTY IN PINK: In N.Y., Kirsten Fleming profiles TANYA SNYDER, wife of Redskins Owner DAN SNYDER, as "The Woman Who Made The NFL Think Pink." Tanya Snyder, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in '08, "adopted" the NFL's Breast Cancer Awareness initiative. She had surgery to remove the cancer and "has, since her recovery, emerged as the national spokeswoman for the NFL's 'A Crucial Catch' breast cancer screening campaign." The NFL has raised $4.5M with the initiative (N.Y. POST, 10/8).
NAMES: Mavericks Owner MARK CUBAN yesterday in federal court said of the insider trading lawsuit filed against him by the SEC, "I did nothing wrong and I refuse to be bullied." Yesterday was Cuban's "second day on the witness stand" (AP, 10/7)....Golfer RORY MCILROY, who recently left Horizon Sports Management, has issued legal proceedings against the firm. McIlroy’s decision to leave Horizon was reportedly "based on the size of the agency’s commission on certain earnings" that were estimated at up to 20% (IRISHTIMES.com, 10/5)....ESPN MLB analyst CURT SCHILLING on Saturday will be "selling off furniture, sports collectibles and even artificial plants from his Massachusetts home" (AP, 10/7)….Gold Medal-winning U.S. swimmer RYAN LOCHTE "has decided to train at SwimMAC Carolina" in Charlotte through the '16 Rio Games. Lochte said, “I love this city.” The plan is for Lochte “to live much of the time in Charlotte for the next three years” (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 10/7)….Former MLBer STEVE GARVEY said that his prostate cancer surgery “has been successful.” Garvey before last night’s Dodgers-Braves NLDS Game 4 at Dodger Stadium “threw out the first pitch … on a relay throw from first base” (LATIMES.com, 10/7).
