A recent Colorado lawsuit shows that with the Pacers "languishing in public perception and on the court" in '07, late co-Owner MEL SIMON "approached his brother and co-owner HERB about selling the team." Mel's widow, BREN SIMON, is suing the IRS in U.S. District Court for return of $21M that she paid in protest. She contends the IRS "improperly interpreted money Mel received from an ownership reorganization of the Pacers" in '09 as a gift. The suit states that the Pacers' ownership reorganization "came after Herb Simon wanted to retain ownership and Mel Simon grew tired of funding losses for a team 'hemorrhaging cash'" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 3/20).
 |
| Jolly (r) analyzes all aspects of the Angels' finances, including player salaries |
GUARDIAN ANGEL: Angels Senior VP/Finance & Administration MOLLY JOLLY, is profiled by Jenna Jones of the ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, who notes Jolly "oversees all the financials for the Angels, including ticket sales, legal and IT" and is responsible for the estimated $520M in multiyear guaranteed player contracts and 1,600 game-day employees. Jolly "has a knack for big projects." Under her direction, Angel Stadium Wi-Fi "was installed throughout the ballpark and went live at the end of last season." Jolly said, "I work to make sure I understand what is happening at the domestic and international draft and how that’s going to impact the financials of the team" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 3/20).
I'LL BE HERE AWHILE: Fidelity National Financial Chair WILLIAM FOLEY, the lead investor of the prospective Las Vegas NHL team, is "planting roots" in the city. Foley on Wednesday "closed on his house in Summerlin." His Jacksonville-based mortgage and title company "plans to open a J Alexander’s steakhouse in the Las Vegas market." Foley is "negotiating with MGM Resorts International, which is partnering with Anschutz Entertainment Group on the arena behind New York-New York, to open a Chalkboard restaurant in the plaza leading to the arena." His staff is "working with a representative of a commercial property in Summerlin to set up shop for a hockey business office" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 3/20).
NAMES: Basketball HOFer DAVID ROBINSON is the ’15 winner of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association’s Distinguished Graduate Award (MYSANANTONIO.com, 3/19)....Saints QB DREW BREES “will be the keynote speaker” at the Jackson Clarion-Ledger’s “Best of MS Preps” banquet May 28 in Jackson, Miss. (NOLA.com, 3/19)....Disney Channel has announced that it is “in the process of developing ‘THROW LIKE MO,’” a biographical TV movie on Little League P MO’NE DAVIS. Davis is “collaborating with Disney on the project and will serve as a consultant” (NJ.com, 3/19)....U.S. figure skater EVAN LYSACEK in September “began working” for New York-based Charter Realty and Development, where he “focuses on landlord representation.” Responsibilities include “matching shopping centers with the right brands” (CHICAGOTRIBUNE.com, 3/19).
