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NHL Panthers Owner Viola Tapped To Be Secretary Of Army; Impact On Team Unknown

NHL Panthers Owner Vincent Viola has been "nominated to serve as the Secretary of the Army" by President-elect Trump, according to Harvey Fialkov of the South Florida SUN-SENTINEL. The team said that the Viola family will "retain ownership of the Panthers," though Viola has named Vice Chair & Partner Doug Cifu to "take his place" as Chair & Governor of Sunrise Sports & Entertainment. Cifu has been serving at Alternate Governor. Viola bought the Panthers in '13 for a reported $250M and the team has "paid homage to the armed forces under Viola's leadership, including making two preseason trips to West Point and working nods to the military into their uniform redesign this offseason." Viola said that from the start of his ownership that his sons John, Michael and Travis would "ultimately have roles in the Panthers' future" (SUN-SENTINEL.com, 12/19). YAHOO SPORTS' Greg Wyshynski notes Viola is a "West Point graduate and U.S. Army veteran." He was "trained as an Airborne Ranger infantry officer and served in the 101st Airborne Division." He "brought that Army background to the Panthers, changing their logo to mimic that Airborne Division and bringing a military sense to the managerial structure of the team" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 12/19). TSN.ca's Frank Seravalli notes it is unknown what Viola’s new role "means for the day-to-day operations of the franchise." Dale Tallon reportedly regained "control of personnel decisions last week and made calls to other general managers to inform them he is now the Panthers’ point person to talk trades again, though the team disputed that notion with statements." It is possible Tallon "was reinstalled as the decision maker last week by Viola with an eye toward this week’s potential appointment" (TSN.ca, 12/19).

BUSINESS ACUMEN
: POLITICO's Jeremy Herb notes Trump's transition team "played up Viola's business background in announcing his selection." Viola "founded Virtu Financial, an electronic trading firm," in '08. It went public in '15 and is valued at $2.4B. (POLITICO.com, 12/19). THE HILL's Rebecca Kheel notes in announcing the selection Trump "hailed Viola's work ethic, integrity and 'strategic vision'" (THEHILL.com, 12/19). No timetable has been "set for when Viola's confirmation hearing may take place" (MILITARYTIMES.com, 12/19).

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