Barrie Solicits Lightning Investors Without Koules' Knowledge
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Barrie Has Reportedly Been
Soliciting Investors For Team |
Lightning co-Owner Len Barrie reportedly "began soliciting investors for the team in early May" and has sent a confidentiality agreement to "prospective investors that certainly appears to freeze" co-Owner Oren Koules from the situation, according to Ken Campbell of THE HOCKEY NEWS. Koules supposedly still has "final say in the direction of the team" following a meeting with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman earlier this week. However, Barrie's confidentiality agreement states investors "agree that (i) communications regarding the Transaction, (ii) requests for additional information, (iii) requests for facility tours or management meetings, and (iv) discussions or questions regarding procedures, will be submitted directly only" to Barrie or Lightning Exec VP/Business Operations Brian Rogers. The agreement continues, "You further agree that under no circumstances will you or your Representatives discuss or otherwise communicate any aspect of the Transaction to any member of the Company without the express written permission of the Company." Campbell noted that does not "sound like somebody who is getting along with his business partner." One source said that Barrie's confidentiality agreement "reeks of desperation." The source added, "They are in dire financial straits. When someone sends this through a third party, it shows the total recklessness of trying to find money. They should be much more stringent with parties when looking for money for a team ownership in a professional league" (THEHOCKEYNEWS.com, 6/24).
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Lawton Says Only He Can
Negotiate Player Transactions |
LAYING DOWN THE LAW: Lightning GM Brian Lawton Thursday sent an e-mail to NHL GMs and player agents "establishing his role with the club going forward." Lawton: "Please be advised that in order to avoid any confusion over the next couple of weeks, as GM of the Tampa Bay Lightning Organization I am the only person authorized to speak on behalf of the team with regard to player transactions. No other person is authorized to negotiate player transactions" (TSN.ca, 6/25). Despite the recent reports, Lawton said, "Our ability to function as an organization is at an all-time high. We've got clarity in what we're doing. I feel good about it. Ownership feels great about it." When asked "why he believes that," Lawton said, "There's been a lot of things discussed, but there's one voice that speaks for the organization. That's myself. We work as a team. Everybody contributes, but it goes through one central path" (ST. PETERSBURG TIMES, 6/26).
TRADE DEBATE: Barrie and Koules allegedly disagree about whether to trade C Vincent Lecavalier, but SI.com's Jim Kelley wrote a "deal that would get the cash-strapped owners out from under a burdensome contract they really can't afford and that makes no sense for the club's long-term economic future, is well worth pursuing." If the two owners can "hold their relationship together long enough to make the deal happen, it will be good in one way: it will improve the long-term value of the franchise for any owner who wants to leave it to a new investor who is crazy enough to buy into the league's biggest mess after Phoenix, Florida and Atlanta" (SI.com, 6/25).
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