Source: Steelers Investor Thomas Tull Not Trying To Purchase Pirates Despite Report

Steelers investor Thomas Tull is "not trying to buy the Pirates," according to a source cited by Bill Brink of the PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE. That contradicts an earlier report from FanRag Sports that said Tull, who purchased interest in the Steelers in '09, was "interested in making an offer" to Pirates Owner Bob Nutting for upwards of $1B. Nutting has "received an unsolicited offer to buy the Pirates in the past." Penguins co-Owners Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle in '10 "made an offer to Nutting, who said at the time the Pirates are not for sale" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 10/19). FANRAG SPORTS' John Perrotto in the original report noted Tull has "long been a fan of Pittsburgh sports teams" and along with his stake in the Steelers is an "avid baseball memorabilia collector." Tull also "attempted" to buy the Padres in '12. The Pirates this year had their "second straight losing season following three consecutive postseason appearances" (FANRAGSPORTS.com, 10/18).