Sources: Repole, Viola Concede A-Rod Would Be Mets' Control Person

BodyArmor co-Founder & Chair Mike Repole and NHL Panthers Owner Vinnie Viola "want a meaningful say" in the Mets' operations as part of their reported plan to aid Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez' bid, but they "understand that MLB typically only allows one control person and that will be A-Rod," according to sources cited by Kosman, McEnery & Gould Keil of the N.Y. POST. Multiple reports on Monday indicated that Repole was "investing money with A-Rod’s group and was going to be a general partner." But "nothing has been finalized." Sources said that if Rodriguez and Lopez are married, then the couple "may become the control party." Sources added that Viola "could afford to put much more into a Mets transaction but is not planning to at this time." Sources indicated that billionaire investors David and Simon Reuben are "likely interested in buying the real estate around Citi Field from the Wilpons and not the team," adding that the Reubens are "likely something of a backup plan" (N.Y. POST, 6/24).