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"My Take On The Preds"
TN • United States • 40 Years Old • Male
In a letter written by a local business man who was heavily involved with the campaign of Nashville's new mayor it appears Jim Balsillie is ready to try to dance again.

Here is it in it's entirety:

I (Bo Roberts) am writing on behalf of a client of NetCom LLC, Predators Sports and Entertainment LP (“Purchaseco”). We have been asked to summarize my client’s position on matters related to the two arena operating agreements in the event, however unlikely, that the Freeman/Del Biaggio Group may not be able to reach an agreement with the Authority and Metro government.

First, let me state that Purchaseco is 100 per cent owned by Jim Balsillie of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and that Mr. Balsillie was previously in negotiations with Craig Leipold for the purchase of the Predators. After having had extensive discussions with him, I am completely convinced that Mr. Balsillie’s understanding of the Nashville market at that time was incorrect, and that Mr. Balsillie recognizes that. He is now committed to Nashville as a viable hockey market, one in which he strongly desires to own a franchise; and that he will commit the resources that are necessary to lead to a Stanley Cup for the Predators and Nashville. He is also keenly aware of the recent outpouring of support of the Predators by the community, and our concrete expressions that hockey and the Predators are important to Nashville. Along these lines, Jim has assured me that he would welcome, but not require, local partners as a part of the ownership team. Specifically, he would welcome the participation of the local investors in the Freeman Group, who have so diligently worked to keep the Predators in Nashville. You can be assured, ladies and gentlemen of the Authority, that Aubrey Harwell and I would not be associated with any group that we felt would lead to the demise of this important franchise in Nashville.

That said, I want to outline, in layman’s terms, the steps that Purchaseco would be willing to take to make this franchise successful. First the existing arena operating agreements will require no changes whatsoever unless they benefit the Authority and the residents of Nashville. In that regard, Purchaseco will make the following commitments that will strengthen the position of the Authority and Metro Government:

+ Purchaseco will respect the previously stated opinion of Metro’s legal department to the effect that the 2006-07 hockey season was not the second consecutive “full season” of sub 14,000 paid attendance. As such, the Early Termination Notice issued by the Predators in June, 2007 will be void and of no effect. Further, any such notice could not occur until after the 2007-2008 season results are known.

+ Purchaseco will make the necessary arrangements to comply with the minimum tangible net worth guarantee provisions, as required in the arena operating agreements.

+ Purchaseco will increase the exit fee to the owners for terminating the License Agreement to approximately $75 million from approximately $16 million, to be adjusted only by cumulative operating losses, but in no event will decrease below $25 million.

+ Purchaseco will contract with a nationally-recognized facility management firm to operate the Sommet Center, and structure the contract so that Nashville (the Authority) and Purchaseco would share the benefits from improved financial results.

+ To assure the Authority and Nashville that the team will be competitive and the franchise has a chance to succeed, the owners would guarantee a minimum salary base of at least the midway point between the minimum and maximum requirements under the salary cap arrangements. This would be at least an $8 million investment over and above the required floor.

These are the highlights of our proposal. Detailed and appropriate language describing the foregoing can be submitted immediately when appropriate and upon the Authority’s request.

Let me summarize: the only changes my client would request in the current operating and licensing agreements would be changes that would benefit the Authority and the citizens of Nashville. If you feel that it is appropriate, my client is willing to meet with the Authority and any appropriate officials to further discuss the items outlined above, but, more importantly, to share his passion for hockey and his desire to bring a Stanley Cup to Nashville.

Thank you for the consideration of these comments.

Well...will wonders never cease. I don't know whether to laugh, cry or flat out kiss my team goodbye. I can tell you one thing...I am sick and tired of not knowing what is happening with this team!

Crotch Bang to the City of Nashville and the group of local investors who didn't get this deal worked out before Balsillie showed up again.
Filed Under:   Balsillie   predators   crotch bang  
October 12, 2007 3:37 PM ET | Delete
I'm afraid we hardcore Pred fans out here are completely on our own. This is just one huge, inexcusable fiasco - from all parties involved - the incapacitated city government, the various 15000 or so potential buyers and their vague objectives, the somnolent citizens of the mid-state who don't care or don't know, and the (mostly) non-existent corporate support. It's a farce and the real fans here receive the bulk of the insults and are also are brunt of the joke. Well, whatever. I'm still not giving up. See you all tomorrow night at the game.
October 12, 2007 3:42 PM ET | Delete
I just sent an email to the same folks. That doesn't mean I'm going to be taken seriously. Neither will Ballsack. He would have to get past the Grand High Exalted Mystic Ruler (Bettman), the NHL Board of Governors, and the other owners, who by the way, detest the man.Fear not, Ballsack will not get his grubby paws on this team.Ever!
October 12, 2007 3:53 PM ET | Delete
Nope, wonders will never cease in the NHL, under its current management. And a hearty WELL SAID to blueline.
October 12, 2007 9:41 PM ET | Delete
if this guy was involved in the deans election i dont think i like the feeling im getting. also if balsilles mouth is moving he is probably lying.
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