Mario Addresses The Media...
The Penguins called a press conference so that Mario Lemieux could address the ownership situation. Here are some of the highlights.
Mario looked very somber and his body language showed him to be a bit uncomfortable.
"Obviously I am disappointed that we couldn't close the deal last week," Lemieux said. "We were all shocked and disappointed."
Mario repeatedly talked of how important the decision is on Wednesday and how Isle of Capri is the best fit for the region and the franchise.
He also addressed the speculation about Balsillie still being in the running by saying when asked if the deal was really dead, "Yeah it is." "We got the letter Friday, the deal is over."
Mario would not address speculation as to why Balsillie pulled out or which issues caused the disagreement with the NHL.
"I am not sure what he was told," Lemieux said. "His conversations with the comissioner are private...it is up to one of them to discuss the issues."
Mario went on to say, "We are moving forward without Jim Balsillie, it is our franchise again."
"We will determine the fate," Lemieux said.
When the questions started about plan B, Mario said that they had been trying to work something out for 7 years and been turned away. It wasn't until they had signed with IOC and could not have any discussions that the politicians came forward with plan B.
"I have never heard of a government turning down $290 million dollars," Lemieux said.
Mario said that there isn't a time table for making a move. They are just waiting for the decision Wednesday before regrouping and coming up with a plan.
Wednesday is D day for the Penguins, Mario Lemieux and the fans. That is not to say everything is lost if the IOC does not win, it will just push the team that much closer to the brink.
Updating on the fly...hope all comes through
Mario looked very somber and his body language showed him to be a bit uncomfortable.
"Obviously I am disappointed that we couldn't close the deal last week," Lemieux said. "We were all shocked and disappointed."
Mario repeatedly talked of how important the decision is on Wednesday and how Isle of Capri is the best fit for the region and the franchise.
He also addressed the speculation about Balsillie still being in the running by saying when asked if the deal was really dead, "Yeah it is." "We got the letter Friday, the deal is over."
Mario would not address speculation as to why Balsillie pulled out or which issues caused the disagreement with the NHL.
"I am not sure what he was told," Lemieux said. "His conversations with the comissioner are private...it is up to one of them to discuss the issues."
Mario went on to say, "We are moving forward without Jim Balsillie, it is our franchise again."
"We will determine the fate," Lemieux said.
When the questions started about plan B, Mario said that they had been trying to work something out for 7 years and been turned away. It wasn't until they had signed with IOC and could not have any discussions that the politicians came forward with plan B.
"I have never heard of a government turning down $290 million dollars," Lemieux said.
Mario said that there isn't a time table for making a move. They are just waiting for the decision Wednesday before regrouping and coming up with a plan.
Wednesday is D day for the Penguins, Mario Lemieux and the fans. That is not to say everything is lost if the IOC does not win, it will just push the team that much closer to the brink.
Updating on the fly...hope all comes through
posted by Bmetzer66 at 10:54 PM
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