SEATTLE — If the NBA Board of Governors denies the pending sale and relocation of the Sacramento Kings, the Seattle group seeking to purchase the franchise has a backup deal with the Maloof family.
AP Source: Hansen adds backup offer
to Kings sale
SEATTLE — If the NBA Board of Governors denies the pending sale and relocation of the Sacramento Kings, the Seattle group seeking to purchase the franchise has a backup deal with the Maloof family.
The backup agreement would have the Seattle group, led by investor Chris Hansen and Microsoft Chairman Steve Ballmer, purchase a limited ownership of the Maloofs stake in the Kings, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Saturday. The limited partnership would be a purchase of at least 20 percent of the Maloofs stake in the franchise at a valuation of $600 million.
ESPN.com first reported the backup deal. If the backup plan is used, the Maloofs would retain majority ownership of the franchise and continue to run the team in Sacramento. But Hansen’s group would hold a two-year right to purchase a majority interest of the franchise at a later date.
America’s Cup expected to go on after fatal wreck
SAN FRANCISCO — The head of the America’s Cup planning effort said Saturday he expects sailing’s most prestigious event to go forward after the death of a sailor on a training run in the San Francisco Bay.
In an interview Saturday morning, Stephen Barclay said he would await the results of an internal examination of Thursday’s accident before making the formal decision. Barclay also said a decision in whether to make safety changes to the boats or the course will be made after the results are released.
Reggata director Iain Murray is heading the probe.
Steelers Hall of Famer Jack Butler dies at 85
PITTSBURGH — Jack Butler, who helped revolutionize the way cornerbacks played in the NFL during his Hall of Fame career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, died Saturday after a lengthy battle with a staph infection. He was 85.
Butler’s son John said his father’s heart stopped suddenly Saturday morning. The elder Butler had spent the last several months in the hospital dealing with a staph infection that plagued him since his career ended in 1959.
Gorzelanny on
15-day disabled list; Fiers recalled
CINCINNATI — The Milwaukee Brewers placed left-hander Tom Gorzelanny on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 8, with shoulder tendinitis in his pitching arm after Saturday’s 13-7 loss to the Cincinnati Reds.
The Brewers recalled right-hander Mike Fiers from Single-A Brevard County to replace him in the Milwaukee bullpen.
Gorzelanny, 30, was 1-0 with a 2.30 ERA and a blown save in 18 appearances. His last appearance was one inning against Texas on May 7.
Fiers, 27, opened the season with the Brewers and was optioned on April 18 after going 0-1 with an 8.59 earned-run average in three games, including one start.
Diamond Head Classic field set with Akron
HONOLULU — The eight-team field for the Diamond Head Classic in December is set after Akron joined the tournament.
Officials for host school Hawaii said Friday the Zips would join the Warriors and St. Mary’s, Boise State, George Mason, Iowa State, Oregon State and South Carolina.
Akron is one of four teams in the field that made the NCAA tournament last season, including St. Mary’s, Boise State and Iowa State.
The Diamond Head Classic is scheduled for December 22 through 25 in Honolulu, on Hawaii’s home floor.
From wire sources