Atlanta Hawks: Meruelo set to take ‘complete control’ of team from ASG
The AJC’s Tim Tucker reports that L.A. businessman Alex Meruelo is set to buy a controlling stake in the Hawks and the operating rights for Philips Arena. The deal is subject to approval by the NBA Board of Governors.
Meruelo is not allowed to comment on his specific plans for the Hawks or the team’s personnel because he’s not yet been approved as owner and also because of the lockout. But Meruelo did tell Tucker that although some members of the Atlanta Spirit ownership group would remain as minority partners, “I will be in complete control of the team.”
Meruelo told Tucker there is no circumstance in which he would seek to move the team from Atlanta and that he planned to be a “hands-on” owner like he is in his other business ventures. Meruelo’s career in business began with a chain of pizza restaurants and his portfolio eventually grew to include real estate holdings, a bank, a casino and a television station.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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127 comments Add your comment
Brian
August 7th, 2011
2:25 pm
I will buy tickets again! Good luck and time to make some bold moves!
Worldwide Clyde
August 7th, 2011
2:35 pm
The AJC keeps shutting down the most popular blog on its website. SMH
Drmaryb posting from church. SMGDH
Bluestreak
August 7th, 2011
2:35 pm
ASG: Don’t let the door hit you where the Good Lord split you…and I’m not talking about Belkin (but the screen door bustin him for good measure wouldn’t hurt).
Mr. Meruelo, welcome! I hope you are not just owning to be a ‘member of the club’ but actually want to win. Your minority owners were not trying…any winning that happened they fell into by accident.
Also, if you want to be the most popular owner in Atlanta sports not named Arthur Blank, once the For Sale sign goes up on the Islanders or Coyotes, please make an offer or work with a partner to bring hockey back to the town the NHL and ASG conspired against. You’ll have sellouts for two leagues and, again, be the most popular owner in Atlanta (not named Blank).
drmaryb (*_-)
August 7th, 2011
2:41 pm
ALEX BABY!!!
Hurry and restock this Hawks team with big BIG MEN!! Dwight Howard has the biggest muscles this side of the Rio Grande, so PLEASE bring him to HOTLANTA!! And if you can find some BIG Hispanics, BRING THEM HOME, so us ladies can GO WILD, right, ladies??
OMG, I LOOOOOVE MEN!!!
Price
August 7th, 2011
2:45 pm
LOVE IT!!! Josh Smith better watch his back
Keep The Thrashers
August 7th, 2011
2:56 pm
His 1st action should be getting the ASG to bring BACK our Thrashers & move themselves to Winnipeg!
drmaryb.(*_*).
August 7th, 2011
3:13 pm
Troll Alert!
“drmaryb (*_-)
ALEX BABY!!!
Hurry and restock this Hawks team with big BIG MEN!! Dwight Howard has the biggest muscles this side of the Rio Grande, so PLEASE bring him to HOTLANTA!! And if you can find some BIG Hispanics, BRING THEM HOME, so us ladies can GO WILD, right, ladies??
August 7th, 2011
2:41 pm
OMG, I LOOOOOVE MEN!!”
_________________________
Apparently my “B!tch Pa-TROLL” is a homosexual!
He loves BIG MEN too! (she smirks)
ant banks
August 7th, 2011
3:13 pm
59 COMMENTS…BETTER HURRY BEFORE AJC CUTS OFF THE BLOG. LOL
ant banks
August 7th, 2011
3:14 pm
where else do y’all go when the ajc blog is down? i miss readin’ comments from you guys.
drmaryb .(*_*).
August 7th, 2011
3:24 pm
We chitty chat on BEEFCAKE.COM, where the Hawks talk is as hot as our ladies’ nethers.
Someone hose me down, and FAST!!
Melvin
August 7th, 2011
3:25 pm
Yes, get the ASG outta here ASAP….
Grandmaster JeJe
August 7th, 2011
3:30 pm
Mereulo is worth 14 billion? I couldn’t find that anywhere besides one site
Prison Mike
August 7th, 2011
3:36 pm
“LOVE IT!!! Josh Smith better watch his back”
Yeah you know Al would be in his ear speaking espanol if he isn’t the full time power forward. AM is a business man, he knows Duck is the dead weight though.
A-Ville Ranger
August 7th, 2011
3:56 pm
We may have the first hispanic owner in the NBA, but not the first Cuban, that would be Mark Cuban.
litz
August 7th, 2011
4:15 pm
Googling either Meruelo Group or Alex Meruelo you really don’t get much information … I guess because it’s a private company.
As for the net worth … the question is : is he, personally, or The Meruelo Group as a whole, buying the team+arena rights?
If it’s the Group, it very easily could have a net worth in the billions. Look at their holdings … and the fact that they’re financially strong enough to buy a multi-hundred million dollar Reno casino/resort (Grand Sierra Resort is basically equivalent to any of the Las Vegas Strip properties).
And, now, apparently several hundred million into a basketball team and arena operating rights.
As for him, personally … if he had that kind of net worth, he’d be all over the Forbes listings .. and he’s not.
My guess, is the Group is behind the purchase, but it’s his baby to run.
Prison Mike
August 7th, 2011
4:16 pm
Dang mayne, look at this dudes prices, lmao. Straight for the hood.
http://www.lapizzaloca.com/menu-carryOut.php
Selling at these prices in LA/SC area says something. There are no more places you can get 10 wings for 6 dollas in Atlanta and I’m a true chicken wing fiend. He has a niche in this community if he chooses to expand here.
Hoops
August 7th, 2011
4:22 pm
A new owner that wants to win! Thank you Lord!!!
Gwinnett Fred
August 7th, 2011
4:23 pm
The first 2 moves he can make, that has nothing to do with the salary cap – is pay top dollar for a Head Coach and a General Manager. The ASG went as cheap as they could in both of these ULTRA IMPORTANT areas for many years and has really kept the team from taking the next step.
I look forward to FINALLY having an owner that is ready to do what it takes.
P.S. – Why would anybody (ASG) want to keep a minority interest in a business that loses money? They have no say so in any day to day happenings (THANK GOD) – it makes no sense. So at least they stay consistent in doing things that make no sense. Maybe they just want to be able to keep their courtside seats.
Grandmaster JeJe
August 7th, 2011
4:26 pm
THE WORK IS NOT DONE
ASG IS STILL A MINORITY OWNER, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY,
THE DEFIANT, ARROGANT RICK SUND WHO HAS ACCOMPLISHED NOTHING IN HIS PATHETIC 30+ YR CAREER IS STILL AROUND. GET RID OF THIS JOKE AND LD. THEY HAVE 1 YR LEFT ON THEIR MINIMUM WAGE DEALS
FIRE SUND
FIRE LD
FIRE JOE
Grandmaster JeJe
August 7th, 2011
4:32 pm
I HAVE STRONG DOUBTS THIS GUY IS A BILLIONAIRE, BUT WE NEED MONEY INVESTED IN THIS TEAM. GO INTO THE LUXURY TAX AND GET GUYS IN HERE
NO MORE SCRUBS LIKE SOLOMON JONES, POPSEED, CHEESEBURGER COLLINS, OR KING OTHELLO HUNTER
GET PLAYERS LIKE UDONIS HASLEM ON THE BENCH
mykhalc
August 7th, 2011
4:42 pm
ASG…GTFoutta here!!! the bball gods have smiled on ATL!!!
Spanky McPaycheck
August 7th, 2011
4:49 pm
What’s wrong with Sund? We just dogged out the friggin’ Orlando Magic a few months ago!!! I really, really admire the moves that the guy has made.
Grandmaster JeJe
August 7th, 2011
4:53 pm
WHEN WILL THE COMMENT SECTION FOR THIS BLOG BE CLOSED DOWN? I KNOW MYSELF AND ALL THE OTHER HUGE HAWKS FANS LOVE NOT DISCUSSING OUR TEAM
FIRE SUND
Grandad
August 7th, 2011
4:57 pm
Mr. Meruelo is most probably smart / intelligent.
He is a college graduate, which is not the end all,
he is an astute business man, [r e Tim Tucker]
~But~
has he lived long enough to acquire wisdom ?
(having lived long enough being relative)
Here’s lookin’ for an extended honeymoon !
Now about that wisdom…….
Al is the Hawks Most Valuable Commodity;
“Like it or Not” !
Grandmaster JeJe
August 7th, 2011
5:00 pm
What’s wrong with Sund? We just dogged out the friggin’ Orlando Magic a few months ago!!! I really, really admire the moves that the guy has made.
HE’S MADE 2 MOVES IN 3 YEARS
HE GOT JAMAL ,WHO DOESNT PLAY DEFENSE
AND HE GOT HINRICH, WHO IS SOLID
THIS IDIOT GAVE $18 MILL DEAL TO BIBBY (WHO?) AND 7.5 A YEAR TO MARVIN
LOL
Grandmaster JeJe
August 7th, 2011
5:01 pm
SUND GAVE MARVIN A PLAYER OPTION FOR THE LAST YEAR OF HIS DEAL.
HE’S BASICALLY LETTING MARVIN’S UNDERACHIEVING @$$ DECIDE IF HE WANTS TO MAKE 8MILL . THE GUY HAS 3 YEARS LEFT ON THIS G-DAMN CONTRACT
Najeh Davenpoop
August 7th, 2011
5:04 pm
I go to Peachtree Hoops when this places closes down. But how about ushering in a new era for the AJC Hawks blog now that there is new ownership. Keep the blog open, even if it means Flavor Flav rambles on for the next six months about how Thabeet is the next Mutombo.
Grandad
August 7th, 2011
5:25 pm
Let me explain this:
We, the Hawks, cannot trade Josh or Al for Dwight…
-straight up-
anything (..Big Man..) less (than Dwight) is 2nd tier.
~So~
Josh -&- Al are seen / perceived as duplicate parts.
The -true- Center [5] position is empty.
We all know this…..so don’t blame it on Al.
~Now~
We have * “3″ * count ‘em, three options !
1. Play Al @ Center, Josh @ [4]
2. Play Al @ [4], Josh @ [3],
and ” piecemeal ” @ Center … Collins / Zaza / Benson / et al
3. Trade for an upgrade @ Center.
~So~
Whom do you trade ?
It’s that simple?
*Trading Centers – the Hawks cannot get equal value for Al.
(( a [5] for a [5] straight up ))
(Al would be ranked ahead or younger than anyone available)
note – [or contract prohibitive]
*What about trading Joe = best option !
We the Blognoscenti / Blogerati / blaudience / or the blurkers,
cannot know what options the new CBA will eventually offer.
*Therefore trading Josh seems to be the most logical option.
The Hawks / we / us – could get Value for Value.
It would balance the roster.
Plus, as I’ve said before, when Josh’s legs go…..
[sooner than later]
his value will diminish rapidly.
And, I say once more, I like Josh !
“Contrariwise, if it was so, it might be;
and if it were so, it would be;
but as it isn’t, it ain’t.
That’s logic.”
-Lewis Carroll-
~Nevertheless~
” Better to be without logic than without feeling ”
-Charotte Bronte-
I MUS WRITE
August 7th, 2011
5:37 pm
Miracles do come true……….Enuff with the 8 smurfs making decisions, I really hope they no longer have any say in basketball moves,the draft, free agency etc.
drmaryb.(*_*).
August 7th, 2011
5:38 pm
Thanks for leaving this blog open, so we can talk about those BIG MANLY MEN!!
I’m about to EXPLODE!!!
ryan
August 7th, 2011
5:39 pm
I agree we wont see any moves right away maybe in a year or two we may see the new owner pull off some big moves we need give him a chance Hawks have been a laughing stock for long time and now we have a fresh start and a new era potential FA could start giving a second look .
Najeh Davenpoop
August 7th, 2011
5:41 pm
It’s not necessary to trade anyone immediately if Joe and the head coach can agree to de-emphasize Joe in the offense and put the ball in Teague’s hands permanently. If that happens, at least they will be closer to maximizing the value of the players currently on the roster, which would allow the Hawks to get more in a trade in the future. Specifically, if they make Joe a complementary player, maybe his efficiency numbers increase and he becomes more tradeable.
Big Ray
August 7th, 2011
5:52 pm
Hope springs eternal…
Grandmaster JeJe
August 7th, 2011
6:23 pm
Josh and al for tHABEET
drmaryb.(*_*).
August 7th, 2011
6:25 pm
Hi-Jacked!
Since, I can’t use my ID on the blog today. I will log off, since the blog is perennially closed, I have found better things to do with my time, rather than blogging behind a Troll.
Enjoy the good news, and I’m GONE! Peace.
Katie
August 7th, 2011
6:45 pm
LOL @ Thrashers Fan ~~
“Too bad he didn’t get involved before the Thrashers left town – would’ve rather had them than the Hawks in town.”
Yah, you and all of 3 other people.
Ryan Donald
August 7th, 2011
6:47 pm
Thank the father, the son, and the holy spirit that the ASG are getting the heck out of dodge…..
~” There is a spirit in the air, and a prescence on the ground…yeah yeah !!” ~ Hawks promo circa 1989
Oh yeah, trade MAX JOE and STARVIN MARVIN for someone that can be bought out ( i.e. Michael Redd) and then use the freed up cap space to get someone like DWIGHT HOWARD
Follow me on TWITTER@RyanDonald4
nba-stinks
August 7th, 2011
7:37 pm
SEATTLE NEEDS THIS TEAM, nba is nothing in Atlanta anymore, MOVE THIS TEAM NOW !
Astro Joe
August 7th, 2011
7:38 pm
Congrats to the new owner.
Worldwide Clyde
August 7th, 2011
8:58 pm
The new owner needs to go out and sign Kris Humphries. Having Kardashian at the home games would improve the atmosphere at the games.
FIRE SUND
O'Brien
August 7th, 2011
9:02 pm
I dont know what kind of owner he will be, but at least he will be the one making the final decisions. I just hope he is nothing like Donald Sterling.
To his credit though, he was willing to buy the Hawks this year when who knows if there will even be a season coming up.
hawksfancents95
August 7th, 2011
9:42 pm
im so happy we got a majority owner. he gave the ajc/MC a reason to have to open up the blog. even if he sucks like asg he got our blog open for a day or two.
but seriously i think having a smart LA area developing business man is about the best scenario other than maybe bil gates or donald trump buying the hawks and pouring in the dough. the hawks 11-12 season even if not played has been better than expected with the departure of asg. LD and Sund are not enjoying this news..
hawksfancents95
August 7th, 2011
9:45 pm
good to see some of the familiar bloggers rising back from our holes like cicada
Geemack
August 7th, 2011
10:07 pm
First order of business bring in Ronnie Lester former assistant GM of the Lakers.
O'Brien
August 7th, 2011
10:27 pm
No wonder the ASG didn’t mind giving JJ the big Contract. They knew they wouldn’t be responsible for the majority of his contract.
Although one comment that leaves me skeptical is he said he plans to a hands owner.
drmaryb.(*_*).
August 7th, 2011
10:51 pm
O’Brien
Wassup Bruh? I feel your concern, however the Hawks have NEVER had a hands on owner & we need that!
Somebody with deep pockets who gives a damn!
Luxury Taxes will no longer be a problem. Hopefully, the new owner will sit behind the bench and yell at players and referees too!
Don’t you want to see SOMEBODY who cares?
The NBA Cares.
Nookah
August 7th, 2011
10:52 pm
Greetings Hawks fans!
I have been away for a while but I am so ecstatic. This could be the start of something big. I wish nothing but the best for our beloved Hawks!! With change always comes great expectation especially after an eternity of under achievement.
I am not one to be too negative because I like to give people the benefit of the doubt. However, history tells us that the ASG was out of their league (no pun intended). It is past time for them to move on and I hope the new owner is creative and recognises what this team needs. Our fan base has suffered more than enough and it is time we change the nation’s negative opinion of us.
The change has to total so I think we have to get ourselves a new GM and ultimately a new coach. It cannot be business as usual it has to be a new beginning.
Go Hawks and here’s hoping our new owner makes a significant difference.!!
drmaryb.(*_*).
August 7th, 2011
11:00 pm
OMG, this Alex is 100% BEEFCAKE!! Clean up on aisle 4, right, ladies??
Slimjr
August 7th, 2011
11:14 pm
Yawn…..Add your comments
42,43,skip,44,45,46…50 years,no ECF visits or Finals! Blah,Blah,Blah
Adios Sund and LARRY…Make it so ASAP!
2011maxima! zoom zoom!
August 7th, 2011
11:16 pm
drmaryb has a stalker?