I think all of the criticism of Meruelo is not justified here. He's clearly someone that isn't comfortable in the limelight and came right out and said it. If he seemed uncomfortable and not the most articulate, that's more a sign of someone that isn't comfortable speaking in public. He even stated at one point in the press conference that he doesn't like being out front, because he might say the wrong thing! He's a freaking billionaire with an incredibly diverse portfolio of businesses. If there's a more successful business person on this board, with better business savy, please step forward. When he says the NHL came to him to relinquish the club, I believe him. When he told them no at first, I believe him. He was put in a very difficult position. He could have fought the NHL in court and it would have dragged on for years and things would have been even messier. He's doing everything to keep the Coyotes in AZ. We should be showing him support, not speculating on rumors and hearsay. He's going to the auction on June 27th. He could easily walk away right now and pocket the billion dollars and I wouldn't blame him!
I mean I get where you're coming from but at some point you have to actually do the shit you say you're going to do right?
Here's what I think is reasonable:
1) Support for charities, hockey programs, etc. in the valley should stay business as usual. He doesn't need to add anything for now but absolutely zero cutting back on any existing ones.
2) Win auction on June 27th.
3) Shortly after winning the auction "activate" the Coyotes and get a "Coming soon" board up on that land
4) Shovels in the ground by 1st quarter 2025
My point is he's got a pretty clear path for redemption here, the outstanding question is does he even have the ability or desire to actually walk that path. We will see and people are right to be skeptical!
I didn't see it that way at all. I saw empathy from Gary toward AM. You don't put your hand on another mans forearm during a presser, w/o empathy. No, I think Gary has seen the intellectual side of AM and knew he was so far out of his comfort zone that it was.... well, cringe worthy.
Fair take, I'm not finished with it yet and I'm switching between it and trying to get actual work done so perhaps I'm jumping to conclusions.