clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Don Waddell: Atlanta Thrashers Could Stay, But Buyers Must 'Move Very Quickly'

FOX 5's Buck Lanford interviewed Atlanta Thrashers president Don Waddell on whether the team has any chance of remaining in town instead of moving to Winnipeg. According to the report, Waddell has said "until an agreement is signed and approved by the board of governors, it's never too late, but they will have to move very quickly and decisively."

On the hot topic of local ownership prospects, Waddell told FOX 5 that ownership has done due diligence on "20-some groups of people," saying "none of them has gone anywhere." His use of the term "due diligence" is interesting, as 11 Alive used those exact words in its report on the ASG's supposed lack of consideration for Anson Carter's group.

Lanford also spoke to movie producer Stephen Rollins, who was one of the first rumored potential buyers, first entering the story over a year ago. Rollins said his group, Lightning Sports Entertainment, did communicate with ASG -- FOX 5 confirmed the two parties reached a non-disclosure agreement. According to Rollins, his group had a hard time lining up meetings with the ASG after a certain point.

Waddell denied there ever being an offer from the group.

Check back with SB Nation Atlanta's frequently updated Thrashers sale StoryStream for the latest updates. For discussion, join Bird Watchers Anonymous, SB Nation's Atlanta Thrashers community or head to one of our 34 other hockey communities. For more hockey, visit SB Nation's NHL hub.

Photographs by coka_koehler used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.