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MLK III on the Mets

metirish Jan 31 2011 08:30 AM

This deserves it's own thread........some respect please MLK III issues statement on the Mets MLK III considers buying part of Mets team By Craig Schneider The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Martin Luther King III invoked the spirit of his late father as he confirmed his involvement in discussions to purchase a part of the New York Mets. In a late-night statement released to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Sunday, King said that he hoped that the venture, if successful, would increase diversity among the owners in professional sports. Major league baseball has no African-American owners. “I believe in the merit and American value of creating an example,” King said in the statement, “and if I personally, or as part of a collective, can advance the vision of a more diverse ownership group in professional sports, domestically or internationally, then, like my father, I am prepared to act in that spirit.” He added, “There has been a lot of discussion and speculation about my participation in the acquisition of the New York Mets. The public release of those discussions was premature.” King declined through a spokesman to elaborate on a report in the New York Post that he is collaborating with several major money players in the venture, including Mets legend Ed Kranepool, entrepreneur Donn Clendenon Jr., son of the 1969 Mets World Series MVP; and TV executive Larry Meli. “It’s fitting with the legacy of Jackie Robinson essentially transferring to the Mets; what better place to have African-American ownership than with the Mets,” Meli told the Post. King, 53, is scheduled to come to New York this week to set up a meeting with the owners, who announced Friday they’re looking to sell up to 25 percent of the team, the Post said. Meli told the Post he and his group wants to purchase at least 50 percent of the club. “Martin Luther King Jr. died for the common man to do better in his life,” Meli said. “That sort of legacy is going to take hold here.” To the promised land it is then....don't know about you but when I read that statement I am reading it in full MLK "I have a dream" voice.....

Edgy DC Jan 31 2011 08:42 AM Re: MLK III on the Mets

It would be surprising if Selig and the Mets didn't bend over backwards to honor this bid. MLK II has had a miserable time of it being measured against his father's legacy (see Heyman, Jon), but also has got into tax trouble in his past, which has got to be a meaningful to anybody looking for stability. I've never known what to make of Ed Kranepool --- whether he's a real shaker or just a wannabe. A lot of the 69ers have had some interesting post-baseball ventures. Sometimes Ed seems like he's done the best of them. Other times it looks like he's higding behind a facade of websites and debt and just acting like a big shot.

Benjamin Grimm Jan 31 2011 08:45 AM Re: MLK III on the Mets

My gut feeling is that this bid would have more credibility if Ed Kranepool wasn't a part of it.

Centerfield Jan 31 2011 08:48 AM Re: MLK III on the Mets

I think it's more than a little absurd to invoke the work of a great Civil Rights Leader when discussing ownership of a baseball franchise. There are plenty of injustices left in this world. Let's not make this out to be more than what it is, which is a bunch of rich guys trying to make more money.

sharpie Jan 31 2011 11:23 AM Re: MLK III on the Mets

Clendennon and Kranepool will platoon in the owner's chair.

G-Fafif Jan 31 2011 11:43 AM Re: MLK III on the Mets

sharpie wrote: Clendenon and Kranepool will platoon in the owner's chair. /awe

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jan 31 2011 11:57 AM Re: MLK III on the Mets

“Martin Luther King Jr. died for the common man to do better in his life,” Meli said. “That sort of legacy is going to take hold here.” Wow. Really?

Ashie62 Jan 31 2011 12:02 PM Re: MLK III on the Mets

Selig might like MLKIII to take 100% of the Mets sans Kranepool and Clendenon.

Edgy DC Jan 31 2011 12:17 PM Re: MLK III on the Mets

I don't think he could line up that kind of financing on his own. Plus, as I mentioned, he's gotten in hot water in the past over tax issues.

Ashie62 Jan 31 2011 12:20 PM Re: MLK III on the Mets

Yeah probably so with MLKIII..I also have trouble picturing Kranepool in these types of big dollar discussions.