Preds ownership completes Del Biaggio buyout

Hockey Betting Lines

09/02/2010 - Nashville, TN (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Nashville Predators chairman Tom Cigarran announced on Thursday that the current ownership group has completed the purchase of remaining ownership shares from jailed former investor William "Boots" Del Biaggio and the former Forecheck Investments.

Back in July, the Preds' ownership began the process to strengthen its hold on the franchise, after agreeing to acquire the remaining ownership shares from the disgraced Del Biaggio -- who had owned an 83 percent stake in Forecheck.

According to the terms of the agreement at that time, the current ownership group was to purchase Del Biaggio's $25 million ownership stake for $15.2 million, and also agreed to withdraw its damage claims against Del Biaggio's estate.

Approval of the transaction by the National Hockey League and the Metro Nashville Sports Authority means that the current owners, which include Cigarran, now hold an overwhelming majority of shares in the club.

"This is a significant step for the Predators franchise on several levels," Cigarran said. "First and foremost, it strengthens our franchise's financial position and eliminates a significant future liability. In doing so, it closes the book on a distraction and allows the Predators and fans to move forward, focusing on what matters most -- putting the best possible team on the ice and creating the best possible in-arena atmosphere and entertainment experience.

"Also, while the franchise was initially known as Nashville's team because it was created here in the Music City, this transaction reinforces that theme as more than 95 percent of the ownership shares are now held by local residents."

Del Biaggio was sentenced to eight years in federal prison last September after being convicted of bilking banks as well as the owners of two NHL franchises out of more than $100 million dollars and forging documents to acquire the loans to purchase a controlling interest in the Predators.

The Predators will begin their 12th NHL season in the re-christened Bridgestone Arena on October 9.

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American Idol Betting Odds: Season 6  

The online gambling websites are in the process of deciphering each American Idol contestant and his or her chances of winning Season 6 to come up with the early American Idol betting lines.

Tim Dalton of MySportsbook.com has been locked away in a soundproof room coming up with all the latest tallies, we are told. "American Idol has become one of the most significant betting events of the year," claims Jack Black of MySportsbook.com.  "Last year, millions were bet during the season across the globe, not just in America.

It's tough early on since we really do not have a glimpse as to how well each of these individuals will perform solo on a week-to-week basis.  It's like Week 1 of the NFL.  Pre-season means nada!

We do know the 24 finalists however.

Sanjaya Malakar is the young man whose sister failed to make it into the Top 24.  He's very low key but - unless he totally flubs - will probably win over the young girlie vote for a few weeks anyway.  He's too young to go all the way, according to Payton O'Brien. 

Brandon Rogers - Who?

Phil Stacy is the military guy who missed his daughter's birth because of the Memphis audition.  He should go a good distance.

Chris Sligh - He's got the humor and in many ways he's the Anti-American Idol much like last year's winner Taylor Hicks was.  And this is why he'll probably get pretty far in this competition.  He's chubby, white with a big curly afro....but more importantly, a great voice!  People love "real", not "real cute" to go all the way. 

"Blake Lewis should go far because of his uniqueness and looks.  He's the boy next store with a twist - he beat boxes.  But on top of this, he's a great singer, and I adore him," Payton O'Brien relayed.

A talented beat-boxer Blake Lewis was a hit during the group sing in Hollywood but Simon explained that this is a singing contest just before he told him he was “in.”

Paul Kim has caught our own roving reporter, Jenny Woo's eyes. 

"I love the fact that there is a Korean American on the show and he is bound to get more Asians tuning into the show," Woo said from her Miami Beach estate.  "There has never been a major presence of Asian-Americans on American Idol in the past.  He's a hottie with a nice voice so that should help to take him far.  Expect heavy betting action from the Asian community."

Sundance Head - He's not perfect, but he's got the personality that will take him through a few weeks, plus he's got the lineage (son of Roy Head - whose 1965 single, "Treat Her Right," hit No. 5 in the charts) 

And the others:

Rudy Cardinas
AJ Tabaldo - the 5th time is the charm
Nicolas Pedro
Chris Richardson
Jared Cotter

The girls

"Melinda Doolittle has one of the best voices," says MySportsbook.com Reporter and an acclaimed dancer in her own right, Destiney Lewis.  "It is great to see a back up singer step out like she has.  The girl needs to gain more confidence but that can also be a positive.  I think she will go far."

Alena Alexander - Those tears (she never seems to stop bawling) should get her far.

"Single mom Lakisha Jones I suspect will be a pretty big favorite entering Week 1 of the competition," says Destiny Williams.  Jones is an excellent singer and down to earth.  "She'll have a wide appeal," echoed O'Brien.

Nicole Trellis - Seems to exert confidence.

Amy Krebs - a powerful singer.

Antonella Barba
Gina Glocksen
Hailey Scanardo
Jordan Sparks
Stephanie Edwards
Leslie Hunt
Sabrina Sloan

MySportsbook.com is offering a 20% signup bonus with an initial deposit (i.e. open your American Idol betting account with $300, receive another $60 in which to bet with). 

Last two contestants will be?

1 Male/1 Female +100 (a $10 bet pays $10 plus your initial $10)

2 Males +170 (a $10 bet pays $17 plus your initial $17)

2 Females +130 (a $10 bet pays $13 plus your initial $10)

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