COLUMBUS, Ohio — Casino tax revenue would be used to help buy the Columbus Blue Jackets’ home arena from Nationwide Realty Investors and Nationwide would become part-owner of the financially troubled team under a proposal announced Wednesday to help the city keep its NHL club and preserve economic activity in the area near the arena.
President Mike Priest said the team was encouraged by the plan and believes it “offers a solution that will provide a long-term sustainable business model for the organization.”
Under the proposal, the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority would buy Nationwide Arena for $42.5 million, and receive part of the city and county tax revenues from the casino being built in the Columbus area. Nationwide would invest $52 million in the team and take a 30 percent interest in the Blue Jackets, who would agree to make it their home until 2039. Nationwide also would buy naming rights for the facility for 10 more years, providing the team with an additional $28.5 million.
• A day after saying he hoped his contract extension would get done quickly, John Tavares got his wish: a six-year, $33 million contract the Islanders are expected to announce today. Tavares, who turns 21 on Tuesday, was the first overall pick in the 2009 draft.
• The Boston Bruins and forward Brad Marchand agreed to a new contract. The restricted free agent signed a two-year deal worth $5 million.
• Free-agent defenseman Zach Bogosian signed a $5 million, two-year deal to stay with the Winnipeg Jets.
Dynamo ties Crew
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Calen Carr scored in the 86th minute to lift the Houston Dynamo to a 2-2 draw with the Columbus Crew. Je-Vaughn Watson also scored for the Dynamo. Andres Mendoza scored twice on penalty kicks for the Crew.
• FC Dallas goalkeeper Kevin Hartman and Tauro FC’s Alvaro Anzola took turns making spectacular saves as the teams played to 1-1 draw in a CONCACAF Champions League match. In Wednesday’s other Group C match, Mexican club Pumas UNAM won 4-0 at home against Toronto FC to move above the Canadian team and into second place.
Schlichter resolving charges.
Former Ohio State and NFL quarterback Art Schlichter is resolving multiple state and federal theft and fraud charges with plea agreements that will allow him to leave jail temporarily before beginning a multiyear prison term.
Schlichter was expected to plead guilty to state theft charges today, and to plead guilty soon to federal charges of bank and wire fraud and filing a false tax return, according to court documents.
Schlichter was arrested this year on allegations that he had promised sports tickets at low prices based on his contacts, then failed to deliver despite taking hundreds of thousands of dollars from clients.
• Memphis defensive coordinator Jay Hopson resigned after being told he would be reassigned. The Tigers (0-2) have allowed a FBS-worst 628 average yards.
The Associated Press
