Former New Jersey Nets and New Jersey Devils owner Lewis Katz died recently in a private plane crash which left no survivors.
Katz was piloting the Gulfsteam IV, which crashed shortly after taking off in Massachusetts on Saturday May 31st, killing all seven passengers on board.
The plane was being flown from New Jersey’s Atlantic City International Airport shortly after leaving Hanscom field, near Boston.
The 72-year-old billionaire was one of America’s richest men and a renowned philanthropist, having made his fortune investing in the Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network in New York. He had also recently become the co-owner of the Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper. Katz had briefly owned the NHL’s New Jersey Devils.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement: “All of us at the NBA are extremely saddened to learn of the tragic, sudden death of former Nets owner Lewis Katz.
“Lewis was a trusted friend and valued member of the NBA family. He was a visionary businessman who touched the lives of so many with his tireless pursuit of innovation and enterprise, as well as his deep commitment to his family, friends and community.”
Irsay free from jail and back on Twitter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59cIIulnz2A
Meanwhile, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay is out of prison and has returned to upsetting people on twitter!
He was pulled over by police of suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicating substance on Sunday March 16th and was found to be heavily intoxicated and carrying numerous bottles filled with pills, without a prescription.
Irsay was also carrying $29,029 in cash, which had been distributed in a briefcase and a laundry bag.
He attended rehab following the incident and is now out and back on Twitter, regularly tweeting about the Colts without any acknowledgement of the last few months’ events.
Donald Sterling faces new lawsuit
Following allegations of racism revealed in a report by TMZ that Donald Sterling had made racist remarks, the former LA Clippers manager is now facing further legal action.
Sterling was banned from the NBA after comments he had made in September 2013 to a friend about a photo she had shared on Instagram with Magic Johnson. It was alleged that Sterling had expressed discontent at his friend “associating with black people.”
NBA commissioner Adam Silver banned Sterling and he was hit with a fine of $3.5 million. He is now facing fresh allegations of racism and sexism from former employee Maiko Maya King, who claimed he terminated her employment after she refused to have intercourse with him.
Following extensive media coverage, Sterling has now sued the NBA for damages in excess of $1 billion.