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Andrew Barroway was worried enough about the fate of his ultimately rejected bid to buy the New York Islanders that he wrote a letter asking current owner Charles Wang's "forgiveness" as things took a wrong turn last May.
That information came out after Wang submitted additional filings in Barroway's lawsuit against him. You can see a copy of a key letter from the filing here [PDF].
Several details from the filing were tweeted by Jim Baubach of Newsday today, mentioning multiple letters from Barroway that Wang says indicate Barroway knew there was no deal -- an assertion that, if accepted, would remove the legs from Barroway's case.
One letter is dated 5/23 and it's clear Barroway thinks he's ticked off Wang in some way, plays nice and says he really wants to buy Isles.
— Jim Baumbach (@jimbaumbach) September 19, 2014
Some particularly fine nuggets:
"I know you do not have to sell the team right now, but want to make this the right time and circumstance for you to do so."
— Jim Baumbach (@jimbaumbach) September 19, 2014
"Secondly, I apologize to you. I acknowledge this has been a difficult process at times and I accept full responsibility for that..."
— Jim Baumbach (@jimbaumbach) September 19, 2014
"...I ask for your forgiveness. You have been patient and gracious throughout, and, for that, I thank you."
— Jim Baumbach (@jimbaumbach) September 19, 2014
Sounds like someone was perusing the esteemed text, "Saving Face For Dummies." There are also professions of wanting to do good by Islanders fans and by Wang in his theoretically last year as owner.
It closes:
I know that you do not have to sell the team right now, but want to make this the right time and circumstance for you to do so. Although we have not known each other very long, I value your confidence in me and assure you that I am the right man to build on your tenure as owner and carry your torch forward -- promising to always do right by you, the Islanders organization, and its fans.
Charles, I would very much like our next conversation to be in person, and am available to come see you at the time of your choosing.
As for why these are being submitted, it's not to counter Barroway's original claim -- not yet -- but rather part of Wang's filing to get the case moved from Manhattan, where Barroway says it belongs, to Nassau County, where Wang's team still operates.
Baumbach continues:
Why do these letters matter to moving this suit to Nassau? Because Barroway says suit belongs in Manhattan because March agreement says so.
— Jim Baumbach (@jimbaumbach) September 19, 2014
Why do these letters matter to moving this suit to Nassau? Because Barroway says suit belongs in Manhattan because March agreement says so.
— Jim Baumbach (@jimbaumbach) September 19, 2014
Check Baumbach's timeline for more tweeted details and quotes, and Newsday for the story he files.
Thankfully, for Isles fans after a long and eventful summer, this is mostly neither here nor there: Training camp has begun today, and Wang already has a new ownership group lined up that he liked better. And had more to spend.