One Must Use A Noble Rapier To Pierce The Veil Of Mystery
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How A Con Artist With No Money Almost Managed To Buy The New York Islanders For $165 Million
Texas businessman John Spano signed a deal to buy the New York Islanders for $165 million in 1996. For four months between when he signed the deal and when he was supposed to close the deal, Spano operated the team and sat in the owners box. He was hailed as a savior by the fans — a wealthy benefactor who would save the troubled franchise and keep them on Long Island. But in reality, Spano wasn't wealthy. He was worth a few hundred thousand dollars, but through a series of forgeries and frauds he was able to convince the NHL and a few major banks that he was worth $230 million. When it came time to finally come up ... (full story)