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September 25, 2009
Moscow Editorial on Prokhorov's Attempt to Purchase the NJ Nets
Vedomosti via Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn
A rough, human translation from the Russian of an editorial in Vedomosti, a leading Moscow business newspaper, part-owned by Financial Times and Dow Jones)
The topic of the week: Game over
Purchase of the American basketball club New Jersey Nets by Mikhail Prokhorov is a vivid example of «business the Russian way» in the sense that it is easier to do it abroad.
Moreover – this is a consequence of one of the most disgusting traits of our character: I will give you everything that you wish, but to your neighbour I will give twice more. — Dear God, take one of my eyes.
...And we can be only glad for Mikhail Prokhorov: he did not stay without basketball — he has purchased a stake in New Jersey Nets and an arena under construction for $200 million. The problem is that people won’t like to support New Jersey and Chelsea. People want to support Russian teams that win.
"Under construction" is a big stretch considering Ratner doesn't own the land he needs to even break ground on the arena. But such a mistake can be forgiven for press newly introduced to Atlantic Yards—after six years of the Atlantic Yards proposal there is as steep learning curve.
Posted by eric at September 25, 2009 10:55 AM