LOL,,anyone see this?
Senators Fans Threaten To Sue Yashin
OTTAWA (AP) An Ottawa businessman has issued an ultimatum to Senators captain Alexei Yashin on behalf of season ticket-holders - play hockey or we sue.
"We think it's wrong what he's doing," said Len Potechin.
Hockey fans have been patient in two previous contract disputes between Yashin and the Senators, said Potechin. "The third time, there's no understanding. He's just greedy."
So Potechin, aided by friend and lawyer Arthur Cogan, has set the wheels in motion for a lawsuit against Yashin for breach of contract.
After hearing from Yashin's agent that the star forward won't play this season because he is unhappy with his $3.6-million contract, the disgruntled fans moved into action.
"Bingo, we said," said Potechin, a Senators season ticket-holder since the team's first season in 1992. "If he's not available, we won't sit back and take it. We put out money in good faith."
On Wednesday, Cogan sent a letter to Yashin stating that his holdout will put him in breach of contract with the season ticket-holders.
"You have been quoted to have stated that you only must think about yourself. However, let me remind you that there are thousands of season ticket-holder who have committed serious funds in contemplation of your fulfilling your contract," the letter said.
If Yashin doesn't show up for the first game, Cogan says he will file for a certification of the class action. Yashin might then be served with an action. The player would have to file a defense and answer questions under oath.
"I think this might serve as a wakeup call for other athletes in a similar position who refuse to honor their contract," said Cogan.
Yashin, training in Florida with a some other Russian players, said he wasn't worried.
"Whatever they do, it's fine with me. It's a free country, they can do whatever they want to do," he said.
AP NEWS
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