Esposito considered becoming team buyer

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO, Times Staff Writer
Published December 7, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT Phil Esposito, 65, said he is happiest as the team's radio analyst.

TAMPA - Phil Esposito said he has no desire to own the Lightning. Not long ago, he apparently did.

The team's founder said that as Absolute Hockey Enterprises announced on Aug. 7 its bid to buy the team from Palace Sports & Entertainment and owner Bill Davidson, Esposito was trying to put together a group to make an offer.

But even though Absolute Hockey's deal fell apart amid investor squabbling, Esposito, 65, said he decided he is happiest as the team's radio analyst.

"By the time I try to get everything revived and go through that again, it's just not worth it," he said.

Esposito, who on Thursday celebrated the 17th anniversary of the conditional awarding of the franchise, said he was motivated by his love for the team.

But the Hall of Fame player with the Bruins said developers he contacted wanted only the 5 1/2 acres near the St. Pete Times Forum in Absolute Hockey's original purchase agreement -- not the team.

Esposito said when his effort did not pan out, it was time to move on.

"Now, don't get me wrong," he said. "If somebody told me they were interested in the team and, 'Would you like to be in with us?' that's a different story. They're going to do most of the work.

"I just hope whoever buys it will do as good a job as Mr. Davidson. That's the truth."

[Last modified December 7, 2007, 00:59:35]