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Bon Jovi reportedly wanted exclusive deal with Dolphins
Dolphins owner Stephen M. Ross did try to recruit rock star Jon Bon Jovi to join his ownership group even entertaining him along with Heat guard Dwyane Wade in his suite at the Dolphins playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens in January.
But according to the SportsBusiness Journal, Bon Jovi’s demands were too rich. Bon Jovi, the trade publication reported last week, “insisted upon an exclusive arrangement during their talks late last year.”
That would have prevented Ross from adding the celebrities he’s enticed to join his ownership group this summer, including Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Marc Anthony, who was announced as a new minority owner today. Last month, Gloria Estefan and her producer husband Emilio Estefan agreed to buy a small stake in the team.
Ross forged a partnership with pop singer Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville enterprise in May that included re-naming the team’s stadium after Buffett’s Land Shark Lager for this season. Buffett has an option to purchase a stake in the team, but so far has not become a minority owner.
There are likely to be a few other names to come, Ross said today in a conference call from New York, where he and Anthony had announced their partnership. The pair were joined by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and ESPN President George Bodenheimer at a press conference at New York’s Time Warner Center, the Columbus Circle condo-retail complex built by Ross’ Related Cos. Enjoy this description of the event from The New York Times' Fifth Down Blog.
Ross said he always planned to add investors to his ownership group, but wants those partners to reflect the South Florida community. Adding the Estefans and Anthony, who is married to singer-actress Jennifer Lopez, help add to the Latin flavor of the ownership group.
“The Miami Dolphins want to really represent the community itself,” Ross said. “Having Marc and Emilio and Gloria is important for showing this community, this team is about them. They are great representatives of the Latin community.
“There will be a few more people who will join them,” Ross added.
Goodell and Bodenheimer attended the press conference to announce the league and network’s involvement in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. They will hold a series of special events around the Dolphins-New York Jets Monday Night game on Oct. 12 at Land Shark Stadium.
That night, ESPN, which is broadcasting the game, will debut a special version of Hank Williams Jr.’s “Are You Ready for Some Football” video featuring Gloria Estefan – in a Dolphins jersey – and some lyrics in Spanish. Anthony, meanwhile, will perform the National Anthem at the stadium.
As for Anthony’s additional involvement in the team, he and Ross said it’s too early to say, but they’ve already been discussing ideas. Ross said Anthony was brought in for his ideas, not just to perform.
“This is a business investment. To bring his ideas, his creativity,” Ross said stressing that Anthony is writing a check for his investment, although the amount was not disclosed.
Anthony, who has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide, said he can’t wait to get started.
“The most important thing now is Steve is open, he’s a great listener and a great visionary,” Anthony said. “I want to fly to Miami right now and sit at my desk.”
Comments
this is going to be totally rediculous listening to hank williams jr.sing r-u ready for some football with estefan singing in spanish.only in miami.now i know all there going to do is play latin music at the stadium.i bet the big tuna will quite now because miami is no longer part of the unitedstates.maybe mr.ross is puerto-rican because he is from new york.i am latin desent but i am an american born and raised here and proud.when the dolphins are on national television it would be nice to hear classic rock or hip-hop just like all other american citys.miami is still part of the great united states of america.
Posted by: ricky martinez | July 23, 2009 1:35 AM
I am a white, American male and a season ticket holder for the Dolphins. Not only do the posts below boggle my mind (in regards to the racist ramblings), I could not have any LESS of a problem with selling portions of the team to celebrities - whether white, black, Latin, Asian, whatever.
Football is not a "white" sport (hasn't been for some time now) and America is not a "white" country. What makes this country great is that it is a melting pot. If you don't want to live in a country or a city where different cultures are represented - leave.
AS LONG AS THIS TEAM IS COMPETITIVE, WINNING FOOTBALL GAMES AND MAKING THE RIGHT MOVES IN FOOTBALL OPERATIONS, THE REST IS SUPERFLUOUS AND UNIMPORTANT!
Go Phins!
Posted by: SilverGator | July 22, 2009 12:31 PM
Let's spin this to a positive.
Angry wife: "will you turn off the game and come for dinner."
Dolfans: "Honey, I'm just waiting for the new Marc Anthony song to come on. Oh look - let's see what JLo is wearing. Let's watch the rest of the game together"
Posted by: BJ | July 22, 2009 11:13 AM
I don't give a rat's a@@ what he does with investors... I don't think any of them are going to line up and play... This has nothing to do with the football team so why do you care? He can do whatever he wants... When you buy the team you can do what you want... Football will begin soon enough and that is all I care about... When they start coaching then I will have issues... Making a big deal over absoultely nothing...
Posted by: Paul | July 22, 2009 9:49 AM
"WAYNE! ROSS IS A SELL OUT"
So what! Long as Mr. Ross knows his place and leave TEAM PARCELS alone. I'm all for whatever media shenanigans Mr. Ross is up to. For all you pro USA, Mr. America type. I reckon it's time for U good ole boys to become Patriot or Cowboy fans. "yeehaw"!!!
- NJ DOLPHAN
Posted by: Dolphono | July 22, 2009 9:33 AM
if I start hearing Salsa & Merengue at the games I'm giving up my season tickets
Posted by: Johnny B. Good | July 22, 2009 8:17 AM
what a freaking jerk. He buys a football team so he can hang around with has been celebs, LOL!
Posted by: Tony | July 22, 2009 7:50 AM
I too am a season ticket holder & hate what mr Ross is doing. this is football not cinco demayo.
also florida is not all latino, stop catering to one group & stop selling off pieces of this team
Posted by: eve | July 22, 2009 6:48 AM
It is great to see these racist pigs getting so mad
Posted by: alex | July 21, 2009 8:02 PM
This is so stupid, does Ross not realize that even though this is South Florida its still the USA and its an American community!!! I hate this celebrity crap, this is football, I could just see this happening in Pittsburgh or Greenbay, haha yea right! I miss WAYNE! ROSS IS A SELL OUT
Posted by: Kevin | July 21, 2009 7:30 PM
What? No press conference for me? I'm a minority owner as well. I'm a season ticket holder!!
Posted by: Johnny B. Good | July 21, 2009 6:40 PM
Como? como? Mira, mira!
Posted by: Fidel | July 21, 2009 4:54 PM
Com? como? Mira, mira!
Posted by: Fidel | July 21, 2009 4:54 PM
Bon Jovi isn't latin. It's a shame the Dolphins are catering toward the immigrant celebrities. I hated the Landshark stadium name at first because the beer is horrible. At least Buffett is American. With the spanish flare, halftime festivities include rooster fights and swim to shore races.
Posted by: grizbear | July 21, 2009 4:41 PM
This is stupid all this celebrity crap can we concentrate on football please.to much of this is going to run parcells out of town mark my words.
Posted by: Jim D. | July 21, 2009 4:19 PM