Éric Lapointe clinging to his desire to purchase the Alouettes
Although the Lenkov brothers appear to have the inside track, former tailback wants to meet the commissioner and the CFL's board of governors.
Herb Zurkowsky Montreal Gazette July 22, 2019
Former Alouettes running-back Éric Lapointe hasn’t given up on his desire to purchase the Canadian Football League team — although he appears to be waging a losing battle against brothers Jeffrey and Peter Lenkov.
“We care. We have a plan,” Lapointe told the Montreal Gazette Monday about his group of investors. “I’ll continue my fight until the team’s sold. We have everything.”
Lapointe, a Brossard native and financial adviser with Assante Wealth Management, has been attempting to orchestrate a deal with the CFL and commissioner Randy Ambrosie since February, when Robert and Andrew Wetenhall first apprised the league of their intention to divest.
Much has occurred since then. At one point, a frustrated Lapointe withdrew his interest, only temporarily. He then agreed on June 20 to join Clifford Starke, another potential owner, as a strategic adviser, with an expanding role.
Otherwise, Lapointe and his group have never dropped out. He believes he’s been the victim of miscommunication and a lack of information, suggesting things between he and Ambrosie have been misconstrued. Lapointe’s still hoping to meet the commissioner and the league’s board of governors, the power brokers who ultimately make the decisions.
Lapointe has been told by at least one governor such a meeting should take place and that no decision has been made to sell the Als to the Lenkov brothers, although Ambrosie on Friday told TSN: “I think we’ll see it get done.”
No governors meeting has been scheduled and, on Monday, Ambrosie told the Montreal Gazette he was willing to meet Lapointe. “I’ll always make time to speak to Éric,” Ambrosie said in a text message. “He’s a world-class person and will always be part of the CFL family.”
No board of governors meeting has been scheduled, Ambrosie said, and none will be until all the details are finalized. Indeed, the commissioner placed a call to Lapointe late Monday afternoon.
Lapointe, 44, completed his CFL career with the Als between 2001-06, after being drafted by Edmonton. He also played for Hamilton and Toronto. He has served as president of the Als’ alumni, and is known for his intensity and passion. Nobody arguably has a better understanding of the local football landscape than him.
He said his group of investors was unlimited, along with their financial resources. At one point he offered a $35-million commitment in an effort to display their proof of funds. He promised a three-year commitment and even was willing to expand that to five years.
He guaranteed the league they could turn a profit by the third season, simply by averaging 18,000 spectators at Molson Stadium while selling the 21 private loges, each with a three-year contract.
Lapointe had a coaching staff, general manager — believed to be Danny Maciocia — and president ready to commit. Lapointe created a buzz around the team in April, a time when nobody thinks about football.
Under Lapointe, the Als would have had a permanent South Shore practice facility, probably located near the Bell Sports Complex where the Canadiens train. He also had plans to go across the province, offering 5,000 shares in the team to anyone interested. And Lapointe was prepared to assume control of the team this season. Through the first two months of the regular schedule, the league has been operating the club, playing the players’ and management salaries along with its bills.
“We had everything, with no financial limits to access money,” Lapointe said.
But, as he continued to meet obstacles and encounter delays throughout the lengthy process, the opinionated and candid former player grew frustrated and allowed his emotions to surface at times. Lapointe believes he has upset Ambrosie and some league officials by speaking his mind.
Lapointe said he initially heard from Jeffrey Lenkov on April 20. While Lenkov wanted to set up a meeting, Lapointe said the request was for him to travel to Edmonton, where the brothers would be attending the Als’ opening game in mid-June. Lapointe refused.
While a published report on Saturday indicated Lapointe was bitter and frustrated, he quickly quashed that suggestion.
“I never said (the Lenkovs) don’t have a plan. I said they never mentioned their plan to anyone,” Lapointe said. “There’s no hate or frustration on my part. But this also is my last shot.
“I hope I didn’t burn bridges again with the league. It’s not about me. It’s about the team, the league. If there’s no league, there’s no Montreal Alouettes. They’re winning right now. That’s the most important thing.”
While the brothers were born in Chomedey, both now reside and work in California. Jeffrey Lenkov is a Los Angeles attorney and registered NHL agent, while Peter Lenkov is a Hollywood-based producer and writer.
They attended Saturday’s home victory against the Eskimos where they were joined by, among others, Robert Hetu, the managing director of U.S. Private Debt at the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec’s New York City office.
The Als have a bye in the schedule before entertaining Ottawa on Aug. 2. Jeffrey Lenkov said he might return to Montreal next week, probably in conjunction with that game.
“I might be out,” Lapointe said. “But if we’re out, we’re going to be out in style.”
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