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The Milwaukee Bucks are being sold and one of the new owners enjoys a “close friendship” to with a 27-year-old Russian who was among the 34 people charged nearly a year ago today in connection to a high-stakes poker game at the Carlyle Hotel and in Hollywood with alleged mob ties. One of those arrested operated an art gallery within the hotel.
As a result of that investigation, billionaire hedge-fund manager, Marc Lasry, also had to bow out as President Barack Obama's pick to become French Ambassador to the US.
"I am very grateful to have been considered," Lasry said at the time. "I would like to put the speculation to rest and let you know that I will be remaining at Avenue."
"Marc Lasry is a big-time gambler, in golf and poker. He's a 'master of the universe' type," a source told the New York Post right after the bust. "It's not that he committed a crime, but it opens a can of worms."
Several individuals arrested during the Carlyle bust have since plead guilty.
Lasry is also part of a venture begun by 888 Holdings called the All American Poker Network.
He and another Wall Street power player Wesley Edens will be taking control of the NBA franchise from long term owner Herb Kohl. The two men have agreed to keep the Bucks in Milwaukee as part of the purchase deal.
- Nagesh Rath, Gambling911.com
