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Prokhorov’s Nets proposal generates ire in Russia

Russia’s richest man, metal tycoon and billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov, took to his blog this week explaining his interest in financing the new Nets basketball arena. But high-profile Russian politicians are speaking out about Prokhorov’s potential involvement with Bruce Ratner’s Atlantic Yards development. Aslambek Aslakhanov, a Russian parliament member specializing in the nation’s sports programs, said that Prokhorov should be focusing his attention on Russian developments. “I can’t consider this action as anything other than unpatriotic,” Aslakhanov said. “We also have talented children here, but sports isn’t being developed. They’re not trying in order for us to return to our former sports ranking of best in the world.” Under Prokhorov’s agreement, which has been tentatively settled, his holding company, Onexim, would provide $200 million for construction financing, in exchange for the controlling shares for the soon-to-be-Brooklyn Nets.

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