Remake of the descent into hell of a month ago for Elan Béarnais: the National Basketball League and its financial management institution, the DNCCG, confirmed on appeal this Monday, July 11 the relegation of the club outside the world professional. Ban on playing in Elite or Pro B and demotion in National. Not only do the American owners intend to appeal again, but they also now intend to file a complaint. against a series of people and institutions they believe are responsible for the situation today.
The LNB, the president of Elan, and the town hall of Pau singled out
David Otto, one of the co-founders of CSG, the group that owns Elan Béarnais, says he is still disappointed and frustrated by this decision. But this time, the tension goes up a notch. The atmosphere was apparently electric Monday evening during the hearing against the DNCCG. So much so that David Otto denounces a “ambush” stretched by the League to corner the American bosses. “They said they don’t believe in the club surviving as it is next season” explains the American boss, “even if we have provided proof of our commitment, proof that the necessary funds are in our accounts”. The town hall of Pau also takes it for its rank, accused of having lied to the Americans.
I’m afraid it’s all because of a few people at the club playing against us – David Otto, co-owner of Elan Béarnais
The co-owner of the club thus regrets a hostile climate towards CSGfed according to him internally, within the club. “I don’t understand why there is so much animosity” laments David Otto, “I’m afraid it’s because of a few people in the club, who play against us. It’s no secret that the president David Bonnemason-Carrère worked with one or more people to put together an offer against us. For someone from inside the club to do that, it hurts the owners, the shareholders, everyone.”.
Which explains why David Otto intends to file a complaint today “against half a dozen people or institutions”. He refuses to give specific names, but it’s hard not to guess who it is. Regarding potential buyers of the club, the co-founder of CSG indicates that he had heard of nothing : “If anyone is interested, give them my number, I’ll talk to them. But so far, no one has come to see me.” And to add, about the future of the club: “If we have to go to National and rebuild everything, I will stay there to help rebuild. I will stay as long as necessary”.
“He flees his responsibilities” reacts David Bonnemason-Carrère
A defense and strong accusations of coffee according to the president of Elan Béarnais David Bonnemason-Carrère. “David Otto flees his responsibilities, he fails to indicate that he has not respected any of his obligations vis-à-vis the town hall, vis-à-vis the CCLO. He fails to indicate to everyone that he is the one who initiated this whole project, that he appointed Tom Huston as general manager with the consequences that we know”referring to the latter’s departure from the club, shortly before the first relegation announcement. “Tom Huston who is also taking legal action against CSG and the club”.
According to David Bonnemason-Carrère, blaming everyone to get clear is a bit easy and reducer: “He must learn to take responsibility, he is directly responsible for what is happening today at Elan Béarnais”. The president of Elan who adds that he is currently working day-to-day on recovery solutions.