Dec 1, 2007 10:38 pm US/Eastern
Steelers Subpoenaed In Ward Bar Dispute
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
A big money dispute between business partners who own a bar with Steeler Hines Ward took a nasty turn today.
Attorneys for one of the partners who is suing Ward issued subpoenas for five Steelers to testify in a deposition.
KDKA's Paul Martino reports that those Steelers were handed the subpoenas as they arrived for a team meeting this morning at their practice facility.
Officials say Tyrone Carter, Deshea Townsend, Casey Hampton, Nate Washington and Ike Taylor have been called to give sworn testimony about a fight over how money is being spent at the Locker Room on the Southside. It is co-owned by Ward.
"We've uncovered names of members of the Steelers who we believe have knowledge of activities that took place at the bar, which were to the detriment of the bar," says attorney Mark Bartholomaei.
Co-owner, Nick Lettieri, claims as much as a million dollars from the bar is unaccounted for. He's suing Ward and another partner.
In Ward's only public statement about the dispute, he called it laughable.
"I'm aware of the allegations," said Ward on September 19th. "It's funny though."
Ward and his partner at the bar have also been ordered by a judge to repay $170,000 to the Locker Room.
Meanwhile, Ward's attorney says he can't believe that Steelers are being handed subpoenas.
"I think it is grandstanding, because it's done on the eve of a big game," says Joe Luvara, Ward's attorney.
The courts have appointed an attorney to oversee the bar's operations for the time being.
These off field distractions are coming at a time in the season when the Steelers have been struggling on the field. They're fighting right now to stay atop the AFC North.
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