SIDELINES : Nuggets Sale Moves Ahead, Slowly

The $65-million purchase of the Denver Nuggets by two Chicago businessmen has been delayed, according to Denver City Atty. Steve Kaplan.

“It’s taking longer than expected,” Kaplan said Thursday, “but still moving forward. The dates have slipped.”

Chicago businessmen Peter Bynoe and Bertram Lee were to have closed the deal today, buying the team from Houston businessman Sidney Shlenker. The purchase would make them the first black owners of a major sports franchise.

Kaplan said he has had his doubts recently about whether the deal would be consummated, “but while it’s going slower than expected, it’s still moving forward.”

The Denver City Council approved the sale Aug. 24.