Cablevision Close to Purchase of Mets

Cablevision, the majority owner of Madison Square Garden, the NBA’s New York Knicks and the NHL’s New York Rangers, is close to buying the New York Mets, according to a published report.

Citing two high-ranking team officials it did not identify, The Record of Hackensack, N.J., reported that the deal could be announced within the next week. The officials said the price would be “in the neighborhood” of $400 million, but the newspaper said others estimated the price as high as $500 million.

Nelson Doubleday, who owns 50% of the Mets, refused to confirm or deny the report when contacted by The Associated Press. His partner, Fred Wilpon, did not return a call seeking comment.

“As is our corporate policy, we will not comment on rumors and speculation in the media,” said a statement from James L. Dolan, Cablevision Systems Corp. president and CEO.

“It’s basically done,” one source told the newspaper. “Now it’s just a matter of when they announce it.”

Cablevision and the Mets are believed to have been discussing a sale since the New York Yankees broke off talks with the cable television company in February.

Day-to-day operations of the Mets won’t change, the newspaper reported, adding that Wilpon and Doubleday would retain small equity stakes. General Manager Steve Phillips has been told not to increase the Mets’ $70 million payroll until the deal is finalized, the newspaper quoted a source.

In addition to owning controlling shares of the Garden, the Knicks and the Rangers, Cablevision has the lease on Radio City Music Hall. It also has broadcast rights to the Yankees, Mets, Knicks, Rangers, the NBA’s New Jersey Nets and the NHL’s New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils.

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As part of his court-ordered community service, Yankee outfielder Darryl Strawberry played pool, football and basketball with children at the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Boys & Girls Club, and tried to communicate the lessons he’s sayslearned.

“I’m teaching them about being friends and not having bad attitudes, staying away from drugs and staying away from wrong situations,” Strawberry said. “If I can inspire them to do that, that would be a gift to me.”

Strawberry’s appearance was part of his 100 hours of community service he must serve after pleading no contest to drug possession and solicitation charges last month.