ST. PETERSBURG -- The Tampa Bay Rays have responded to a lawsuit filed by some of the team's minority owners, accusing principal owner Stu Sternberg of cooking the books and deceiving partners to sell him their interests in the team for less than market value.
In a statement, the Rays say they are "disappointed" that a "handful" of partners have filed suit. The team calls the suit "deceptive and inflammatory" and "fraught with error and falsehood." The Rays insist the team has abided by the partnership agreement and the Tropicana Field use agreement."
The lawsuit alleges that Sternberg began negotiating with would-be Montreal owners in 2014, which it claims would violate the Tropicana Field lease.
St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman responded by saying it may be better for Sternberg to step aside so that he can move forward with plans to redevelop the Trop site.
The legal dust-up comes as the Rays accomplish an 11-game winning streak, giving them the best record in the American League.
Photo: Tampa Bay Rays