"Here’s the bottom line for the citizens of Nashville and fans of the Predators: regardless of how many lawsuits are filed against Mr. Del Biaggio, regardless of the amounts of the claims, regardless of the details of the allegations, Mr. Del Biaggio’s problems are personal. Mr. Del Biaggio is a minority owner. His minority ownership stake and its final disposition will not impact operation of the club. It is my hope and anticipation that the club will be even stronger once this saga reaches its logical conclusion and Mr. Del Biaggio is no longer associated with the club."

— David Freeman, chairman of the Predators

"These boots are made for walking, and that's just what they'll do ... one of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you."

Thus ends the tenure of Mr. Boots as an NHL owner.

Freeman had welcomed his new investor with open arms last August, saying "we want to tap into his contacts and his experience."

Now? "Obviously, I cannot and will not comment on Mr. Del Biaggio’s personal situation."

Then? "If the opportunity ever presents itself in the future, where through NHL expansion he happens to get presented with an opportunity, then we will buy him out and shake hands and wish him the very best of luck wherever else he might go," Freeman said.

Best of luck, Boots.

• The San Jose Mercury News has the details on Boots's bankruptcy filings. His personal debt is $57-million, $10-million of which is due to Wild owner Craig Leipold.
  
  The bankruptcy document itself is available here.