NFL star agree to join group buying NBA team

By TERESA M. WALKER and AP Sports Writer Published: Oct 4, 2012 at 11:42 AM PDT Last Updated: Oct 4, 2012 at 11:42 AM PDT

This May 7, 2011, file photo shows Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph leaving the court after the Grizzlies beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of a second-round series in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) ? A person familiar with the deal says NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and his wife, Ashley, and former NBA player Penny Hardaway have agreed to join the group of minority owners for the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Mannings and Hardaway join a minority group that includes singer and actor Justin Timberlake and a couple Memphis businessmen, the person told The Associated Press Thursday on condition of anonymity because prospective buyer Robert J. Pera's purchase of the Grizzlies is pending approval by the NBA.

The addition of Manning and Hardaway first was reported by The Chris Vernon Show on WMFS-FM on Thursday.

Pera, owner of a California tech company, agreed to buy the Grizzlies from Michael Heisley in June. The NBA is expected to approve the sale this month.

Source: http://www.bakersfieldnow.com/sports/NFL-star-agree-to-join-group-buying-NBA-team-172696761.html

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