HOUSTON Tilman Fertitta, Landry’s Restaurant Inc.’s chief executive and would-be buyer, told a Houston television station Friday that he has sold his interest in the Houston Texans NFL franchise. Terms were not disclosed.
Landry’s purchase three years ago of the Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas violated NFL rules that prohibit any team franchise owner from owning a business involved in gambling.
Landry's, which owns 180 restaurants, marinas and entertainment venues, also owns the Golden Nugget in Laughlin, Nev. Fertitta owns about 39 percent of Landry’s shares and is making a bid to take the company private.
Fertitta told Houston television station KRIV-Fox 26 that “it’s one of those things that happens in business."
"I think it's a ridiculous rule, but I don't make the rules always," he said.