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AEG CEO Defends Anschutz and Prescott on Super Casino Controversy

CEO of Los Angeles based Anschutz Entertainment Group, or AEG, Tim Leiweke said on Wednesday that the British media reports that the company's founder, Philip Anschutz, sought favors from Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott are vicious and false.

Leiweke added that the reputation of the casino tycoon is being trashed in an effort to remove Prescott from office.

Anschutz has been linked with Prescott following the latter's stay in his Colorado ranch July of 2005. Anschutz is the owner of the Millennium Dome in London and is bidding to turn it into Britain's first super casino.

"It is unfair to the development, the people of London who will pay a price for not maximizing this opportunity and to Phil," he said in a telephone interview from Denver.

Leiweke has been reported to be present in most of the seven reported meetings between Anschutz and Prescott. He said that he was not present when Anschutz drove from Denver to the estate for a two-hour dinner with Blair's second in command.

Leiweke defended that the super casino was discussed, but only "in a couple of conversations that were very minimal and insignificant."

Anschutz and AEG officials did not attempt to lobby Prescott on the casino deal, according to Leiweke. He likewise said that Prescott did not have any responsibility for issuing the casino license.