Deal for Lightning falls through, key investor sued

The deal to sell the Tampa Bay Lightning and land the team owns in the Channel District blew up amid accusations of backroom dealings spelled out in a lawsuit filed Monday in Hillsborough County Circuit Court. The differences between the two warring sides, however, may still be resolved and the deal potentially resurrected. Companies led by Lightning suitor and real estate developer Jeff Sherrin of South Florida say in their lawsuit that California investor and Hollywood producer Oren Koules went behind their backs and advised the Lightning not to deal with Sherrin's group, killing an agreement to sell the team. The deal was officially terminated on Nov. 14 by Palace Sports and Entertainment, the Detroit-based owners of the Lightning.