Congressman demands investigation into sale of NBA's Nets to Russian oligarch

One congressman is taking issue with his NBA team's sale to a Russian oligarch, writing league commissioner David Stern to demand an investigation.

Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) said that a deal to give Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov a controlling stake in the New Jersey Nets should spark a "full and thorough review" by the NBA into the mining baron's background.

Prokhorov agreed to finance a portion of the Nets' new stadium and surrounding complex for a controlling stake in the franchise.

Pascrell complained about foreign ownership of the Nets as well as Prokhorov himself, who has previously been arrested for alleged involvement in a prostitution ring.

"Should this sale go through, a large stake in the project, as well as a majority stake in the Nets, would be controlled by a foreign corporation, a first for the NBA," Pascrell wrote in his letter to Stern. "Especially during these tough economic times, this is, at best, a questionable use of taxpayer money and it is a question that should be explored."

"Furthermore, Mr. Prokhorov’s background raises questions about his fitness to be the owner of a high-profile NBA franchise," the congressman added. "Both Mr. Prokhorov’s business and personal history have come under intense scrutiny in his home country and abroad. I expect that the NBA will conduct a full and thorough review of Mr. Prokhorov’s background and businesses before allowing him to purchase a majority stake in the Nets."