‘Secret midnight bargains’ reportedly ripped off Aspen Daily News heir (opens original article in a new tab)

A lawsuit alleges that David Cook and Spencer McKnight made secret midnight deals with Gabriel Adler, who had a gambling addiction, to reduce his payments from a newspaper stake sale, which he then gambled away, prompting his father's legal action.

• Gabriel Adler sold 33% stake in Aspen Daily News parent company for $215,000 upfront plus three annual payments of $77,114.
• Cook and McKnight negotiated secret deals with Adler, including reducing second payment to $34,900 and third to $18,000, which Adler gambled away.
• Greg Adler sued Cook, McKnight, and their companies for breach of contract and extreme conduct, alleging they exploited his son's addiction.