Even the Wilpons are better than this guy, community leaders warn

Businessman and Republican donor Sheldon Adelson has reportedly expressed interest in joining a bid for the Mets, though he has denied the claims. AP Photo/Evan Vucci

By David Brand

Want the Wilpons to sell the Mets? Be careful what you wish for, say a collection of Queens leaders.

Business boosters and community advocates from across the borough have urged Mets owner Fred Wilpon not to sell the team to a group that reportedly includes casino magnate Sheldon Adelson.

In an open letter to Wilpon Monday, the critics of Adelson say the billionaire’s major financial support for President Donald Trump show that he supports xenophobia and racism — values they say are antithetical to Queens’ diversity.

“We will never welcome someone who supports tearing our families apart,” the letter states. “We will never welcome someone who supports the worst federal response to a disaster that the country has ever seen, as COVID-19 ravaged our communities. We will never welcome someone who supports racism and hate.”

The coalition of concerned Mets fans includes former Borough President candidate Dao Yin, one-time Assembly candidate Joy Chowdhury and ex-District Leader Marlene Tapper. 

“Simply put, Sheldon Adelson is not welcome here,” they wrote. “For decades to come, we want to be proud to continue chanting ‘Let’s Go Mets.’”

The CEO of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation has been linked to a potential ownership group led by Josh Harris and David Blitzer, billionaires who already own the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia 76ers.

Adelson, who has written multi-million dollar checks to the Trump campaign and Republican Super PACs, has denied his interest in joining the bid to buy the Mets.

The Mets did not immediately respond to request for comment.

Other potential Mets buyers include hedge fund founder Steve Cohen and a group headed by singer Jennifer Lopez and her husband, former All Star slugger Alex Rodriguez.