In 1999, Mario Lemieux received $20 million in Penguins equity instead of deferred pay; years later, the team's sale to Fenway Sports Group will pay him over $350 million

Mario Lemieux had become one of hockey’s stars when the Pittsburgh Penguins’ financial troubles gave him a decision that would shape his life. The franchise filed for bankruptcy in 1998, leaving the club owing Lemieux more than $26 million in deferred salary.

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