TBO.com - Tampa Bay Online
Ex-NBA Player Geiger Sues Firm Over Real Estate Deal
News Channel 8 file photo (2003)
News Channel 8’s Gayle Sierens, above with Matt Geiger, anchored a report on the former NBA player’s home when it was built in 2003.
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Published: July 22, 2008
Updated: 07/22/2008 05:06 pm
TAMPA - Former professional basketball player Matt Geiger is suing a Delaware-based company, saying it agreed to buy his Tarpon Springs property for $21 million but never followed through.
"It seemed the whole time like they were going to close, they were going to close," Geiger said.
In November, Geiger and Global Asset Holdings LLC entered into an agreement in a cash transaction for Geiger's property, according to a lawsuit filed in federal court Monday.
In December, Geiger was offered $15 million by another potential buyer. Global Asset Holdings, however, refused to release him from its contract with him. The company's agent continued to assure Geiger it would close the sale, the lawsuit states.
On or about Feb. 25, Global Asset Holdings said it didn't want to buy the property because of "market conditions in the real estate market across the country," according to the lawsuit.
Geiger still lives in the Tarpon Springs home, but he said he is looking for a more family-oriented place in the Tampa Bay area. He has a girlfriend and two young children.
"There'll be more design around the needs of my family now and my kids," he said. "When you have kids, it really focuses your life on them."
The sale price for the 28,000-square-foot estate at 3385 Old Keystone Road had been listed at $19.9 million. The property, built in 2003, includes a swimming pool and spa, guest house and private tennis courts. The home has three floors and includes a game room, cigar room, theater, sauna room, cabana room and library.
The home was to come completely furnished, according to the lawsuit. Its master bedroom, for example, had a council table, sofa, coffee table, four chairs, three end tables, a sofa bench and bed. Its game room had two pool tables, three pub tables and 30 leather bar stools.
"It's kind of built for someone when I was in a different stage in my life," Geiger said.
A former basketball star at Clearwater's Countryside High School, Geiger played in the National Basketball Association from 1992 to 2002, averaging 9.2 points per game and 5.7 rebounds per game, according to NBA.com.
Global Asset Holdings could not be reached for comment today.
Geiger said he recently lowered his home's price to $16.9 million.
At that cost, though, it comes unfurnished.
Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at jpoltilove@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7691.
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Reader Comments
Posted by ( JonJacobs ) on July 22, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
boo hoo
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Posted by ( URY914 ) on July 22, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Did this guy think that he would be playing in the NBA and making money for ever when he was building that house? Talk about over building for the area.
I thought Tom Cruise was going to buy it?
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Posted by ( edmal1960 ) on July 22, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Why is this news? Does anyone really care?
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Posted by ( xenuownstbo_com ) on July 22, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
SO which one of these front companies is owned by someone related to Scientology?
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Posted by ( HeHateMe ) on July 22, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Tom Cruise is waiting for the Xunu ship to arrive and take he, Katie, and Suri to the motherland in a galaxy far far away.
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Posted by ( Devlin ) on July 22, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Who cares ?
It is not like he had talent. Maxim magazine was right about him.
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Posted by ( DarthRandall ) on July 22, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
How much more money can this guy make with absolutely no talent?
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Posted by ( third_leg ) on July 22, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Who Cares...I done some work for this guy, he's a chump. Also he sucked in the NBA.
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Posted by ( RS57 ) on July 22, 2008 at 10:57 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
"The sins of the father". Anybody remember the cardboard condo's built by his old man? Sometimes Karma is ironic.
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Posted by ( illini57 ) on July 22, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I think that some of you are missing the point here, if it was one of you and you had a agreement with a buyer to purchase your house say at $200,000.00 and then somebody backed out of the deal and you had another buyer, I think that you would also file a suit. I think because this guy is a athlete and the house is so expensive we loose sight of the real issue. He got screwed by the company that was buying the property. Also I don't really think this is news that should be on TBO.
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Posted by ( RRR ) on July 22, 2008 at 11 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Don't know the guy.
Barely recognized the NBA name.
However if he wants to send me some $$$$
small unmarked nonsequential bills please
Be glad to support him if the price is right.
Hey thats the definition of an atty.
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Posted by ( egotrip ) on July 22, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I just hope the buffalo went to a good home. That's all I really care about, is the animals, not Geiger.
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Posted by ( SpeakingOut ) on July 22, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I think he got hurt after signing his deal and was able to keep all the money. Went to his house for a party once and it's a sweet house.
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Posted by ( mr_hanky ) on July 22, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Waaa friggin' waaaaa.................
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Posted by ( texigator ) on July 22, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
He probably got hit with a $1,000,000 property tax bill....
That is, of course, unless he is Jim Smith, Pinellas County Property Appraiser. Then his property tax bill would've been $1,000.
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Posted by ( livinglife ) on July 22, 2008 at 12:03 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
and this is important how? and they think we would care because?
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Posted by ( Melody07 ) on July 22, 2008 at 12:05 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Time for him to invite us all over for a pool party.
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Posted by ( KirbysKitchen ) on July 22, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Hanging head low, wishing I could get back the two minutes of my life it took from me by reading this non news related story...
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Posted by ( lovemy2boys ) on July 22, 2008 at 12:16 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
SpeakingOut..you went to his house for a party? Who do you know to be able to go to go to a party like that? lol. Yea it looks like a pretty sweet house but who needs all that in a house??!!
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Posted by ( MsEngineer ) on July 22, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
FYI - Per Pinellas County the "fair market value" is $13.8 million, the assessed value is a little over $5.7 and the taxable value is a little under $5.7 million. Due to the extremely fair (sarcasm intented) Save Our Homes system, Mr. Geiger is paying $124,000 in property taxes because he has the cap which limits his assessment.
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Posted by ( Scuba ) on July 22, 2008 at 12:27 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I got a sweeet 1,000 sq ft house for sale on 14th Ave N in St Pete if anyone is interested.
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Posted by ( bigpete ) on July 22, 2008 at 12:31 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by ( IrisG ) on July 22, 2008 at 12:45 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
If I was his wife and he wanted a house this big, he'd better be coughing up some cleaning people, cuz I sure as heck wouldn't be doing it!!!!!! Who in the world needs a house this big? My husband and I just sold our 4000 sq ft house, and boy was I glad to see it go. Got tired of keeping the dang thing clean!
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Posted by ( Claylisa ) on July 22, 2008 at 12:45 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Is that a bowl of Froot Loops in his hand?
Dang... Matt you were on TV...how tacky
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Posted by ( 91stormvet ) on July 22, 2008 at 1:01 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I played ball with Matt at Saftey Harbor Middle School and I can tell you, he is a good guy. No matter how many years I have not seen him, when we bump into each other, he always says what's up Miracle. Most Pro Athletes think they are better than you. Not Matt. In case you're hungry, visit his place Courtside Grill On Ullmerton in Clearwater, Great Place for food and sports and the scenery is not bad either. You may even get a chance to meet Matt their. he played ball at Georgia Tech, Philly, Charlotte and Miami. I have to go before my man crush is exposed. LOL. Get your Money Matt, You Earned It!
Career Highlights
Led the Sixers in free-throw percentage (.797) and ranked second on the team in scoring (13.5 ppg) and blocks (0.80 bpg) in 1998-99
Notched eight double-doubles in 1998-99
Logged his 4,000th career point and 2,500th career rebound in a win over the Toronto Raptors on 4/14/99
Ranked second on the Hornets in 1997-98 in field-goal percentage (.505, 18th in the NBA) and blocked shots (1.12 bpg)
Ranked 11th in the NBA in field goal percentage (.536) during the 1995-96 season
Posted 14 points and 7 rebounds in his first NBA start, against the Houston Rockets on 11/27/92
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Posted by ( 91stormvet ) on July 22, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
PS that should read meet Matt There no Their! My Bad you Typo Nazis
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Posted by ( 91stormvet ) on July 22, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I give up "NOT"
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Posted by ( Claylisa ) on July 22, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Hey Storm,
You forgot back in 2000 when Reggie Miller busted Matt in his grill during the Pacers-Philly game.
Now that's a career highlight!
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Posted by ( HeHateMe ) on July 22, 2008 at 2:09 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
WHAT UP MIRACLE!
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Posted by ( URY914 ) on July 22, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Party at Matt's house tonight.
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Posted by ( iamsassy ) on July 22, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Ok, I see the reason why he's upset, My Brother is having the same kind of trouble with selling his home (but they all cancell with in thier 10 day limit). But at the same time, are we supposed to care that he is suing them? So what? Why is this news? It's like stupid Hulk Hogan. I don't care about that crap!
On a side note... I think that is a frosted flakes bowl, not fruit loops...
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Posted by ( DarthRandall ) on July 22, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
The fact that this hack played in the NBA for 10 years is the true miracle.....
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Posted by ( leopard1 ) on July 22, 2008 at 3:29 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
The way the house is built only another NBA player or giant would be comfortable in it. I wonder what he's going to do with the buffalo if he sells the property.......... turn them out into Brooker Creek Preserve?
He's already sold off part of the property to build a couple houses to the west.
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Posted by ( Claylisa ) on July 22, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Miracle. Ha Ha Ha! Some things are best kept to yourself.
I won't even go there on the many reasons why he probably called you that. .....miracle....ha ha!!ha!
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Posted by ( wilsonb224 ) on July 22, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
its amazing how people get jealous of those that have more than they do and resort to name calling and degregating character. if if he a contract with the company and then they backed out, he has the right to sue. come on people, get over yourselves!
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Posted by ( brianw73 ) on July 22, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
91stormvet, if you know him personally and he is a good person, cool. Whatever, nobody cares. But don't post the man's putrid NBA stats. Please, he couldn't carry Greg Ostertag's jock, but he sure did bank on that big 9 point per game scoring average, huh?
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Posted by ( petepuked ) on July 22, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
If someone has a better lifestyle than you, you hate them. If someone has a lessor lifestyle than you, you hate them. Sounds like a crappy way to go thru life. Sounds like he had it too easy? Graduated high school, graduated Georgia tech, and played 10 years NBA, sounds easy. Invested his money in real estate and built a very nice house for himself. Has had many charity events parties thrown a his house yearly (something I'm sure all of you do). Now making money off subdividing his real estate and investing in a restaurant. I'm sure there is more. I've met him a few times and he's always down to earth and very respectful, more than I can say about most bloggers on tbo.
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Posted by ( diego_confuego ) on July 22, 2008 at 5:47 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Stop making sense illini57 and petepuked. Don't you know that doesn't belong on TBO forums?
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Posted by ( 91stormvet ) on July 22, 2008 at 7:03 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Claylisa
You see in sports, many times you're just called by your last name. I understand that the waterboy is often times just called ....well the waterboy. However, ClayLisa, you provided a service and I'm sure no could have done it better than you. LOL J/k
brianw73
When u Get off of Osterfags Jock let me know! J/K someone stated they had not heard of him (Geiger) probably someone who does not follow B-ball. Besides, what did ostertag have on Jack Sikma? See how good you are?
Late
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Posted by ( 91stormvet ) on July 22, 2008 at 7:16 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
HeHateMe?
Give me a clue?
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Posted by ( 91stormvet ) on July 22, 2008 at 7:17 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
third_leg
Who is the Chump? He Hired U!
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Posted by ( luvco ) on July 22, 2008 at 8:02 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Had some business with Matt a few years ago.
Good guy.
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Posted by ( Curbed_Enthusiasm ) on July 22, 2008 at 8:44 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I drive a car.
Matt Geiger drives a car.
Good Guy.
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Posted by ( eggo ) on July 22, 2008 at 9:12 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I see the commentor's pessimistic-squad has jumped in with their off-putting remarks about someone's misfortune. The same batch must be very jealous of Donald Trump's recent sale. It's a shame that Mr. Geiger is having these real estate issues. I hope the contract has enough substance to leave him with an "expeditious resolution". Maybe the house has so many rooms, doors and windows that he can't keep track of every child, every minute of the day. He surely learned something from the perfect-parent-squad that has all the answers on child raising. Especially when they see an unfortunte parent that they feel doesn't meet their parenting standards. I'd guess that most have their doctorate degrees in parenting and early child development with a minor in how to raise dogs. Especially you pit-bull lovers. Think a pit could last for 3 hours in a hot car? Then go home and curl-up on the couch with the kids?
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Posted by ( dewite1 ) on July 22, 2008 at 9:21 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Ego....I couldn't agree more.....huh?
Connie, have a great Wednesday, love..
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Posted by ( Reality ) on July 23, 2008 at 6:49 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Did he use the library room much?
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Posted by ( bigpete ) on July 23, 2008 at 7:19 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
The truth hurts!!!! Is that why my blog got tossed. I can't believe they did that. Just cause I let a few people know that they are saying things about Matt cause they don't have what he has. $$$$$$$$$$ Cry babies all through this blog.
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Posted by ( jfelano ) on July 23, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Geigers dad screwed so many people in the Tampa Bay area with his shoddy home (boot ranch comes to mind) building that Matt should just move away from here. Nobody wants the Geigers here.
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Posted by ( JohnPublic ) on July 23, 2008 at 9:34 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
That's who I was in 2003? I wonder who he will be in a year or two. Does anyone care?
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Posted by ( Bluff ) on July 23, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
What I want to know is why he couldn't put his bowl of cereal down while getting interviewed by Gayle. Perhaps there was Green Giant Corn in that bowl.
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Posted by ( DarthRandall ) on July 23, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Bluff - It's ok. Some people get all dressed up for an interview, and then there's this clown. Good guy though, from what I hear. Snappy dresser? Afraid not.
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