Ted Leonsis

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Ask Ted
With Ted Leonsis
America Online Vice Chairman,
Washington Capitals Majority Owner
Friday, Jan. 10, 2003; Noon ET

True to form, 2002 turned out to be another busy year for Ted Leonsis. As vice chairman of America Online and majority owner of Washington's NHL franchise, the Capitals, Leonsis divides his time between between AOL's Dulles, Va. headquarters and the District's MCI Center.

What do both AOL and the Caps have in mind, strategy wise, in 2003? Will there be more layoffs at the Dulles campus? When will the new Caps practice facility break ground in Arlington?

Leonsis was online Friday, Jan. 10 at 1 p.m. ET to field your questions and comments on both AOL and the Capitals.

Leonsis is also minority owner of the Wizards Washington NBA franchise and the MCI Center.

Below is the transcript.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Franconia, Va.: There was a rumor at one point that the Caps were thinking of moving their practice facility to Arlington. What's the status?

Ted Leonsis: We are still in active discussions regarding our Ballston practice facility,and I am supportive of the move. We are trying to secure final funding;approvals etal--and I remain optimisti--I cant guarantee a time--but hopefully soon

Washington, D.C.: You come across as a guy's guy. We all know that -- DC 101, the games, the interviews. We love it! So, tell us, where do you get those funky cool suits. Because man, I want to raid your wardrobe and look like you! We need more of you and love you, Ted!

Ted Leonsis: Thanks---I try to hide my fat body in dark suits;the tan blinds people to not notice my grey hair

Chicago, Ill.: I am getting a lot of SPAM on my AOL acount the last few weeks from AOL account named senders. So are other friends. What are you doing to stop this SPAM?

Ted Leonsis: Spam is my number 1--and AOl'e number 1 priority--we are comitted and while we do teh best job of any isp today--we can and will do better

Washington, D.C.: I read that you have a list of 100 things to do in life. How many have you accomplished, thus far, and what were the latest things you marked off the list?

Ted Leonsis: I bought a Ferrari--I am sad to say--checked it off my list--was embarressed driving it--and just sold it

Chicago, Ill.: What was your feeling last night on the CNBC show "The Big Heist" how AOL took over Time Warner?

Ted Leonsis: I thought show was just more of the same--surprised that our competitors would get on tv and have such glee---but that is business today--all we have to do is perform and we will get redemption;what they didnt talk about was our financials; our sub base and our core assets--which would have gotten into the way of the story--I mean who cares that we have 35 million paying customers:-)

Baltimore, Md.: Ted,

There was a report in the Post several months ago that the Caps had petitioned the NHL to allow them to begin wearing Red, White, and Blue uniforms again. What happened with that and where does it stand?

I would love to see a change back to the old colors (but not the old pajama-like uniforms). I don't think the current bronze and blue colors do anything for our brand identity.

Ted Leonsis: There are no changes planned right now on jerseys--I received a bunch of emails from moms stating that they had spent money on a jersey and could NOT afford buying a new one; times are tough and I empathize

Washington, D.C.: Hi Ted. I have been a huge Caps fan for years and years and think you are just a great owner. I wish your were my boss! But I have to ask you about the team's "health benefits." I am sure the team has at its disposal, all kinds of specialists, from dentists to orthopedists to psychologists, but my gosh, isn't there anybody available to give these guys flu shots? Every year somebody gets the flu, sometimes more than once, and then gives it to others on the team. In order to protect your investment and cut back on missed games, shouldn't some type of preventive medicine be practiced?

Ted Leonsis: Funny one--Peter doesnt take medications---and when you travel and live so close together like a team does--if one person gets sick--everyone gets sick

Washington, D.C.: I read that at one point you were a mentor with the Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund, working with an inner city DC public high school student in the college preparation and application process. I am currently a mentor with Hoop Dreams and I am wondering if you could briefly tell me about your experience. What did you get out of it? In what regard do you hold Hoop Dreams as an organization?

Ted Leonsis: I have worked with one young man for 3 years--he comes from a tough situation--and let's just say that he is now like a son---we worked together his sr year--we worked together to get into the college of his choosing--and now we email;and talk everyday on how goes college life--he interns for us too; he is a great kid--there is no program better in directly helping kids than Hoop Dreams

Gambrills, Md.: Why would you want to leave Piney Orchard? Many players live in Anne Arundel County - I've seen them at Annapolis Mall and local establishments. They seem to enjoy living in the area.

Have you received any feedback from the players about uprooting families who live in the area?

Also, what can Anne Arundel County do to convince you to stay?

Ted Leonsis: We have less than 25 season tix holders from that county now---sad,huh? All of our business si from No Va and close in in MD and in DC

Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: Corporate citizenship is a hot issue, I'm wondering what your think about it. How has the turmoil at AOL affected your efforts to be an active member of the D.C. community? Are you still able to contribute philantropically? Or is that something you have to put on hold for a while? As a business leader, do you think it's enough that AOL is one of the region's largest employers or do you feel tht you have a responsibility to give back in other ways?

Just curious.

Ted Leonsis: I am doing the best I can to be a family man/dad; executive at AOL; sports team owner and help out charities--I am sure I can do better at all; but I can look at myself in the mirror every am:-)

Near the airport, Va.: When will the next two rounds of layoffs be at AOL and how deep?

Ted Leonsis: I dont know--but we announced in Dec our plans--so no new news today

Annandale, Va.: Hi Mr. Leonsis, thank you for everything you've done for the Caps and D.C. in general. I've heard rumors that the Caps are looking for a consistent left winger for the Jagr/Nylander line. Is there any chance of a player like Kovalev coming to D.C. before the trade deadline? Thanks so much.

Ted Leonsis: I doubt we could afford another player of that calibre--we have a pretty high payroll as it is

Alexandria, Va.: What do you think of the health of the NHL in light of the recent financial troubles in Buffalo and now Quebec?

What steps do you think the owners, players and the NHL as a whole need to take to strengthen the league?

Are the Washington Capitals healthy as an organization?

Ted Leonsis: I only can comment on our team--we are doing ok; not as well as last year--attendance is a bit down--go buy some tix--help me out--will ya?

Washington, D.C.: Other than your wife and son, who are your three best friends?

Ted Leonsis: My daughter--my dad and my father in law

Dulles, Va.: AOL provides access AND content for a single price. Less content rich companies, such as Juno, undercut that AOL price by just providing access.

What, if any plans, does AOL have to better distinguish itself on price and features, and thereby draw clearer distinctions between itself and its competitors?

Ted Leonsis: We will innovate again--we will blow people away with basics--better email ;better im;better chat--focus on community--do more and better programming; innovate in original content; and then bring people only on AOL benefits and save our members money--all we have to do is execute.

Suitland, Md.: What do you think about the Ottawa Senators filing for Chapter 11? What has to be done on the business side of hockey in the NHL?

Ted Leonsis: Phew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Omaha, Neb.: How much do you think you are worth, financially?

Ted Leonsis: More than I ever thought--I am blessed--but I was not lucky--I worked all thru hs,and college--started my first company when I was 24--sold it and was wealthy at 26; luck--hard work--risk taking and timing all come into play--u can do it too!!!!!

Washington, D.C.: You have mayoral experience, any thought of "Leonsis for Mayor 2006?"

Ted Leonsis: Please--refer to me as your honor:-).

Woodbridge, Va.: Where, within the AOL, flagship product, do you feel there's the most room for improvement in terms of content enhancements, delivery improvmements, reducing redundancies in management or reducing/controlling the cost of doing business?

Ted Leonsis: All of the above--no magic bullet--constant improvement---innovate--better quality of life--more member benefits

Just outside Philadelphia, Pa.: With all the flak Jaromir Jagr has gotten by the national media on his perfomance (due to injuries and bad luck) and all the trade rumors,have you spoke to him about it recently? What is the mood?

Ted Leonsis: All BS!!!!!!!!!!!! Here is how the media works--some knucklehead in Ottowa--who I have never met or spoken to;writes an article that says we are trading Jagr--then other media quote the Ottowa article--and make it sound like there are 2 sources--stupid--does anyone ever hold these folks accountable for rumours?Jagr is working hard--playing well; the goals will come!

Washington, D.C.: AOL keeps saying it is doing great things about spam, but problems are growing not decreasing. AOL still doesn't allow me to block e-mail with certain words and urthermore aol doesn't seem to be responding quickly. I reported a site that was stealing AOL passwords a week ago and it's still accessible from AOL. When are we going to see real efforts from AOL?

Ted Leonsis: Send info to me;Leonsis@aol.com

On the Hilltop, Washington, D.C.: Longtime reader, first-time writer. Ted, first let me say you make a great example for what local business leaders should be doing: Investing back in their community on so many levels, and making oneself available as a successful role model. Also, you're a lifelong Hoya, and we love you for that (by the way, when we will see you back on campus here at Georgetown?)

My question is this: when is AOL stock going to stage a rally? Is it not incredibly undervalued right now?

HOYA SAXA!

Ted Leonsis: Hoya Saxa--"what rocks"--in Latin--if we perform--stock price will come--we are in a show me world!

Washington, D.C.: Why do we get such little respect from the media on a national scale?

Ted Leonsis: Because we get no respect on the local media!!!!!!!!!!!We actually get more respect nationally--than locally

Manahawkin, N.J.: Mr. Leonsis,

Just curious, what do you expect to see from your team in the second half of the season to prevent another "heartbreak?" Yours and mine.

Ted Leonsis: Better D--better PP;Better PK--

Ashburn, Va.: Ted, historically no team has ever won the Stanley Cup with a predominantly European lineup. Given this, and that the market value of some of your skilled players is still high although their individual production has been inadequate, combined with the current lineup's inability to win on a consistent basis and your intent to produce a Cup winning franchise within five years of purchasing the team, CBA impact notwithstanding, what is the water mark on losses before you make adjustments to acquire players with grit and hands? Is there not significant tangible and intangible benefit to bringing some marquee American players to the Nations Capital?

Ted Leonsis: I dont know--do you? Have you won a Cup? If so--please apply for a job with me.All I can do is best I can do--Nylander for Simon was a good trade--Grier for draft picks was pretty good; Jagr for prospects was pretty good,too.But--I agree with you--best teams have balance--with skill;and grit and speed and D and goaltending--and we havent found it yet--but it isnt as easy as people think,is it.If it was--more teams would win the Cup--and all I can do is what I think is best

Burke, Va.: Do you approve of the fans screaming "You Suck!" as part of the celebration when the Caps score a goal?

Ted Leonsis: No

Washington, D.C.: Do you really answer all of the e-mails sent to the washingtoncaps address yourself? I'm just curious because it seems like such a huge time-consumer, so it would be very impressive. Keep up the good work and GO CAPS!

Ted Leonsis: Yes--I do---my wife thinks I am nuts--but I do--90 percent are nice and straightforward--9 percent are edgy--and 1 percent are from punks--who would never say what they say in anonymous email to me to my face!

Somewhere, USA: What do you mean specifically about the Caps getting no respect locally?

Ted Leonsis: Well--we have best start in my 4 years--we have points in 10 straight games--we would make playoffs if season ended today--but when you read paper----you wouldnt know that we are only local team that would qualify for playoffs right now

Baltimore, Md.: Ted,

Where is the hockey monkey? You promised him to me two years ago, and still no monkey.

On a related matter, is there anything more entertaining than monkeys?

Ted Leonsis: U have a thing for monkeys--national zoo is open as we speak--go!!!!!!!!೯

Falls Church, Va.: Along the same lines as "On the Hilltop", what do you have to say to bolster the morale (if not the reward the loyalty) of those AOL employees who were given stock options as a part of their compensation and who have seen that compensation pretty much dry up (probably the wrong choice of words since most options are under water!)?

Ted Leonsis: We are all in the same boat--we have to make AOl a great company again--but financial gain is only part of compensation; enjoying work; using AOl to do good things for people--and showing the &*()!()@U#xx! they are wrong are good motivators for me!!!!!!

Washington, D.C.: What are the you and the Caps doing to get low income and minority kids interested in hockey?

Ted Leonsis: We have a very aggressive youth hockey program--and I personally support these efforts as well thru my foundation

Arlington, Va.: I once met John Ledecki who was your partner with the Caps. He was very nice to the average fan and I would see him running around to help people at the games. What happened to him and are your new partners as active as he was in helping the community? Go Caps!

Ted Leonsis: Jon is a great guy--and he has moved on to more entrprenurial ventures--we have a great ownership grouppRaul fernandez;Jack Davies; Rick Kay;George Stamas;Jeong Kim and Rich Fairbank--and Dick Patrick--all community and charity minded folks!I am proud to be their partner

Dulles, Va.: Why don't the Caps support an AIDS campain? If before each game there was a minute of prayer for all that die of AIDS and there was also a plead for youngers to have safe sex. The message would reach thousands of youngester.

Ted Leonsis: We support dozens of charities--our biggest are childrens hospital

Fort Washington, Md.: Ted, do you actually read the message boards on Washingtoncaps.com and do you feel that more monitoring of the boards are needed to promote more civility?

Ted Leonsis: We try to monitor message boards but it is your community--remember--you control yoru community and have the power to treat folks well or not--stand up and be nice and kick people out of the community that arent nice

Rockville, Md.: Are you using AOL to connect to the Internet right now?

Ted Leonsis: Duh!!!!!!!:-)

Forest Glen, Md.: Your knowledge of the sport must certainly have changed since you purchased our team.

What things have you learned that have made you better appreciate the complexities of hockey?

Ted Leonsis: That I still dont know what wins a Stanley Cup!!!!! That owners should listen to professionals and not dabble in the sport; that fans need love and attention; and that we have very good fans--and I am hopeful that they will love us more if we win more

Follow up to Burke's Question: If you disapprove of the "you suck" chant, you have a way to stop it -- simply change the music played when a goal is scored.

Ted Leonsis: Ok

Washington, D.C.: You seem to be a pretty patient man, and have expressed a timeline for getting a return on your investment with the Caps. How are things going, and what are the chances that you may not be happy with the investment and may entertain unloading your interest if things don't work out?

Ted Leonsis: Lol--let's just say that this isnt the best investment--short term--that I could have made--but I am very happy with owning the Caps and believe--long term--this will be a good investment!BUT--I dont have unlimited funds--nor do our partners--and we will have to make the Caps more financially viable in the mid term

Alexandria, Va.:
I think we'll appreciate having Jagr come playoff time, assuming you get there.

Ted Leonsis: Me too!!!!!!!

Fairfax, Va.: I feel you have the talent on your team now to make a Cup Run. I was wondering what your feelings were. Do you feel we have the talent or do additional trades need to be made?

Many thanks.

Ted Leonsis: Well--Carolina went to Finals last season---we have alot of talent--I would love to make trades-- to improve the team--but I cant do the latest trade that was requested of me--Trade rights to Sylvan Cote and Craig Billington--to Colorado for Joe Sakic:-). Where is my Sony Playstation when I need it?

Burke, Va.: Any truth to the rumour that you tried to get Scotty Bowman out of retirement?

Ted Leonsis: Zero truth--another made up story---I defy anyone who can prove that I have ever even met Scotty Bowman!!!Consider teh source out there!

Washington, D.C.: I am a combat veteran of Desert Storm and I attend your games often. I am truly offended when the national athem is played and people scream "O" in the course of the anthem.

Can you please make a public service announcement asking people to have a little more respect for our country and our anthem.

Ted Leonsis: We do and I am offended too--this isnt a baseball game!!!!!!!

Arlington, Va.: I have no complaints except for the prices of beer at the MCI Center.

Too expensive, one beer cost what a 6-pack does at the grocery store.

Ted Leonsis: Dont drink then!

Silver Spring, Md.: You said you support Children's Hospital -- do you have a position on its dispute with Carefirst?

Ted Leonsis: Give me a break--all we want to do is make some kids smile once in awhile1

Chantilly, Va.: What is the proper channel for an outside who is not working in AOL, but want to contribute his ideas which could potentially make AOL/Netscape browsers superior to IE?

Ted Leonsis: There isnt one--we cant respond to unsolicited ideas as we may get sued if we were working on it already and then someone says we have stolen the idea.

Pittsburgh, Pa.: Ted, have you ever thought of having road trips for fans for away games? I could use the help up here.

Ted Leonsis: We do all the time--Cap Road crew--go to our website to check it out

Anywhere, Va.: Shouldn't fans be encouraged by the fact that with Jagr and Bondra and the PP struggling the team is still near the top of the division? When those players and special teams come out of their slump, this team will be SILLY! Agree?

Ted Leonsis: My point exactly! Thank you

Washington, D.C.: Any money that wasn't in the stock market the last three years was a good investment. The CAPs are a great investment.

What was the last professional team that was sold for less that it was bought?

Ted Leonsis: Well--small detail--we are losing money!!!!!!!!!!!

Falls Village, Conn.: How confident are you that AOL will be able to execute and build a better AOL when you squandered assets such as Netscape?

Ted Leonsis: I am confident---I am very refocused on AOl as are our employees--we have talent--and commitment to improve our service and focus on what is imortant now--MEMBERS RULE!!!!!!!! That is why I am back so involved now

Washington, D.C.: Give us your assessment of Coach Cassidy over the first half of the season.

Ted Leonsis: He is doing a great job--very fresh--very open minded--very creative--a players coach--he will be a great hockey coach for a long time--we made a good bet there I think so far

Followup to Netscape question: Since Netscape is based on the open source browser Mozilla, one can suggest improvements (or even do them him/her self) at mozilla.org (I think -- maybe mozilla.net)

Ted Leonsis: Correct

Washington, D.C.: Ted,
I am a subscriber and avid user of the information AOL maintains throughout it's network. I understand that the high-quality online content owned by AOL, like www.digitalcity.com, may be downsized or sold off -- is this true? I am concerned that I will be getting less "bang-for-the-buck." What can I expect?

Ted Leonsis: No;local is important to us--and it reports to me

Beltsville, Md.: Why do people have to know exactly how to win a Stanley Cup before being able to give you suggestions for the Capitals?

I recognize that everyone out there is an armchair GM, but a lot of folks have spent their lives playing pretty competitive, albeit not professional, hockey.

You -- and the organization -- may learn something if someone's comments were just automatically dismissed.

Ted Leonsis: Hey--who listens more to fans than me? 125 emails per day--I walk the concourse--I attend focus groups--I read the boards.I listen--BUT--I do get miffed when I get these overly pedantic emails--telling me what to do and that when we dont make the trade--we /I am stupid. So--go buy your own team:!-)

Fairfax, Va.: With your open-door email policies, I'm just curious, how many spam messages do you get a day?

Ted Leonsis: Too many! I hate it--public enemy number 1

Vienna, Va.: Ted, What's your prediction for tonight's game?

Ted Leonsis: We win--or we tie or we lose!!Bet I am right!

Obstructed View, Washington, D.C.: What if anything will be done for ticketholders who's view has been obstructed by the league mandated nets but don't want to move the great seats that they have had for years?

Ted Leonsis: Well--we will do our best to move them if they want--but--it wasnt my idea--although I am in support of the nets

Washington, D.C.: Ted, your ownership style has similarities and contrasts with Dan Snyder's style. Do you ever observe how other owners "do their thing," whether it is Dan or Abe locally or somebody else nationally, and apply what they have done to your own franchise?

Ted Leonsis: Yes and no--to thine own self be true--I admire Abe for his patience--his wisdom;his bravery--he singlehandedly turned downtown dc around--I like Dan--he is a friend

Edgewater, Md.: Are you planning on honoring Cally Johansan for setting the record for most games played as a Cap,and all of his other accomplishments. He seems to be under-appreciated as one of the best defense men in the league? Are you planning on signing him to another contract?

Ted Leonsis: I appreciate him--I hugged him the other nite!!He is a class act

Takoma Park, Md.: When I see you in the stadium, I don't know whether to call you Ted or Mr. Leonsis. Do you have a preference?

Ted Leonsis: Ted or hey you is fine

Anywhere, Va.: How will the proliferation of broadband availabilty impact AOL's efforts?

Ted Leonsis: Everytime we have had more bandwidth--we have improved our service andmade our mebers happier--I started on AOl at 1200 baud--we embrace BB!

Burke, Va.: Would you please check in on the Caps's messgae board sometime?

Ted Leonsis: Sure--I do

Fairfax, Va.: Hey, I saw you yawning at the Bulls game! What gives!

Ted Leonsis: I was up at 500 am; did my email;workedout--got to AOL at 800--worked til 600--went to the game--I got tired at 930 pm--I am human!!!!!ŋ

Washington, D.C.: Do you think AOL-TW is still a good place to work? Could I even get a job there now w/all of the layoffs and restructuring?

Ted Leonsis: Why do you think I am still employed here?

Seattle, Wash.: What does the future hold for AOL's other Web properties? (Speaking of the brands other than the flagship service.)

Ted Leonsis: We will develop a meaningful stategy and business plan for web properties--very strategic to AOL--and lots of customers--something like 77 million --use our myriad of services such as Netscape;Mapquest;ICQ etc etc

Somewhere, USA: Any chance some of your players can host these discussions every once in a while?

washingtonpost.com: That'd be nice...

Ted Leonsis: If invited--I will ask them thanks

Season Ticket Holder in Alexandria, Va.: On the topic of low income and minority youth involvment in Hockey, it is a shame to see corporate season tickets go unused in the lower bowl for mid-week games. With your great new electronic ticket forwarding system, how about teaming up with a couple local youth charities who would pass the tickets on to kids?

Seems like a win-win to me. Disadvantaged youth getting great seats to a game, and the Corporations get a tax write-off for unused premium tickets.

Just a thought. Keep up the great work. GO CAPS

Ted Leonsis: We do have such a program--

Alexandria, Va.: How fast do you type?

Ted Leonsis: Not fast enuff!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bend, Ore.: Ted,

I just wanted to let you know the Danae Bennett is very happy in Bend. Her son Logan is quite a charmer. Mary Lou has been in the hospital lately but is back home and doing OK.

Ted Leonsis: Hi!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Call me!

Ted Leonsis: Ok--I have to go to a meeting; thanks for asking so many good questions and for the time! I appreciate it.Ted Leonsis--Bye!

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