This week, The Equiery received inquiries from readers about why the Maryland Stadium Authority/Maryland Sports Commission sent checks to Maryland 5 Star vendors that have since bounced.
While we do not yet know the specifics of these particular invoices, or which specific agency issued the checks, we are taking steps to understand the apparent financial difficulties of the Maryland 5 Star. On December 30, we submitted an MPIA request to the Maryland Stadium Authority for “documents regarding the state funds expended on the Maryland 5 Star during Mr. Hasseltine’s tenure, including expenses; amounts paid to independent contractors, consultants, and vendors; and amounts paid to governmental, quasi-governmental, and media/marketing agencies.”
The Maryland Stadium Authority sent us a letter last Wednesday, January 14, saying that it expects to produce the documents to us no later than January 29, 2026.
Also on January 29, the Maryland Stadium Authority is scheduled to appear before the Education and Economic Development Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee for a budget hearing.
Terry Hasseltine and former Maryland 5 Star CEO Jeff Newman testified on behalf of the Maryland 5 Star at last year’s budget hearing. It remains to be seen who will testify this year because both men have since departed.
This is a developing story. We will post updates as information becomes available.
