Flake said he cut all ties with AEG, including his 0.55% share of the project. A little more than a half-percent of the operators' estimated $180 million annual take is just under $1 million.

Jay-Z backed out, a source with knowledge of the decision said, because he didn't want to put his life and business dealings through a background check for a 2% share in the racino project.

If Flake, the "pastor" with the 5 million dollar home, brand new Mercedes, and previous embezzlement charges walks away, AND Jay-Z forgoes 2% stake because he doesn't want a backround check drops out, what does that tell you about the project???

Tells me if you want that project you better kick back a lot more $$$ to the, ahem, community.

That is NY Politics in a nutshell.