Anschutz is alive!

The publicity shy Denver billionaire who owns half of downtown L.A. (approximately) and who would do most anything to avoid talking to a reporter found himself facing a bunch of those ink-stained wretches today as the first defense witness in the trial of former Qwest Communications CEO Joe Nacchio. Anschutz is the founder of Quest, and his testimony was used to establish Nacchio's state of mind at the time he is accused of illegally selling stock. Anschutz recalled that Nacchio wanted to resign because one of his sons had attempted suicide. "He was quite agitated, very emotional. In fact, he broke down in tears," said Anschutz. The Nacchio case has gotten limited press coverage nationally, but all that changed when Anschutz walked into the Denver courtroom. AP