Halsey Minor, who reneged on purchases at both auction hourses, has filed for personal bankruptcy:

Minor, who sold his stake in the news website CNET to CBS in 2008 for $1.7 billion, has been embroiled in several legal disputes in the last few years, including lawsuits with Sotheby’s over his purchase of three expensive paintings.

He also launched expensive ventures into hotel management and horse breeding.

In an email statement sent to reporters, Minor said: “A case might have been made that I should never have strayed from technology. However, I like doing things outside my comfort zone, and I believe that willingness in part accounts for my tech successes.”

CNET Founder Files for Bankruptcy (Los Angeles Times)