Who’s Backing Who?
Posted on Saturday, August 4th, 2007 at 7:59 am by Brian Robinson
So this morning the Governor gets involved. Interesting
Let me place my bet that her “people who are serious about addressing the arena situation” will include David Sabey with a proposal on his Associated Grocers site. From what I’m hearing Sabey has been aggressive in lobbying directly to the governor and has had the attention of her office for some time. My understanding was that news regarding this site would start to surface in September or October but everyones actions may have been pushed up due to the latest media barrage as well as the Muckleshoots comments this week.
There may be a showdown brewing between Sabey and the Muckleshoots and it probably bodes well for Sonics fans. Both would like to be primary option for a new arena site and both have, to some extent worked to poison the well for the other. I had actually heard that due to the recent referee scandal and the resulting “gambling” stigma” the Muckleshoots were going to quietly bow out of their pursuit but that seems proven to be untrue. Did the Sabey camp plant that rumor? Not sure but there is a lot of intrigue swirling. We want these two groups scraping and fighting for our teams. That competition will bring higher offers to the table while we put pressure on Bennet. That is a scenario that could result in a new building and potentially a sale of the teams to local ownership.
Here is my expectation: The Governor will at some point introduce a massive plan for development on the 58 acre associated grocer site. That will include an arena, a LINK light rail transit stop, a hotel, etc. It would effectively create a convention center that is connected by mass transit to the airport and a good chunk of Seattle. Incorporating the mass transit allows the possibility for more state and possibly federal dollars. This will be a huge development concievably with some other private investment made.
My further expectation is that, at some point, Bennett will balk at the discussions and a cry will have to be made to the league to force him to sell. I just can no longer buy that he is making productive efforts to stay. I hope I’m wrong on that and will apologize to him if so.
Early on in this process the Muckleshoots let it be known that if a move was attempted they intended to be very vocal in promoting local ownership and a privately financed arena. They have put a really good offer on the table and are willing essentially to step up and say “There is a local solution here that Bennett has ignored. If he won’t take it you have to block a move and we, or another local ownership group, will step up and preserve the heritage of this team.” It has created a contentious relationship with Clay from day one. I believe that Sabey, after initially thinking he could cooperate with Clay has reached the same point.
Nickels meanwhile has done a great job in taking the buyout off the table. Don’t think that we were not a part of this process, nor that our actions didn’t have a lot to do with all the conversations this week. Sources throughout the mayors office indicate that Clay very much intended to discuss a buyout and that our public stance made it “impossible” for the mayor to do so. My understanding is that the Mayor called Bennett to inform him of this and that is when things started to shake loose.
Suddenly all the players are starting to rally themselves towards a solution. Mayor Nickels needs to get into the game and address the Seattle Center. I expect him to do so. There is way too much sentiment citywide that revitalizing the center is the only politically palatable solution for this problem. Even Nick LIcata and Frank Chopp have made some movement on this issue and if a proposal fixes the center and addresses educational needs they could back off their opposition. Memorial Stadium is the property of Seattle School district and some immediate funding could be pumped into the schools if that parcel was purchased for a new arena.
Nickels, the Muckleshoots and Sabey/Gregoire are in a race to get their proposals out of the gate, and Clay Bennett is going to have to evaluate all options. It is the type of scenario that could result in a deal with the biggest question being whether it is possible for Bennett to be part of that deal, or whether he will need to sell to make it happen.
From our end we need to keep the pressure up and support every solution. If we can pass I-93 with an overwhelming margin during this coming legislative session it will give the politicians the ammo they need to step out and say “See, people do support these teams and do want us to find a solution.” That will be the tipping point.
August 4th, 2007 at 8:29 am
I think the point you keep missing is that any new movement by your so-called city leadership is a direct result of Bennet’s hard line and clear from the start position that a new arena is needed.
And it is fantasy that a local buyer will emerge.
August 4th, 2007 at 8:41 am
awesome news all around. How can anyone not feel really positive about the direction things are going in (well anyone except Bennett)
Keep up the pressure everyone!
“I think the point you keep missing is that any new movement by your so-called city leadership is a direct result of Bennet’s hard line and clear from the start position that a new arena is needed.
And it is fantasy that a local buyer will emerge.”
Sounds like someone woke up on the wrong side of OKC.
-=cysco
August 4th, 2007 at 8:50 am
Referring to owner Clay Bennett. Brian said, “I just can no longer buy that he is making productive efforts to stay. I hope I’m wrong on that and will apologize to him if so.”
I believe that all Sonics fans would agree. If Mr. Bennett took a tough stance to force serious negotiations, but his intentions are truly to keep the team here, as he promised, then we will all apologize and thank him for his graciousness. But if he never had an intention to stay and fails to hold up his end of the bargain when he bought this team, then curse him. I truly hope that it is the former and not the latter.
Mr. Bennett, you certainly are wealthy enough to own this franchise, but you are not morally fit to do so if you bought this vital piece of the Seattle heritage under false pretenses.
August 4th, 2007 at 9:13 am
I have no problem with that concept producer. I’ve told the Bennett camp from day one that I thought they would need to use this hammer and the leverage created to get something done. However I always thought that would occur while serious behind the scenes efforts were made to reach out and put a coalition of some kind together. I have seen ZERO signs of the behind the scenes action and heard way too many testimonies that he is making no effort. At some point it settles in that I have to take things at face value. If he is working to create a crisis then I don’t think my actions or words hurt his cause so I feel good either way.
There are multiple potential local ownership groups and they are not fantasy. They all have the same caveat. They will only buy the team with a new arena solution. Nobody wants to inherit this existing situation.
There is a real chance the community will have to stand up at some point and say “Mr. Stern, this is our offer and we think it’s fair. Before you approve franchise relocation from this 40 year market we ask that you mandate a window to sell to local ownership.” At that time people could step up and agree to buy with the new arena proposal being a contingency on the sale.
August 4th, 2007 at 9:14 am
The AG Warehouse property has some serious issues. There are height restrictions. You cannot construct a high rise there and as you mentioned light rail access is too far from the arena location. Furthermore, I would think the FAA would have a problem with putting 20,000 people in a building directly at the end of the runway.
The property ought to be used by Sabey in a trade with the City for the Metro Transit property next to Safeco. Then he could build a high rise complex and would be in the right location. Metro would find the AG location a good fit for their needs. No light rail or freeway construction would be required at either site.
August 4th, 2007 at 9:32 am
I would just like to say that I have been a Sonics fan since ….. I was born! Tip of the hat to everyone on this site that has activley challenged Clay Bennet and our local leaders to keep the GREEN and GOLD where they belong. Lets continue you on and forge the future of the Sonics in Seattle… Business is business but once you play with the passions of the local community you get determined group of fans not willing to take no for an answer!
August 4th, 2007 at 9:45 am
BR > I hope you are right that there is some serious movement to try & find a way to get a new arena built in the Seattle area. This is a BIG project and I’m sure there are many “Pro’s & Con’s” to any of the locations briefly mentioned above. But it can be done & now is the time to get it going & put the pressure on Bennett to either get on board or sell.
If a reasonable local arena solution is proposed that Bennett does not like then it will be a big issue for the NBA & Stern to figure out how much they value an owners right to move a team or a cities rpart in having these “Public Trusts” reasonably protected.
I also agree that Nichols firm stance to NOT negotiate an early lease buyout is a huge help and if I-93 passes it puts more pressure on Bennett to sell local if one of these scenario’s comes together.
While I distrust Bennett I think his aggressive/firm stance calling for a new arena in the long run offers a better solution that remodeling the KEY.
BR Mentions above…
“I have seen ZERO signs of the behind the scenes action and heard way too many testimonies that he is making no effort.”
I would add everything we see/hear from Bennett that is obvious & visible indicates he just wants to move the team, IMO he is trying to create a false image that he is making a “Good Faith” effort to get a new arena & keep the Sonics here simply to pave the way for a future vote by NBA owners to approve a move. His actions say loud & clear… “I want to move the Sonics”. There is no reason for Sonics fans to trust this guy.
August 4th, 2007 at 9:59 am
“However I always thought that would occur while serious behind the scenes efforts were made to reach out and put a coalition of some kind together”
Coalition with who? Behind the scenes? This isn’t some backroom deal, it’s all in the light of day. Sonics need a new arena and and the last two ownership groups have hit brick walls.
Stern came down a got hit in the head by not only city leaders but local columnists.
August 4th, 2007 at 9:59 am
Sportsfan-
Given the circumstances of the situation and as much as I’d like them to stay at Seattle Center, your idea makes alot of sense,IMO. I liked that it keeps all the Seattle sports venues in he same proximity. I fully respect what The Muckleshoots are doing but would rather see the new arena, if thats what it comes down to, in SODO rather than by the airport or racetrack. But I will take whatever as long as they remain The Seattle Supersonics.
August 4th, 2007 at 10:06 am
Rock says…
“If Mr. Bennett took a tough stance to force serious negotiations, but his intentions are truly to keep the team here, as he promised, then we will all apologize and thank him for his graciousness. But if he never had an intention to stay and fails to hold up his end of the bargain when he bought this team, then curse him. I truly hope that it is the former and not the latter.”
Well said - I agree. The story is not over & I distrust Bennett. He’s more loyal to OKC that Seattle & I think this is coming out now more than ever - but we’ll see.
August 4th, 2007 at 10:18 am
Producer…
Your point is well taken but sometimes before things come fully to light there is behind the scenes negotiations & planning to get a proposal/Idea more developed prior to going public. This is especially true with an OKC guy owning the team & threatening to move it. This naturally creates a dynamic where others who have an interest in keeping the team here &/or owning the team &/or being part of the real estate arena piece need to do some discussions and plans with Bennett &/or without him - so potential coaltions develop in the process before everything hits “The light of day”.
It’s a big/complex issue & process & you are right that previous owners “Hit a wall” on it. New coalitions, ideas, efforts are thus needed to try & get things moving - especially with Bennett wanting to move the team to OKC.
IMO - It is ironic that Bennett’s lying & lack of loyalty to Seattle & his threat/efforts to move the team may indeed be forcing Seattle leaders to step up & try to Save the Sonics.
August 4th, 2007 at 10:26 am
Location matters but mainly it is the financing to get something done. If the Governor said” “I will support $X million from state tax sources if and only to if it is matched by at least $Y million from private sources” then all the proposals could crunch their numbers and say they are in or out and make they offers and recruit their local government partners and say here is our total plan. Time to stop wishing for cards coming for inside straights and fullhouses and what have you and time to show what everybody has, knowing what the common cards are that the “dealer” laid down.
If Governor says $200 million from state it is one game; if she says $100 million and stuff on the side it is a little different. I don’t think she was ever solidly at $300 million and won’t be. If she says stuff on the side only, probably no one plays. If she says nothing substantial what want wshe will support, I don’t think anything substantial gets done.
August 4th, 2007 at 10:29 am
can somebody basically sum all of that up?!?!?!
August 4th, 2007 at 10:34 am
August 04, 2007
Clay Bennett has never meet the Mayor of Seattle, Greg Nickels, never.
SEATTLE - This past week we’ve found out that the Mayor of Seattle, Greg Nickels, will not let the Sonics out of the current arena lease early. We have also found out that Bennett doesn’t even want to discuss a Key arena remodel.
They can still meet and discuss other options, if they know how to arrange a simple meeting.
I think it’s more than a little strange that the owner of the Seattle Supersonics, Clay Bennett, has never meet with the mayor of the city he’s claimed to want to keep his team in. Not once have they sat face to face and discussed anything, not the weather, not business, not basketball, nothing.
http://theseattlesupersonics.blogspot.com/2007/08/clay-bennett-has-never-meet-mayor-of.html
August 4th, 2007 at 11:03 am
“Clay Bennett has never meet the Mayor of Seattle, Greg Nickels, never.”
Bennet said that the Key was never an option, never.
Nickels has never put another option on the table, never.
Makes sense from that standpoint. But seems to fall a little short of a good faith effort.
August 4th, 2007 at 11:14 am
“IMO - It is ironic that Bennett’s lying & lack of loyalty to Seattle & his threat/efforts to move the team may indeed be forcing Seattle leaders to step up & try to Save the Sonics.”
JJ, I’m guessing that it might not be ironic. I’m thinking this may have been the foreseen battle the day Bennett bought the team. Consider this - Before Bennett bought the team, he must have known the situation between Schultz and the Mayor. He must have either thought before making such an investment that either A) He is a better business man than Schultz and can bargain, wheel and deal better than Coffeeboy or B) Had never intended to keep the team in Seattle due to the un-winnable standoff between the city and team ownership. And knew the fight lied before him in moving the team to OKC. If it was choice A, (as of course we all hoped) he has to be either very smart, savvy and egotistical for a Midwesterner to stroll into town and think he can broker a deal that the former local owners tried and tried to do. (And don’t think he didn’t research the work that was ahead of him) Or he was stupid, ignorant and egotistical (he’s egotistical either way, which is not such a “bad” trait for an owner) enough to think he could pull off something. I tend to think it is neither of these and his plan was indeed “B” all along.
And I think this is where the back room bargaining Brian mentioned came into play. There is plenty of politics no matter how business appears to go in the light of day. At any rate, I’d love to hear what Schultz has to say about what is going on now. “Hey, been there, tried that”. I think he was delighted to dump the team and lied his arse off when he said “It was important to sell the team to someone who wanted to keep the team in Seattle” or whatever he said… words to that effect. Getting back to JJ’s comments. I wouldn’t be surprised if the City had always wanted to save the Sonics…. as long as it was done their way, meaning a financial win for them being in the cards.
August 4th, 2007 at 11:15 am
Hey Brian, besides the Muckleshoots and the proposed land that David Sabey owns, are they any more options besides these two?
August 4th, 2007 at 11:34 am
“Makes sense from that standpoint. But seems to fall a little short of a good faith effort.”
maybe a little short.
I want to stay in the Seattle market but will not meet with the mayor, I want local business leaders to make an effort, but don’t consider the Sabey or Muckleshoot efforts serious (they are just offering land and a clear path to freaking arena).
He’s either backing his way out of the market, or a social retard, pick one, because he’s not shown much evidence in the past 9 months to the contrary.
August 4th, 2007 at 11:34 am
In many ways we should thank Clay Bennett. Howard Schultz, or any other local owner can only go so far in pushing the local politicians to act on this issue. Schultz, has a big stake in the community and does not want to appear to be a horses behind. Bennett, simply does not care. He can push for the best possible deal and sell out to local guys after it happens. His reputation in OKC will be enhanced.
Sabey, undoubtedly is way ahead of the rest of us on this board in thinking this thru. This is about more than just a basketball arena. The new arena’s like Staples and Pepsi Center are $1 billion dollar commercial developments. The south end of downtown is under utilized and ripe for urban renewal. The basketball arena is only a piece of the project. Sabey, will find all the help he needs to finance it if he is successful in securing the location. Each time a stadium siting discussion came up in the past the Metro location was on the list. Metro, couldn’t find another place to go within the City. Now there is an alternate site for them at the AG Warehouse location. Amazon and Microsoft are always looking for new office space.
How nice it would be to have an attractive new development along the freeway as we approach downtown.
August 4th, 2007 at 11:38 am
Maybe Sabey and Muckleshoots would “play” for just “stuff on the side”- infrastructure, development rights. It seems they will play for less than Clay but its all about what you are at. The only player at the table for real right now is Bennett. The others want a sea but can only get one if Bennett lets them or Stern pressures for them successfully.
August 4th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
Mr. Baker….
Your comments on Bennett never meeting Nichols are very important. Part of what I think Call..Calabro is saying well - not quite a “good faith effort” to not even begin to develop some relationship with the mayor anywhere along the line.
I don’t think Bennett is a social retard - (Liar yes - retard no) I think he is simply trying to move his team to OKC & thinks this type of manipulation is the best way. But if he is telling the truth when he says he wants to keep the Sonics here & get a new arena built - then yes - the man is a social & business retard.
(Although maybe you could make a case for saying this is all his way of getting the political scene shaken up & moving on the issue - something Schultz could never do. If so I will apologize in the future if Bennett keeps the Sonics here & as owner leads the way on a new arena)
But IMO I would say Bennett is either a liar or a retard - take your pick. I say liar.
August 4th, 2007 at 12:09 pm
Let’s go all the way back to the beginning…. Bennett & his co-owners are all OKC people - OKC just built a new arena & supported the Hornets well & they crave an NBA team. Bennett buys Sonics who have 3 years left on a lease in Seattle & political problems getting a new arena built with strong local owners. Stern issues “warnings” that Seattle needs a new arena. Bennett can be the OKC savior & hero. He is hated in Seattle & knows it. All his actions & non-actions since his failed bid for public $$$ in Olympia are saying - “I want to move”. BR says above that mayors office indicates Bennett wanted to discuss a lease buyout (not surprising). Believing Bennett wants to keep the sonics here just does not add up.
August 4th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Soniccomic…
You may well be right - I think Bennett wanted to move to OKC all along. Maybe he would have kept the team here with a “Killer” deal & the Renton location etc. but I think he never expected that to fly - everything was just for show to position himself to get support from Stern & NBA owners when he asks to move to his hometown.
August 4th, 2007 at 12:22 pm
Clay Bennett, is a businessman. His partners are also successful businessmen. They are going to make money one way or the other. They either sell out at a profit to Seattle interests or they take the team to OKC and make it work down there. If you expect charity you are working with the wrong guy.
August 4th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
Very positive news for Seattle fans that hope a solution can be made to keep the teams here. Go Sonics!!
August 4th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
Brian,
Fantastic work, as usual.
My letter to Commissioner Stern is in the mail today.
For those who may have missed it:
Attention Commissioner Stern
NBA
Olympic Tower
645 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10022
August 4th, 2007 at 2:05 pm
This entire process has taken place behind the scenes. Don’t kid yourself that they are all being up front with the public. Sabey, the Muckleshoots, the mayor, Licata, Clay, everyone has an agenda and a game and very little of it gets out to the public.
When I say behind the scenes coalition I am talking about the basics. If he’d spurned legislature while at the same time letting it be known to Sabey that he’d talk about a deal it is one thing. If he’d called the governors office and said “I have to take a firm public stance but I’d love to talk” it makes sense. My read on the situation is that he has done none of those things. Of course I could be out of the loop on this one but I don’t believe I am. For gods sake we have a group of fans that has sent over 2000 e-mails to the governor in 3 months and Clay won’t respond to our e-mails or solicit help in his rally cry to the Mayor.
I know the details of the Muckleshoot initial converstaion and it was substantial. SUBSTANTIAL. The fact that he took that conversation in and never even bother to call them back I cannot believe that Clay has interest in being here. That was one of many key points in me coming to my conclusion.
August 4th, 2007 at 3:27 pm
Put a plan in place for a new arena and the team stays. Bennett, will leave and someone else will step up and buy the team. Why would he want to operate a team here? He will be forced to accept a buy out and move on. The NBA will never allow a move if a new arena is in the queue.
August 4th, 2007 at 3:58 pm
I had a thought come to my head the other day as I was driving and listening to KJR. Part of the sale to Bennett was he had to try and get an arena deal by October 31 and show good faith towards doing this. If he is out not trying, going to meetings with Kansas City, Vegas, and Oklahoma City politicians, he would appear to fail his terms of the sale. Any chance the sale gets overturned and is forced to sell to a local ownership??
August 4th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
Hope you are right Sportsfan.
BR > I think you are on target in your current assumptions about Bennett. If he wanted to keep the Sonics in Seattle, why in the world would he ignore the most significant fan base of organized support available to help achieve this goal?
August 4th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
Robbie….
I doubt there is any way Bennett can be “forced” to sell. What he could be forced to do is “Stay” if….
NBA owners & Stern tell him he can’t move - because Seattle has a viable arena deal available (Even if it is not one he would want) and if they would contend as you have outlined that his effort to try & get a deal done & keep the Sonics in Seattle has not be engaged in with a real “Good Faith” effort. (IMO this would be easy to make a strong case for). NBA owners need to be very careful with their liability position if they move a team & this could motivate them to NOT let Clay move his team to HIS HOMETOWN.
At that point he could either keep the team in Seattle as owner or Sell to a local owner if that was available - maybe/likley as part of an arena deal.
August 4th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
“The property ought to be used by Sabey in a trade with the City for the Metro Transit property next to Safeco. Then he could build a high rise complex and would be in the right location. Metro would find the AG location a good fit for their needs. No light rail or freeway construction would be required at either site.”
I’m sorry Sports Fan, but I was just trying that proposal at RealGM and think that Sabey would at least have to send out another couple million to match salaries. I’d suggest throwing in Theo Ratlif, and then maybe a 2nd rounder to sweeten the pot.
August 4th, 2007 at 4:46 pm
I wonder if New Orleans really does not appear viable as an NBA town at this point in time…and that they would sell out to Bennett to move the team full time to OKC and that Bennett would then sell the Sonics to local ownership.
I know this is not a very “nice” thing to think about because of what New Orleans has been through…but they were never that strong a city (population wise) in the first place and that was before their current issues and their loss of population/wealth. I could easily see a final solution where this “trade” of franchises takes place. I think it may take time for this to happen, and that’s why forcing the Sonics to honor their lease is important.
We are not happy when OKC talks about Seattle and their issues, so I really don’t want to come across as if I’m attacking New Orleans. That’s really not my intent. I think having the Hornets could be very valuable in terms of the city moral and comeback. I could just see the possibility that, at this moment in time, New Orleans may not be able to support an NBA franchise and that OKC would be the obvious choice for where to move that franchise. Maybe just owning a franchise gives leverage to Bennett to finally get a team in OKC, even if it is not necessarily the Sonics.
August 4th, 2007 at 5:32 pm
Okc does not have a NBA arena. It is to small and they would have to build A NBA areana to land the sonics. They also will have to build a practice facility. Okc will be happy to pony up the $$ for both facilities. Wake up Seattle you are gonna have to build it if you want them to stay!
August 4th, 2007 at 7:13 pm
Kivman - The Hornets just got a minority owner (25%) from New Orleans. So I do not think they’ll be moving any time soon.
August 4th, 2007 at 7:31 pm
“Kivman - The Hornets just got a minority owner (25%) from New Orleans. So I do not think they’ll be moving any time soon.”
I hear ya. It’s a very sensitive situation. That’s why time is important. It’s a minority owner. If they lose a ton of money in the next year it could create a very difficult situation. New Orleans is a much less desirable location than Seattle in terms of market size and value. No offense to New Orleans intended…facts are facts. It’s not that far fetched for Stern and other owners to decide that Seattle and OKC is a better twosome than NO and OCK.
August 4th, 2007 at 7:38 pm
Props to mk.
August 4th, 2007 at 7:42 pm
actually Brian’s post is the best news I’ve heard in months.I just hope it is news.
and by the way,Hugh Millen is a passionate and intelligent spokesman for our cause on kjr.His point on Friday that the key arena option would not be a 9 or 10 but probably an 8 and 1/2
really made a lot of sense to me.that Bennett wold just blow it off means we really have to support Brian’s initiative.
Maybe just maybe the worm is turning in our favor.must keep pressure on all these players.good on the mayor and governor.
and Sabey and muckleshoots.Let ‘em know how we feel.
August 4th, 2007 at 9:50 pm
I think the prospects of the Hornets moving in three years are slim. Stern has made an incredible commitment to that city, as evidenced by the association awarding it the 2008 all-star game. The public relations nightmare that he would endure if he were to allow Shinn to sell that team to Clay would be much worse than permitting the Sonics to relocate.
August 5th, 2007 at 1:54 pm
So great to hear the news. It’s fun to think about the Muckleshoots and Sabey possibly competing with each other for the future of the team…and it’s great to know that the buyout option appears to be off the table.
What happens to A Deal Is A Deal if Sabey or the Muckleshoots have any kind of success?
————————————————————————
Producer–
If this was all posturing or acting by Bennett, and he really has a desire to keep this team in town, the man deserves an Oscar or an Emmy.
August 5th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
That’s a good point, Alex. However, if Shinn is losing money hand over fist in NO, he won’t accept it quietly. At some point the business side will win out over the PR side - which might not be as bad if the city struggles to support the team for a year or two.
August 5th, 2007 at 2:15 pm
Does anyone know in what court it would go to if the Sonics were to break the lease agreement? I would assume it would be a local court. I would think a home team bias is likely to matter in that situation. The law is, by my experience, malleable.
August 5th, 2007 at 3:14 pm
Whatever Arena solution is presented, I hope it is presented to Mr. Bennett late at night on October 31st.
Hopefully it will be presented to him at his hotel in New York where he will no doubt be staying so he can file relocation papers the next day at the league office.
Also if possible I would enjoy a reporter and cameraman there to record the look on his face.
August 5th, 2007 at 3:22 pm
You are right, McCoy, Clay would likely be facing a local judge should he attempt to break the lease. Assuming that the principal place of business of the Professional Basketball Club LLC is in Washington state, Clay would not be able to remove an action to prevent him from breaking the lease to federal court.
August 5th, 2007 at 4:56 pm
An october 31st announcement by Bennett saying he has applied for relocation means nothing considering all that has transpired this week. HIs move is expected. What we heard from the mayor and governor, the muckleshoots and now sabey was a nice surprise. Thanks for outlining the situation as it appears to stand now.
August 5th, 2007 at 6:08 pm
On New O. Hornets franchice….
I agree a move will be tough because of Stern’s big commitment to NO - but that could change IMO because I think he just blew it on that one. I will be shocked if NO can suport an NBA franchise. The city is just to beat up - I think it was a weak NBA market before Katrina. I feel for the people - not trying to diss them or the city - I just think there will be a big-time struggle to make the NBA work in New Orleans.
August 5th, 2007 at 6:21 pm
Stern has a big commitment to giving NO a chance. I think it is very questionable whether that chance will amount to long term success. Their deal in NO is only good until 2012. They need a new practice arena and arena improvements.
I’ll just say that given the natural disaster that city survived it is a terrible injustice if they invest money into the NBA product before helping rebuild schools and needed infrastructure.
August 5th, 2007 at 6:31 pm
The lease stipulates that any disutes will be settled in a Washington State court.
If I-93 passes then ANY citizen of Seattle can make claim to the Seattle City attorney to represent on their behalf against the PBC for breaking their contract.
I just don’t know how Clay can file for relocation if he has not gotten the lease buyout. Seriously what are his grounds? What happens if he files for relocation and then is rejected?
My hunch is that he files for relocation and the resolution is leaked for months. The NBA will announce in May that it has approved relocation at the termination of the existing lease in the event that there is no agreed upon Arena solution. If there is an arena solution and Clay won’t agree to it then a local buyer must step forward.
Thats the big hammer right there. It officially starts the clock ticking.
August 5th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
Steve Kelley’s article today was AMAZING.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/stevekelley/2003822302_kelley05.html
August 5th, 2007 at 7:02 pm
Producer,
AFAIK, Sabey offered to buy Bennett out months ago for the price Bennett bought the Sonics at. Bennett, being Bennett, turned him down. Sabey alone sounds like all the local investment you’ll ever need.
August 5th, 2007 at 7:41 pm
I’m not sure you’re correct Martin. We don’t know anything about price and Sabey does not have enough money to do this alone. He would need other investors.
August 6th, 2007 at 8:22 am
Steve Kelley’s article today was AMAZING.
- Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm all I have to say…after this has been going on for over a YEAR…WTF! took Kelley so long to write an article like this. After so many negative Sonics articles that have been out I was halfway expecting their to be some sarcastic twist ending to this article saying it was “all just a matter of time” before they leave.
It must be a good sign that these articles are starting to come out more frequently. I will never understand why it took so long though.
August 6th, 2007 at 9:29 am
Steve Kelley is a windsock. He goes in whatever direction the political wind is blowing.
August 6th, 2007 at 9:44 am
What I find amusing is that by Bennet, by being so stubborn and making it plain that he is not even trying to keep the team in Seattle (unless given a new stadium on a silver platter) is ironically getting EVERYONE sided against him. People that before didn’t care much about sonics staying in Seattle are now rethinking that stance becuase they want to stick it to Bennet.
If Bennet is playing the villain on purpose it might end up being a brilliant move - but I can’t see someone wanting to be hated in the home town of a team he owns intentionally.
That is the first Kelley article that wasn’t a defeatest attitude (well its still kinda negetive but it at least appears like he is trying to “rally the troops”). I agree with Kelley that right now getting excited about the team is gutwrenching… the more excited for the team I am the more I get upset about the whole Bennet thing…
August 6th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
To pick up on what Coop had to say, I agree that Bennett is becoming the villain in this drama. To a certain extent, I understand him playing hardball, but he is alienating everyone that he ultimately needs to deal with.
Bennett seems to me as someone who is not prepared to handle owing a very public business. Or, as has been suggested, is not interested in owing that business in Seattle.
August 6th, 2007 at 6:07 pm
Brian,
so the talk mentioned here turned out to be scuttlebutt and not much more? Drat. It sure would be nice to have someone like Sabey sitting in the wings right now just waiting for Bennett to break and sell the team.
August 7th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
“Sports Fan Says:
August 4th, 2007 at 9:14 am
The AG Warehouse property has some serious issues. There are height restrictions. You cannot construct a high rise there and as you mentioned light rail access is too far from the arena location. Furthermore, I would think the FAA would have a problem with putting 20,000 people in a building directly at the end of the runway.
The property ought to be used by Sabey in a trade with the City for the Metro Transit property next to Safeco. Then he could build a high rise complex and would be in the right location. Metro would find the AG location a good fit for their needs. No light rail or freeway construction would be required at either site.”
This would be a great location, if everything you’re saying is true. Here’s hoping for movement on that front!
In the event the Metro property is no-go, I still think the city would be eager to work to bypass existing zoning codes as long as they’re getting specific performance on the Key lease. KC Airport… I thought the planes mostly land northbound? Besides, couldn’t you put design elements in that would deflect the impact of incoming out-of-control aircraft?