Name the OK Franchise?
Posted on Tuesday, March 25th, 2008 at 1:11 am by Brian Robinson
Win 5 free tickets to a Sonics game if you can name the NBA’s new franchise in Oklahoma City.
Theres a lot that could be read into this article.
They state the willingness to leave behind the team colors and history. Thats something I’m not suprised about. Then somewhere else they say they are willing to leave behind “virtually everything except the players and coaches.” So much fo those new jobs you all have been promised in OKC….Ben Willson, Marketing Director, we’re just going to leave you behind…
Seriously does this mean that they basically form 2 franchises. We get an operations staff but no talent and they get the team but no support? Sounds crazy to me.
I do know that the tide is shifing. The national coverage is expanding. Clearly the team is afraid of a potential problem and this paranoia is causing them difficulties. Now this article comes out and it becomes clearer to me daily that the team and league are begining to squirm a little bit. They have never wanted to go through with this trial. They always assumed that they would get out early. Now just weeks away the ugliness has settled in nd the concessions start to come. They’ll leave the colors but they want the team. We’ll take the colors and we want the team, but maybe if they give us ANY team we’ll settle.
I am not certain how it will work out. I want to win with these guys, this team, this roster. I do know that I feel good about our overall options at this point. I just wonder how attached ClayClay could be to this 17 win monstrosity of a roster. There area few bright spots but he’sgot to realize that even with a new building these guys will still suck.
I read this article and I just get a sense that we’re moving in a direction where the players are getting ready to deal. Clay threw a couple of cards down and it was not enough, but its movement in the right direction. We have faith that he’ll do the right thing. Or else he will endure the most miserable public litigation he could ever imagine. He’ll embarass the league and he friends. We’ll make sure it is th most heavily publicized spots trial in the history of sports.
March 25th, 2008 at 2:02 am
I don’t understand this name the OK franchise thing?
March 25th, 2008 at 2:09 am
The thing is that these players, and the coaching staff, and the gm are still really unproven, so why the attachment to them from the ownership? Presti is possibly the best piece along with KD, but it’s not like he’s irreplaceable. KD definitely has superstar potential, but even superstars come, and go, and can Bennett be so sure that KD would resign in OKC anyway? I mean Lebron James is from Ohio, and he may not stay with the Cavs, so I have my doubts that KD would just automatically resign with OKC. I know I sure wouldn’t.
The bottom line is that the NBA should just give OKC an expansion franchise(if possible), and let the Ballmer group, and the city of Seattle just go ahead with their plans…
March 25th, 2008 at 2:20 am
I mean even if they wanted Presti, the new ownership could just agree to let him go, and even if they wanted KD, then maybe a trade of some sort could be orchestrated(although that would be much more difficult to pull off in a fair manner, and is kind of far fetched). Nonetheless, if everyone were willing to take on a cooperative spirit so that all sides are happy, then things could get done, and Clay Bennett could even leave this region with his image somewhat in tact. Heck, David Stern could go from zero to hero with just one decision if he really wanted to.
March 25th, 2008 at 2:22 am
Brian,
Is our next action item to make sure city officials DO NOT accept a settlement?
This is our team; these players belong in Seattle. Let them deal with finding another one via expansion or New Orleans or Charlotte.
March 25th, 2008 at 2:23 am
To be honest, I wouldn’t be surprised if the fans of OKC wouldn’t also prefer that scenario as well…
March 25th, 2008 at 2:33 am
This story really explains the Governors comments the other day that killed me. The “I’ll do everything I can to have a team here named the Sonics” comment.
It also kinda explains to me why I keep getting emails from the Council that are very leaning towards a buyout.
March 25th, 2008 at 2:41 am
Oklahoma City Burglars sounds about right.
March 25th, 2008 at 4:11 am
If worse comes to worse, here are a few suggestions for the OKC “non-sonics.”
The Hijacked Hoopsters
The Kidnapped Key-sters
The Burgled Ballplayers
The OKC National Embarrassments
The Spur Wannabe’s
Presti’s Punks
Clay’s Indentured Mercenaries-for-Hire
If the team does get stuck in OKC, maybe this time next year they should bake some unleavened bread and put blood on their doors–then they can leave captivity while the Angel of Death slays Bennett’s first-born.
“LET THE SONICS GO!” (I mean, ‘Clay, let go of the Sonics’–not ‘let the Sonics go with Clay’).
March 25th, 2008 at 6:28 am
So we get to keep the name, colors, and history and he gets our team?? Im not not how much that is all worth considering we night have to wait 5-10 years to get another team back in Seattle! It seems like the officials of Seattle are giving up on keeping the Sonics in Seattle, and are now focusing on getting another franchise to replace them. Should we even be rooting for this team this year if they will end up in OKC anyway??? Wouldnt it be great if Durant signs back with The Sonics after his rookie contract ended with clay clay in OKC???
March 25th, 2008 at 7:32 am
OKC Robbers
OKC Thieves
OKC Hijackers
OKC Bennetts
Any are appropriate.
March 25th, 2008 at 7:39 am
What’s the scoop? Does anything substantial happen before April 17?
March 25th, 2008 at 8:04 am
Another strong sign of the weakness of the OKies position.
This latest PR salvo smacks of growing desperation. They are trying to play to the soft parts of the City Council.
We should NOT allow the council to cave to this. There are much better deals to be had. Brian is right. And, Slade and his legal team undoubtedly know this.
The trial should be unbelievably ugly and bad for the league and the OKies. Stern and the OKies will deal to avoid that and what should be the inevitable two years of expensive, lame duck status in a city that is boycotting the games.
Stern and the OKies can turn this situation into a win - win outcome. Or it can be a lose - lose result.
But, the Council needs to play hardball and stand fast in order to force them to that outcome. Taking this deal would be just foolish.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:18 am
So, its time to write the council and remind them what backbone looks like.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:26 am
I guess people forget the lame duck status works both ways. If Bennett is intent on leaving(and I don’t think the City’s position really gives him much choice) then 2 years of lame duck status hurt’s the City’s chances of getting a new team in here sooner than later. 2 years of bickering, bitterness and bad blood doesn’t help Balmer’s group, the NBA or the fans. The one person is does not effect is Bennett.
That’s why the City will probably, at the end of the day, settle.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:27 am
That said, I think the Balmer group is a red herring.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:29 am
I left the article feeling that our historically wayward “leaders” will be leaning more toward a buyout now than ever before. I mean, Bennett is essentially offering everything we’ve been fighting for on the surface, and I’m fearful that Nickles may see this as an opportunity to make everyone happy - anti- and pro-sonic folk alike. Gregoire already knew this, and sought a middle of the road stance.
As much as I want to watch KD and Green grow into superstars and positive local community influences over the years, it really just feels like Clay has sucked the air out of this situation with his gesture. Now, if Stern softens his stance to something like “well, if Seattle drops the suit and lets Bennett leave ASAP via buyout, the NBA WILL relocate a franchise to Seattle within the next 2 years - I guarentee it”, I think (for better or worse) our cause will diminish substantially.
In other related news, I saw that Rudy Gay dropped 30 last night.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:33 am
I was watching the Lakers and the Warriors last night. Baron Davis could have been the best point guard to have ever played ,in my opinion, if he had taken the game more seriously and hadn’t got hurt so much. He is a Tiny Archibald, Isiah Thomas type player.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:33 am
OKC approves lease for Sonics:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/6420ap_bkn_supersonics_oklahoma.html
March 25th, 2008 at 8:34 am
I guess people forget the lame duck status works both ways. If Bennett is intent on leaving(and I don’t think the City’s position really gives him much choice) then 2 years of lame duck status hurt’s the City’s chances of getting a new team in here sooner than later. 2 years of bickering, bitterness and bad blood doesn’t help Balmer’s group, the NBA or the fans.
Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah……….
The one person is does not effect is Bennett.
This is not true at all. The black eye he’s giving the NBA, I would have to believe is most assuredly not appreciated by the other owners in the league.
That’s why the City will probably, at the end of the day, settle.
That’s what you and the rest of your Oklahoma crowd is hoping for. Personally, I’d prefer to see Bennett, Stern and all of you Oklahoma hijackers sit and cry for the next two years, as the ownership group has to write checks to cover cash calls as the franchise bleeds red ink. While it obviously woudn’t hurt the group financially, it would make their investment even worse than it already is, and give them an even bigger black eye around the league.
Current players are already talking bad about Oklahoma and it will only get worse. Bennett and his two faced group deserves every bad thing that happens to them from trying to steal this franchise in bad faith.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:37 am
“TNT has been following Save Our Sonics all week. Its game crew was prevented from filming the Save Our Sonics folks during their chants in the first half.”
SON OF A B!
March 25th, 2008 at 8:39 am
“it would make their investment even worse than it already is, and give them an even bigger black eye around the league”
The black eye is coming from Seattle who could care less about the team. What owner in their right mind would want to build a franchise in this place?
March 25th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Actually, thinking about that quote… if it wasn’t TNT’s big camera filming us early on in the game, whose was it?
March 25th, 2008 at 8:39 am
“That’s why the City will probably, at the end of the day, settle.”
In one hand they have Slade Gorton and four of the most respected business leaders in the city offering them 150 million dollars, NBA basketball and a revamp of Seattle Center, on the other hand they have Clay offering them 26.5 million and the team name. You honestly think they’re going to chose Clay’s hand?
March 25th, 2008 at 8:41 am
“The black eye is coming from Seattle who could care less about the team. What owner in their right mind would want to build a franchise in this place?”
Fail troll is fail.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:44 am
If David Stern can give Seattle an expansion franchise in two years he can give it to Bennett. The NBA cannot be allowed to feel they can abandon cities and some how kiss and make up with an expansion franchise that will not be competitive for 10 years. We owe it to fans in every NBA city to ensure the league pays a steep price for what they have done here. This was orchestrated by the league office.
There will be no new arena if the team leaves. I certainly will not support it and I have been a supporter all along. How do we guarantee the next team will not be sold out from under us and moved. No lease will ever be strong enough. I am not going to waste my time or entertainment dollars following a league of carpetbaggers.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:49 am
The city is not going to settle. I simply cannot state this strongly enough. That decision comes from the mayor, not the council and he is not going to back down at this point.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:53 am
I suspect the city will try and settle as part of their 75 mil ante. I am against any buyout as there are no guarantees past this year if the city caves.
I hope the city is looking at the big picture. To give in, before we see all the cards, would limit our ability to keep/bring any team.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:53 am
TNT’s camera crew was there in the stands at the beginning of the game, but was thrown out by security. I would love to hear them make a story about the Bennett regime trying to silence SOS.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:55 am
OKC Dust Buckets
OKC Carpetbaggers
The NBA. It’s FARM-TASTIC!
March 25th, 2008 at 8:57 am
In other news, there is something on the front page that is making my work computer’s virus scanner go crazy. Some sort of Java script thing that’s ending up in my temporary internet files… this is the first day it’s happened…
March 25th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Well done last night. The chants were awesome. We got good quotes from Wilkins and Green about how the cheers really helped them along. The NBA was so worried that there was going to be an “incident” that they pulled the game from NBA TV and brought in extra security. The NBA looked stupid because the only incident was thousands of Sonics fans banding together and showing the world that we’re not giving up on this team. The Sonics are our team, and we want them, not the Grizzlies or Bobcats, playing in our city for the next 41+ years. I was proud of the effort on and off the floor last night. Lets keep it going.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:05 am
I was seeing the same warning on my computer last night, SeeJ
March 25th, 2008 at 9:06 am
We’re working with the host provider to get rid of virus issues now.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:12 am
NO SETTLEMENT - EVER!
The City must ride this out, all the way to the end - even if it means potentially sacrificing the possibility of getting another team later. Forget landing expansion team in a couple years, forget the Hornets or the Grizzlies - we want OUR Sonics.
The fact that Bennett is already willing to leave the team name, colors, and history behind shows his position is weakening by the day. Bennett is clearly betting everything on the relocation vote - but my feeling is that even after the league approves his request to relocate, that’s just the beginning.
Bennett’s will try to use the implied inevitability of his move in 2010 as leverage to settle the lawsuit now - but the reality is that Bennett, his partners, Stern, and the rest of the owners cannot and will not stomach a lame-duck franchise sitting here for 2 years while fans boycott the team.
BENNETT WILL SELL IF THE CITY STAYS STRONG.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:13 am
We should have a SOS ‘Meetup’ group.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:13 am
I would love to see the City come out with there plan today. It would take the wind out of the sail in OKC. I am getting really tired of all these articles about the Sonics are leaving etc. We need to shut these people up. I am glad Brian that you say the city will not settle. I want this team and players and OKC can have the coach. I want this plan out now.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:15 am
OKC Robber Barons
March 25th, 2008 at 9:15 am
“We should have a SOS ‘Meetup’ group.”
Ozzies on the 24th, sorry you missed it;)
March 25th, 2008 at 9:20 am
Clay’s connection to Texas infers he’s got a man crush on Durant. This whole game Stern and Clay are playing is ridiculous and it’d be nice if the NBA BOG stepped up and reprimanded the spokesman of the league, imho. The NBA should just give Clay the option of swapping franchises or awarding him an expansion team.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:23 am
OKC “Good Faith” Healers
March 25th, 2008 at 9:23 am
it’s nice to hear brian saying the mayor won’t settle. as happy as i am that the sonics colors and banners won’t be in OKC if we took this deal, i don’t want any other team except the one we have now; even as horrible as they are.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:25 am
OKC Fakers
March 25th, 2008 at 9:27 am
OK Seize
March 25th, 2008 at 9:30 am
I read this on the Seattle Times board. Who knows if this is just another attempt to get attention but I hope it is true.
I have it through a very good source of mine that Ballmer and his group are close to allocating the rest of the $75M for the upgrade of Key Arena, which would put them at $225M for the investment plus the purchase of the team, while Seattle fronts the other $75M they promised earlier.
I’m loving where this is going.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:57 am
kba - I hope this is true, though I feel somewhat embarassed by Ballmer having to up his financial support…
Either way, I’ll be a democrat for Rossi this year (unless Gregoire pulls off some sort of miracle).
March 25th, 2008 at 10:03 am
How about just calling them the OKC Trail of Tears?
It’s historic, it’s part of OK history, ought to resonate with the fans…
March 25th, 2008 at 10:08 am
This got me thinking,
I’ve never really HATED any team in the league. Hate is more often directed towards certain players in my case. But what if the move were to go as Clay planned? I think i would genuinely hate the team that was
once the sonics.
One thing i’m sure of is the OKC “whatevers” are going to be perennial losers stuck in a crappy city.
At least they will be great to hate on and their bitter misery will be savoured by (former) sonics fans around the globe.
This could provide for a totally new way of experiencing the NBA (not a better way though)
March 25th, 2008 at 10:12 am
As I said before, if the Sonics go I’m done with the NBA (minus a new team and major butt kissing on their part), but they will get ten seconds a day from me. That ten seconds will be me checking the scores and standings and thouroghly enjoying the Oklahoma City Satans failure. And as their time in OKC comes to an end I will be reading their newpapers and blogs and forums and posting much love from Seattle as they did here.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Being left the name, logo and colors of the Sonics should make us feel as good as a husband who’s wife is leaving behind the washing machine, wedding ring and lingerie.
Really? Some of you actually see this as hopeful news.
Pass the beer nuts.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:25 am
If David Stern can give Seattle an expansion franchise in two years he can give it to Bennett. The NBA cannot be allowed to feel they can abandon cities and some how kiss and make up with an expansion franchise that will not be competitive for 10 years. We owe it to fans in every NBA city to ensure the league pays a steep price for what they have done here. This was orchestrated by the league office.
- Honestly, when you look back at the deal Charlotte got when building their franchise it is actually not that bad of an option to get a expansion team. Sure your first season sucks (can it be worse than this?), but you are given a clean slate and tons of cap space (growing year over year). The reason Charlotte has not succeeded isn’t because of them being an expansion franchise it is because their owner is cheap and their Coaches/GMs have been stupid and they have had bad luck.
The first year they started with the #4 pick, traded up to #2 and got Emeka Okafor. The following year they drafted Raymond Felton, but just missed out on Chris Paul/D Williams. Next they took Adam Morrison…and then Brandan Wright.
It is very concievable that they could’ve had a roster of:
C - Okafor (honestly, they could’ve had Dwight Howard since Okafor was considered by a lot of people the #1 pick of the draft)
PF - Brandan Wight / Yokim Noah
SF - Danny Granger
SG - Brandon Roy
PG - Chris Paul/D Williams
And basically had 20 to 30 million in cap space. Essentially, I don’t see any difference between the Sonics now and an expansion team…except for Kevin Durant.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:25 am
The Joklahoma Bennetts
March 25th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Clint,
I will not vote for the Governor even if she saves the day. Her time to act was a few weeks ago and she did nothing. Then after listening to her on KJR I realize that she is clueless. A strong Governor would have step up. We all know who is really the Governor of the State of Washington. His name is Frank Chopp.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:30 am
If the BOG decide to approve the relocation and as long as Stern is threatening to not bring the NBA back to Seattle if they go through with making the Sonics stay for 2 more years, I would think it might be best for Seattle to settle. I know, I am about to get crucified here. But here is my point: if the options are to settle and maybe get an NBA team back within a year or two or don’t settle, keep the sonics for 2 more years and not get another team until Stern leaves office (not sure how long that would be) I would want the city to do whatever they could to settle and get a team back in. Again, I understand the passion for this team, I think it is great!
As far as the chants not being aired on T.V., as a parent, I don’t want my son to hear fans chanting words that I don’t believe are appropriate for him to use. They did the right thing by not allowing them to air it.
Finally, as far as OKC is concerned, I think some of these posts show that people in Seattle don’t think NBA will make it in OKC. I believe it will do just as good or better than when the Hornets were there. They have been waiting for a major league sports team for several years now. I just hope this joke of a lease doesn’t hurt them if they do get a team.
Oh, and Laporbo, I realize OKC people have come and attacked you guys here. However, I am not sure that going onto the OKC blogs throwing it back at them is really going to do much good for Seattle. They just want what Seattle wants, the NBA. And in that, many of them have crossed the bounds of appropriate posts.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:32 am
if the city wins the trial. And the sonics are forced to stay for 2 years. WE SHOULD BOYCOTT GAMES. AND KEEP THE PRESSURE UP. CLAY WILL SELL
March 25th, 2008 at 10:39 am
What did the papers the dance team handed out in the SOS section say?
March 25th, 2008 at 10:39 am
I also see where a lot of people here where there may not be a consensus on whether the city should buyout or not. If the city council is in the same boat, that will not help Seattle one bit. I think the best thing is for a large majority of people to agree upon the same plan. Otherwise, Seattle will seem split on the issue and people outside of Seattle will see it, including the BOG.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Steelersrock - how are you going to go on any Seattle sports message board and expect to be taken seriously with that name?
I disagree with you on most every point, and am suspect of your indirect backing of OKC as a pro sports ready town when it isn’t. OKC is a college town. Just because most of their college football players may receive under-the-counter, NCAA-violating financing from area boosters doesn’t mean that OKC is ready to support a legitimate pro spots team.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:41 am
“As far as the chants not being aired on T.V., as a parent, I don’t want my son to hear fans chanting words that I don’t believe are appropriate for him to use. They did the right thing by not allowing them to air it.”
You do realize the only chant was ‘Save Our Sonics’ right?
Still think they did the right thing?
March 25th, 2008 at 10:42 am
“As far as the chants not being aired on T.V., as a parent, I don’t want my son to hear fans chanting words that I don’t believe are appropriate for him to use. They did the right thing by not allowing them to air it.”
WAT?!
March 25th, 2008 at 10:43 am
We do not want an expansion franchise. WE WANT THIS FRANCHISE!!!!! The Sonics moving from this market makes no sense. The League is watered down anyway. I would not want to be a part of making this league worse by adding another team. Stern talking expansion to Europe. Take care of the people that have supported this team for 40 years.
OKC—NO SUPES FOR YOU!!!!
March 25th, 2008 at 10:43 am
Steelersrock comes off as a planted… wait a sec - is Apostle on to us?
March 25th, 2008 at 10:44 am
“As far as the chants not being aired on T.V., as a parent, I don’t want my son to hear fans chanting words that I don’t believe are appropriate for him to use. They did the right thing by not allowing them to air it.”
Which of these three words do you not want your children to hear? “Save-Our-Sonics.”
March 25th, 2008 at 10:44 am
“If the BOG decide to approve the relocation and as long as Stern is threatening to not bring the NBA back to Seattle if they go through with making the Sonics stay for 2 more years, I would think it might be best for Seattle to settle.”
If you were Seattle would you hedge your bets with Steve Ballmer or Clay Bennett? With Ballmer you have a solution done now, with Bennett and Stern we’d be looking at at 500 million dollar palace before they’d put a team here.
When you’re on the offensive, why would you ever backtrack, which is what settling would be.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Clint, I don’t hide my backing for OKC for the NBA. I have stated in early posts, I am from OKC area. Grew up there. Lived there for 23 years. Currently live in PA. I realize I will take a hit for posting here. I support Seattle having an NBA team. Having lived in OKC, I know for a fact, it is ready for the NBA. That was proven when the Hornets went there for two years. The only thing OKC couldn’t provide was a practice facilty. They ended up practicing at the gym at my alma mater, Souther Nazarene University. They had an attendance average that was far from the bottom. This with a team that they knew would return to N.O.
Scott, I was under the impression that the chants were something else. I misread one of the posts! Sorry! In that case, they have every right to air it.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:49 am
All the little kids around me were enthusiasticly chanting Save-Our-Sonics along with their parents.
My favorite kid quote of the night, though was the 10 year old who yelled to the players in the first quarter…
“Hey, Sonics, I thought I came here to watch a TEAM. Pass the ball!”
March 25th, 2008 at 10:49 am
The OKC Bummers. OKC Sterns. OKC Arrogants. OKC Arrogant Smirks. OKC Hicks. I would say OKC Hillbillies, except they don’t have any hills, maybe just the ‘billies.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:49 am
The whole point is that the Mayor and the City must have both the courage and the political will to ignore Stern’s increasingly threatening rhetoric, and to ignore Bennett’s buyout offers and to see this through to the end - because Bennett will cave, but only if the City goes all the way and refuses to back down.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Scott, if Ballmer and crew have an arena deal in place with all of the financing, that changes things. I think everyone agrees about that. As of yet, I haven’t seen or heard of an actual deal in place, just rumors that it could be coming really soon. Still, if the BOG approves the move, it would come down to Bennett selling the team.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:51 am
I say call the team the OK Clays… the guy seems to be full of himself enough to do it, and OK seems to love him enough they would allow it!
March 25th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Wow, I look around for articles about our rally and to my surprise all the coverage is about OKC accepting the lease. Clay and Stern are doing a good job at keeping us out of the front page. They seem to be releasing information and statements just when we are too. Damn it I hate those 2 people.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Eric, is there a way to keep the rallies such that Stern and Bennett don’t know about them? Not sure. That might keep them from releasing info at the same time.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:54 am
“Scott, I was under the impression that the chants were something else. I misread one of the posts! Sorry! In that case, they have every right to air it.”
They were doing everything they could thinking that in some way we were there to cause trouble. The league took the game off national TV, the team brought in extra security and they basically tried to drown out our chanting and cheering for the team.
I watched quite a few Hornet games in OKC and I’m well aware of the support they got while there. I’d also venture that htey would nto get the same support for this team as constructed, they’re flat out painful to watch (last night as a rare exception).
I’m still of the belief that both cities end up with teams one way or another. Stern can say whatever he wants, but for as deep as the pockets are of the OKC group, thier total wealth doesn’t match half of what Ballmer brings to the table. There’s parties at work that will have a fit if he doesn’t find a way to make it work in Seattle.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:55 am
You do realize that during the 2 years the Hornets were in OKC, the ticket pricings were only about half as much as other NBA teams, and that thousdands of promotional tickets were given away free for each game, right? All you really can say that the Hornets have proven is that people in OCK will go to NBA games if the tickets are discounted 50% or free.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:57 am
oklahoma city bombers
March 25th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Scott, I agree with the wealth not matching Ballmer. You have to remember that the Hornets first year in OKC, they were not exactly a good team, however, they seem to have been better than this year’s Seattle team.
March 25th, 2008 at 11:03 am
I do realize that. I also realize that OKC has plenty of people willing and able to pay full price, particularly those who live in NW OKC. Seattle has a large market. It also has plenty of people with lots of money. OKC doesn’t compare. That does not mean they can’t support an NBA team. It would do better than Las Vegas and a lot better than KC, although KC is a little bit larger than OKC. People in K.C. aren’t willing to support anything beyond the Chiefs and somewhat support the Royals. Lived there for 5 years. Even in the Royals “good” year of 2003. attendance was horrible.
March 25th, 2008 at 11:07 am
hmmm… Hornets do well for 2 years in OKC as a displaced franchise VS. Sonics generally doing well in Seattle for 41 years? Every team will have their ups and downs, but once we have an updated arena, KD transitions from good to great, (and gets a legit pg), AND Green develops into a mismatch nightmare, the Sonics are going to be THEE hot ticket in Seattle.
You can count on our fickle, fairweather Seattle sports fan contingent for that.
March 25th, 2008 at 11:07 am
I still say now is the time to start a boycott of the good and services that support the NBA and/or Clay. Not to boycott the team itself or going to the games .. or any of the local sponsors. But The National sponsors of the NBA.. ones like:
T-Mobile
Sprite/Coca-Cola
American Express
Toyota
SIRIUS
IBM
EA SPORTS
KIA
Virgin America
Miller/Miller Lite
Start a boycott and start sending letters and email to tell them why. Force the sponsors to also put pressure on the NBA.
Something along the lines of:
We will boycott all good and services related to the support of the NBA while the NBA continues down the path of considering the relocation of the Seattle SuperSonics to Oklahoma City.
On April 18, should the NBA Board of Governors correctly choose to deny the SuperSonics ownership group the opportunity to relocate the team to OKC, the boycott of all goods and services will end. Otherwise the boycott will continue an indefinite period of time, until which the NBA chooses either to rescind the approval of the Sonics to relocate or provides a viable plan to bring a new team to the Seattle area.
Your the 12th largest market in the country, OKC is only the 48th .. make that mean something
March 25th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Damn I would hate that solution…
I hope the mayor will say no, and I guess he would say no as long as Ballmer’s group is available.
March 25th, 2008 at 11:10 am
I don’t know if the NBA will be successful in OK years down the road. But to use the two years that the Hornets were in OKC is not an accurate analysis of how the NBA will do there.
March 25th, 2008 at 11:12 am
Clint, I am not trying to agrue with anyone here. So after this post, I will be done for the day because I really don’t want to offend or upset anyone. Seattle is a larger market. It deserves the NBA. I am not disputing this with you. I am simply saying, OKC can support the NBA. Is Memphis doing that? What about N.O.? OKC can and will do better than these two. Good luck in keeping the Sonics. They belong in Seattle.
March 25th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Something I am not getting here. With all the articles about the negotiations between Bennett and OKC on a lease, isn’t it obvious that, if the BOG gives conditional approval for Bennett to move the Sonics to OKC, that Bennett will immediately sign that lease with OKC? Then the Sonics will be legally obligated to play in OKC starting no later than 2010 — they will have a signed lease with OKC. Why would Ballmer buy the Sonics once they sign a lease to play in OKC starting in 2010, or sooner?
It seems to me that right after the BOG meeting, Bennett is going to sign a lease to play in OKC, and then it’s all over.
Or you think Ballmer would pay to buy out the OKC lease, which would probably cost him hundreds of millions of dollars more.
What am I missing in this discussion? Why do we keep reading about the discussions between Bennett and OKC on a lease, if Bennett is not planning to sign that lease as soon as the BOG gives him conditional approval to move the team?
March 25th, 2008 at 11:18 am
I would remind you that LA is the second largest market and they do not have a football team. So market size meands little when your city is against becoming a partner in the expense side of a deal but isok with the revenue side.
Brian- I think the City settles because they have no choice if they want a team in the near future. Balmers group(if real, I still think they are a red herring) can put together a Seattle friendly proposal for an arena and petition for a team.
If this pans out in two years, they can build a similar ownership group and team which we have become familiar with - one with little money (bad arena deal) or skill/talent to build a winning team.
March 25th, 2008 at 11:20 am
As far as the chants not being aired on T.V., as a parent, I don’t want my son to hear fans chanting words that I don’t believe are appropriate for him to use. They did the right thing by not allowing them to air it.
Save our Sonics is not appropiate?
I predict you will not show your face here again.
March 25th, 2008 at 11:21 am
If the BOG decide to approve the relocation and as long as Stern is threatening to not bring the NBA back to Seattle if they go through with making the Sonics stay for 2 more years, I would think it might be best for Seattle to settle. I know, I am about to get crucified here. But here is my point: if the options are to settle and maybe get an NBA team back within a year or two or don’t settle, keep the sonics for 2 more years and not get another team until Stern leaves office (not sure how long that would be) I would want the city to do whatever they could to settle and get a team back in. Again, I understand the passion for this team, I think it is great!
- As I have said before…you are seriously underestimating the greed of the 30 owners in the NBA. I highly doubt they’d let some personal grudge prevent them from making even more money.
March 25th, 2008 at 11:22 am
“With all the articles about the negotiations between Bennett and OKC on a lease, isn’t it obvious that, if the BOG gives conditional approval for Bennett to move the Sonics to OKC, that Bennett will immediately sign that lease with OKC?”
Because of the last collective bargaining agreement, the league can no longer give the conditional relocation remedy that they used to be able to grant. This was caused by the backlash in Charlotte when Shinn announced his plan to move to New Orleans and the eventual 1800 attendance figures at games, to have two years worth of lame duck years by one franchise would violate the CBA.
That was the interpretation I took from reading the CBA.
March 25th, 2008 at 11:24 am
The lease in OKC is just wording. I coud be changed to fit any NBA team that came to OKC. Bennett can’t sign the lease until he is clear of the lease in Seattle. Even if he loses the court battle he could sign the lease for 2010 and if something happens by then where he sells than he could put his new teams name on the lease. The Lease is between the Professional Basketball Club, LLC and the City of Oklahoma. The lease says that the company’s NBA franchise has to play in the arena, it does not matter which one or what the name of the team is. Bennett would sign the lease now because reality is, he will not sell the Sonics franchise unless he is guarenteed to have a franchise that is ready to play in OKC for the 2010 Season.
March 25th, 2008 at 11:24 am
I’m disappointed in Henry Abbott. True Hoop didn’t mention us at all. Instead he had a huge article about OKC signing the lease and how the team is “1 step closer to leaving.”
March 25th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Finally, as far as OKC is concerned, I think some of these posts show that people in Seattle don’t think NBA will make it in OKC. I believe it will do just as good or better than when the Hornets were there. They have been waiting for a major league sports team for several years now. I just hope this joke of a lease doesn’t hurt them if they do get a team.
- Hmmm…you know…I am pretty sure that when teams were moved to Memphis and New Orleans their citizens were pretty sure that the team would be very well supported and all that jazz. Cities who have never had a team do not realize that there are very few hardcore fans these days and when the novelty wears off most of the fans wear off with it…
BTW, I will say that Memphis having the Grizzlies has definately made me believe they are a major league city now…
March 25th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Also, since we are having trouble getting photos and videos of our efforts we need to have some of us bring in cameras. I really would like to be able to show people videos of the entire Key chanting Save our Sonics clap clap clap clap clap!!”
March 25th, 2008 at 11:33 am
SOS pictures:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/yearsago/sets/72157604244147912/
Let me know if those work!
Otto
March 25th, 2008 at 11:34 am
I’ve got some video from my camera. I’m downloading it right now, let me see how it came out.
March 25th, 2008 at 11:34 am
March 25th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Dang!.
Oh and if anyone is in any of the pictures..and do not want to be..I will gladly blur your face out.
March 25th, 2008 at 11:50 am
OK franchise? How about Bubba Bennett’s Bottom Feeders?
March 25th, 2008 at 11:52 am
i know that people in cleveland cared about the legacy of the browns — to them, the uniforms, records, history of the franchise were important to protect & deliver to the next generation of fans. i also know that baltimore fans over a certain STILL haven’t gotten over seeing those horseshoes adorning another city’s team. . . visit the football hall of fame in canton, and see that johnny unitas is listed under the indianapolis display. . .
my point is, don’t be too quick to say that keeping the sonics name & legacy doesn’t matter. if the interval is short — say, a year or two — then it’ll be in the rear view mirror before you know it. and with the right ownership (howdy, mr. ballmer!) the seattle supersonics’ future could be bright indeed.
i’ll take anything over having to see the green & gold playing for oklahoma city, and having to listen to someone tell me that “oklahoma is looking for their first championship since 1979,” or some other such rhetorical & symbolic atrocity.
keep the seattle in the supersonics!
March 25th, 2008 at 11:56 am
It is working fine from my home computer. Thanks for the pictures!
March 25th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Maybe as a settlement OKC would receive the Mariners and Safeco Field can be remodled into an NBA Arena.
March 25th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Dipper’s post raises a potentially major issue. I hear Scott’s reply. I don’t know where the answer is. Scott, if you could say more, what CBA section applies, I’d be interested. I’d imagine the city (and presumably state) insiders, legal team and investors have opinions or understanding on this point. Maybe it is disputable. Maybe it comes out for the public by one party’s choice or thru media research. Or we’ll find out in a month.
March 25th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Eric E there are hints NBA used muscle in some fashion to limit or block TNT filming. We’ll see what TNT actually does with it. They may have applied pressure on ESPN (the other national TV partner) too and limited thru the directives of ESPN higher ups what Henry Abbott could say. I don’t know if or how this occurred but it wouldnt surprise me.
March 25th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Hopefully Charles Barkley speaks his mind on this, and doesn’t bow down to NBA pressure.
March 25th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Abbott linked to Gary Washburn’s note of the TNT suppression. Maybe that is as far as he could go.
Or maybe he just choose to emphasis other points (team name and Chuckie B) beyond the chants themselves as more unique points to highlight explicitly / focus on.
Washburn’s article talks generally about what happened in the stands.
March 25th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Link to Gary Washburn’s article?
March 25th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
If Charles doesn’t speak his mind, we know the NBA is definitely behind silencing TNT.
March 25th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Percy’s article talk about the chants a little too.
The national audience that clicked thru Abbott’s links at least would get short summaries of what happened.
Conspiracy theory or not…hard to say, both are possible. In past Abbott has done the cause pretty well I think. If he had said nothing I’d go for conspiracy or indifference but he put links up so I think I’ll opt for thinking he just choose to emphasize after effects over the action itself by his own choice or chance. Still disappointing as you said Eric but espn covered the story some in a separate article last night.
Maybe it was a mix of independent and muted media. Par for the course.
March 25th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
otto here is the direct link
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/basketball/356324_srevu25.html
March 25th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
“Scott, if you could say more, what CBA section applies, I’d be interested.”
The owners at all times have to do what’s in the best interest of maximizing revenue, to allow a potential move two years prior to lease ending would certianly not be in the best interest of revenue maximization.
“The Lease is between the Professional Basketball Club, LLC and the City of Oklahoma.”
This is exactly another key point, what this does is lock Shinn out of the OKC market which is really Bennett’s big win on getting the lease exercise done.
March 25th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
If anyone thinks boycotting games helps…here is some history:
1983/84: Prior to the season the Kings are sold to a group of inventors from Sacramento, California for $10.5 million dollars. Staying in Kansas City for now the Kings would back into the playoffs despite a 38-44 record benefiting from the NBA expanding the playoffs from 6 to 8 teams in each conference. In the playoffs reality would hit hard as they are swept in 3 straight by the Los Angeles Lakers. Following the season Coach Cotton Fitzsimmons would step down to take over the San Antonio Spurs. He would be replaced by Jack McKinney.
1984/85: The Kings would get off to an awful start losing 8 of their first 9 games as new Coach Jack McKinney steps down and is replaced by Phil Johnson, who had last coached the Kings 7 years earlier. As the season wore and the Kings struggles continued, as owners announced that the team was moving to Sacramento. This would leave the Kings playing in front of an empty house most of the season often drawing less then 4,000 fans at Kemper Arena. The Kings would go on to finish in last place with a 31-51 record, playing their final game at Kemper Arena on April 14th in front of 11,371 fans. Just 2 days later the NBA Board of Governors voted unanimously to allow the club to relocate to Sacramento.
Steelerrock: KC is not available for you opinions either. They had a team and supported the product for many years.
March 25th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Of course there’s a conspiracy. there has been from the minute Devil Stern manipulated the sale to Satan Bennett. I take it as a positive sign that these guys are scared. If they thought they had everything going their own way they wouldn’t bother.
And to legal for a moment, many observers believe Stern is really burying himself every time he opens his mouth. The lease in OK could easily backfire when they already have a lease here. They have opened themselves up to a wide range of litigation.
The Oklahoma Village Idiots.
March 25th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
“The owners at all times have to do what’s in the best interest of maximizing revenue, to allow a potential move two years prior to lease ending would certianly not be in the best interest of revenue maximization.”
Maybe this isn’t what you were speaking to, but the owners don’t HAVE to do what’s in the best interest of maximizing revenue, otherwise there’d be no chance that the BOG grants relocation. We all know that’s not the case.
Now if there’s a specific bylaw that says a team cannot sign a lease in another city until the current lease expires, that would be very encouraging.
March 25th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Did anyone see this from Donyell Marshall’s blog:
It was difficult, but I believe one reason that they brought a guy like me here was to mentor the young guys. And just like I was close to LeBron – within the first week me and Kevin Durant and Jeff Green talked a lot. Kevin said he really liked having me here and a lot of the players really don’t talk to him. I sit down and have conversations with the young guys, and I guess it really wasn’t like that before.
Something tells me that one of the biggest reasons for KD’s struggles is that he tried way too hard to “fit in” with a bunch of guys who weren’t going to be nice to him (he is taking their job after all)…now he is sort of realizing he just needs to take care of himself.
March 25th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
“Maybe this isn’t what you were speaking to, but the owners don’t HAVE to do what’s in the best interest of maximizing revenue, otherwise there’d be no chance that the BOG grants relocation.”
Projected revenue streams from one arena vs current revenue streams here. If they can show that with relative certainty then they certainly could without violation of the CBA.
One of the key aspects to putting together an arena plan for the BOG to suffice the Relocation Committee is simply that the revenues from an arena here are better than those from the building in OKC. If they approve the relocation with those streams backwards they’d be in serious breach.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
he is taking their job after all
Who’s job is he taking away? His role is to be one half of the wing positions, which previously belonged to Ray and Rashard. Its possible that Green is taking away Wilkins’ job, but KD didn’t bump anyone.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
One thing that we know for fact, is that the NBA certainly is proficient at manipulating numbers.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
This fro Tim Ceis in yesterday’s TNT:
“Every time he (Stern) fires off like this, I don’t think he’s helping his legal position when we go to court,” Ceis said. “Clearly his goal has been to hijack this team out of Seattle. He’s clearly shown that. So the whole reason we’re going to court is to enforce the lease.”
Ceis also believes the Sonics jumped the gun with the team’s deal with Oklahoma City to play in the Ford Center.
“I thought it was a little presumptuous, given the team already has a legal lease that requires specific performance in Seattle,” Ceis said. “Other than that I’m not going comment on what Mr. Bennett may or may not be doing in Oklahoma City, although playing in two different places would be hard as far as I can tell.”
I think many people are underestimating how much Devil and Satan have backed themselves into a corner. their tough talk and presumptuos actions are harming their bargaining position. Frankly I hope they keep it up.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
KD can’t really fit in with his teammates. Since he’s under 21 and high-profile, its likely that he is chaperoned, which will keep him out of a lot of clubs, bars, and strip joints that the other guys go to.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop?tag=david%20stern
I thought this was interesting.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
“Projected revenue streams from one arena vs current revenue streams here. If they can show that with relative certainty then they certainly could without violation of the CBA.
One of the key aspects to putting together an arena plan for the BOG to suffice the Relocation Committee is simply that the revenues from an arena here are better than those from the building in OKC. If they approve the relocation with those streams backwards they’d be in serious breach.”
So, from what you’ve gathered, how informed do you think the owners are generally speaking? Are they going to really going to be held accountable for researching the economics of this? I sure hope so, but it seems IMO unlikely.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
INCREASED SECURITY: Internet threats of a fan walkout and a Save Our Sonics rally before the game prompted the NBA to increase security for Monday’s game.
What is security going to do if there is a fan walkout?
Make everyone go back to their seats?
March 25th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
You mainly pointed to arena revenue decline because of expected poorer attendance during lame duck period. It is an image problem for league and I can see that it impacts average league performance and might nick franchise values indirectly. But only the local owner directly bears this loss as arena revenues are not shared. Given an 8 year deal I think 1-2 year hurt caused by 1 franchise in 30 in limbo wouldnt be that damaging to future tv revenue, though “turmoil” that hurts image and following can indeed eventually hurt the league.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Who’s job is he taking away? His role is to be one half of the wing positions, which previously belonged to Ray and Rashard. Its possible that Green is taking away Wilkins’ job, but KD didn’t bump anyone.
- Sure he did…in most veteran’s eyes Im sure he went directly into the lead superstar role without having to work for this title. I would definfately bet that a guy like Wilkens was extemely bothered that Durant was given the starting job and lead scoring job without having to prove himself like Im sure Damien feels he “always” has to do.
This isn’t really a rare type of attitude to have. I know that I’ve always had the most difficult time gaining the respect of my older coworkers as I pass them on the “food chain”. There will always be a bit of resentment (which is really just a form of jealousy) when someone younger and better comes along.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
First off, the game was scheduled here in Canada on Raptors TV. Even though it still showed that it was supposed to be the Sonics/Blazers right up to game time, the Lakers/Warriors game appears.
I must say that I’m both a little confused and angry at Clay Bennetts notion of dangling a carrot by saying he is willing to leave pretty much everything associated with the “SONICS” tag. Either he knows something he’s not telling anyone with regards to the league being willing to give the city of Seattle another current team or expansion franchise to use the “SONICS” name on, or he thinks people of the Pacific Northwest are stupid.
We all heard David Stern clearly say that when the current Sonics leave it wouldn’t be likely that the city would get another team. So which is it? David Stern’s threat or Clay Bennetts “figment olive branch”? Or like has been suggested, it’s a desperation ploy.
But I will say this even though I know it’s not going to be popular. The number one goal is to make sure the city of Seattle has an NBA franchise for the longterm. I read how positive everyone is that somehow it will all work out and that Clay Bennett will have no choice but to sell the team and get another for Oklahoma from somewhere else.
In my mind it’s not a slamdunk that’s what will happen. We’re talking about the legal system here. Surprise judgements do happen. And even if the city does win all it means is that the team is obligated for two more seasons, that’s it. We can speculate about the financial difficulties that would befall Bennett’s group, but he would be free to go after the lease is up.
The board of governors( owners) have shown in the past that they are readily willing to vote for relocation so they can all make a few millions from the relocation fee. Plus David Stern seems to hold much sway over them for whatever reason and we know he’s in Bennett’s back pocket. So it’s not a given even if the Balmer group steps forward that the owners wouldn’t still give the thumbs up to Bennett.
So my whole point is that if the NBA contacts the city and the Balmer group and gives an ironclad guarantee that Seattle will get a new team within two years if they drop their challenge to Bennett I think it needs serious, serious consideration.
I know that sitting here in Vancouver without a team since we lost the Grizzlies that I would have welcomed any team at all ( I know, any team would have been better than the Grizzlies) over the option of fighting to keep our team but losing in the end. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Give me your best bravado, but an NBA team called the Sonics assured to Seattle, regardless of how they start out, is a better alternative than rolling the dice on a battle that has multiple fronts to overcome. At least that’s how I see it.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Bennett will sign a lease that the Sonics will play in OKC starting NO LATER THAN 2010, which is when the KeyArena lease expires. He will not sign a lease that would require the Sonics to play in OKC before the lease in Seattle expires or is bought out.
Why do you think Ballmer put a deadline on his offer? He knows that if the BOG approves the Sonics move to OKC, then Bennett will sign a lease with OKC that takes effect no later than 2010, and it will be all over.
Ballmer gets it.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
I should also note that this is another reason why it might have been smart to keep Ray Allen around. With Ray or even Rashard still here Durant would have just been able to be one of the guys. Making it much easier to earn respect.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
“So, from what you’ve gathered, how informed do you think the owners are generally speaking? Are they going to really going to be held accountable for researching the economics of this? I sure hope so, but it seems IMO unlikely.”
I know that Bennett has to say why he wants to go, and if there’s a plan in place here they’d have to show how it would benefit the league. Other than that I don’t think they have to do much economics, all these documents have to be put into public disclosure.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Anyone watch PHX vs. Det.?
When PHX took the lead late in the 4th the outright obvious bad calls and “no calls” by the refs started up, all in favor of DET.
Even then DET almost blew it by letting the game go into OT. The blatent, unfair, officiating continued into the extra period to ensure that DET won the game.
Days like this I question my fanhood.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
“But only the local owner directly bears this loss as arena revenues are not shared.”
Basketball Related Income.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Give me your best bravado, but an NBA team called the Sonics assured to Seattle, regardless of how they start out, is a better alternative than rolling the dice on a battle that has multiple fronts to overcome. At least that’s how I see it.
- I don’t get it…it has been pretty well chronicled that the Memphis lease is pretty darn strong. New Orleans attendance is coming along pretty well. The only other team really struggling to get an Arena deal dones is Sacramento. Basically, there really are very few legit options at this point for relocation, which of course leads the idea of expansion.
Let me go on record that the idea of the NBA granting an expansion team to Seattle is extremely unlikely. Creating an expansion team would completely ruin the symetry of their divisions that they have created. This doesn’t seem like that big of a deal…but it would cause multiple scheduling problems and force the league to adopt an unbalanced schedule. I know it seems like a minor thing, but I think this would be a major roadblock to a potential expansion team here in the NW.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
“Why do you think Ballmer put a deadline on his offer? He knows that if the BOG approves the Sonics move to OKC, then Bennett will sign a lease with OKC that takes effect no later than 2010, and it will be all over.”
Balmer also said that his offer expired if the State did not approve the $75m, and yet, here he is. Two years in Seattle is going to be a very long time. And it’s not just the enforcement of the lease but the other potential litigation agianst the NBA and Bennett that has those boys shaking in their Nikes.
The leverage against the OKC Thieves is growing, not lessening.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
You should always fight for what you have…not pray for what you might get.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Does anybody with behind the scenes info know if our side is concerned that the Relocation Committee was stacked or hinted at some kind of challenge on conflict of interest? We all talk about it but do they?
March 25th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Anyone else getting a trojan warning when the front page loads?
March 25th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
What i love about the OKC proposal is Oklahoma City provides all cost overruns but they assure that the lease can be amended to change the building to make sure there are none. That’s fricking classic.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
“Anyone else getting a trojan warning when the front page loads?”
I have the same problem
March 25th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
“Let me go on record that the idea of the NBA granting an expansion team to Seattle is extremely unlikely. Creating an expansion team would completely ruin the symetry of their divisions that they have created. This doesn’t seem like that big of a deal…but it would cause multiple scheduling problems and force the league to adopt an unbalanced schedule. I know it seems like a minor thing, but I think this would be a major roadblock to a potential expansion team here in the NW”
Just my two cents but Stern would look completely stupid to give Seattle an expansion team quickly after letting the Sonics go…
If Seattle is a good NBA market (and of course it is) then do your job and keep the Sonics there.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Scott says:
Because of the last collective bargaining agreement, the league can no longer give the conditional relocation remedy that they used to be able to grant. This was caused by the backlash in Charlotte when Shinn announced his plan to move to New Orleans and the eventual 1800 attendance figures at games, to have two years worth of lame duck years by one franchise would violate the CBA.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Scott says:
Because of the last collective bargaining agreement, the league can no longer give the conditional relocation remedy that they used to be able to grant. This was caused by the backlash in Charlotte when Shinn announced his plan to move to New Orleans and the eventual 1800 attendance figures at games, to have two years worth of lame duck years by one franchise would violate the CBA.
So you in fact are saying that the BoG has to deny the request and ask Bennett to come next year or in 2010. If thats so, why is Gorton saying that it may be approved now if there’s nothing on the table?
March 25th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
“So you in fact are saying that the BoG has to deny the request and ask Bennett to come next year or in 2010. If thats so, why is Gorton saying that it may be approved now if there’s nothing on the table?”
You answered your own question.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Courtsense says earlier….
“The whole point is that the Mayor and the City must have both the courage and the political will to ignore Stern’s increasingly threatening rhetoric, and to ignore Bennett’s buyout offers and to see this through to the end - because Bennett will cave, but only if the City goes all the way and refuses to back down.”
Totally agree
Also - The whole idea of waiting letting the Sonics go with the hope in 1-2 years the NBA will provide us with another team in some way is IMO totally unacceptable and foolish. Just on principle - I hate the idea. Also - It will be no sure thing.
And From a pure “Hoops” perspective… I know the Sonics suck now but they have KD who IMO will be awesome in a few years & JG continues to encourage me & they have 6 #1 picks in the next 3 years with one being a likley top 3 pick this June & some good cap space opening up as KD starts hitting his stride.
For a team rebuilding they are WAY ahead of any expansion opportunity - especially with a true star to develop & build around in the coming years.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Otto, please read all the posts before you respond! I misread a post and my post concerning the chant was due to that.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
“So you in fact are saying that the BoG has to deny the request and ask Bennett to come next year or in 2010. If thats so, why is Gorton saying that it may be approved now if there’s nothing on the table?”
You answered your own question.
Still a bit confused. Even if there is nothing on the table, your interpretation of the CBA still would disallow the BoG from granting the move, to avoid lame duck status.
March 25th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Otto, please read all the posts before you respond! I misread a post and my post concerning the chant was due to that.
- Gotta give the NBA credit for making this little “event” last night sound so much more angry and worse than it actually was.
March 25th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
The NBA is attacking its own customers in order to extort a new facility from the government. How F’d up is that?
March 25th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
“Still a bit confused. Even if there is nothing on the table, your interpretation of the CBA still would disallow the BoG from granting the move, to avoid lame duck status.”
My interpretation is that they’d tell them that they’d consider the case open and pending until after a solution is found in the court case. The provision in the CBA doesn’t allow them to allow relocation based on the revenue streams, without a new building the revenue streams projected in OKC beat those in the current Key Arena.
I believe the rest is posturing on the part of Gorton, just as most of Stern’s comments are rhetoric from his POV.
March 25th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Free: “Balmer also said that his offer expired if the State did not approve the $75m, and yet, here he is. ”
Actually, he didn’t say that. He set an expiration date on his offer–a date that has not yet passed.
March 25th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
I want to remind everyone that the April 13 final game of the year can be an SOS “Statement Game”.
Let’s pack the key as 1 part of the overall effort to let our city, state, national media and NBA owners know that their is plenty of passion for Sonics hoops in Seattle. Every bit of doubt in the minds of NBA owners can help. This will be part of it and if this does not get resolved by Mid-April before the BOG meeting we want a strong memory in the minds of our city leaders and others after the NBA season ends that Soncis fans want their team!
March 25th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
How can we help make a sell-out on April 13 a reality?
1. Get your tickets and encourage others to do so as well. Come ready to scream SOS!
2. Call KJR & voice this vision on the radio
3. Make some flyers and hand them out to people if you go to any other Sonics games prior to the Dallas game. Anyone can do this.
4. Send an e-mail to Steve Kelly & Percy A. & Jayda of the Times & other Seattle NBA writers saying Sonics fans are working to pack the KEY for the final game.
If we (The regular people who post on sonicscentral) do these 4 things the spark will be lit, the momentuem will build and the KEY will be full for the final game. This will then have the potetnial to make the news locally and nationally and hopefully make Stern sound real dumb when he says Seattle is not suportive enough of the NBA.
Also - If anyone knows the Mayor & city council members & leaders invite them to the game. Serioulsy - it would be good for them to attend this one. I was at the KEY last night when it was less than half full & there was some good energy. I know that if we can get the place full with all of the dynamics around the team on April 13 - the place will ROCK and that is a good memory for our city leaders to have when Clay is trying to persude them to settle.
March 25th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
This is a tangent I probably wont pursue fruther but a distressed franchise in limbo that affects league Basketball Related Income would actually lower the salary cap and reduce the amount other owners would tend to spend.
I know of no direct impact on other team revenue from a franchise in limbo.
A team in limbo that is also a dog when they come as the opponent in other teams home building could hurt those team revenues. But some fans like crushing blowouts and dog opponents if they affect attendance will probably do so regardless of limbo status to roughly the same degree as dog / not in limbo I’d think.
March 25th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
“As far as the chants not being aired on T.V., as a parent, I don’t want my son to hear fans chanting words that I don’t believe are appropriate for him to use. They did the right thing by not allowing them to air it.”
I don’t care if I’m beating a dead horse. The only chant that was made was “Save Our Sonics.” Which word exactly did you think was inappropriate for your child to hear?
The saving our team part? or the saving our team part?
March 25th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Maybe merchandise splits (or at least part of it) for everybody go down if a market is weak depending on how that is split (I’ve not been clear on that)
A few weak markets pulling down BRI might be alright to the league. Teams don’t have to spend as much but big markets do and get edge and win more and are happy. Some small markets see cut in required payroll and might get luxury tax distibutions again (if big cities continue to spend the same amount but have a lowe cap line to start from) and might for the most part be happy enough even without competing /winning.
Schultz got out basically when he had exhausted most of the depreciation available on player contracts and when the luxury tax distributions dried up. And when he realized his basketball people were good enough to compete without spending more. A combo that Ackerly had going pretty well in the 90s but saw was changing and got the arena built and sold out at a pretty smart time.
March 25th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Dork… That was AWESOME…
“OKC- NO Supes for you!”
Very clever and hilarious… love it… !
March 25th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
I don’t care if I’m beating a dead horse. The only chant that was made was “Save Our Sonics.” Which word exactly did you think was inappropriate for your child to hear?
The saving our team part? or the saving our team part?
- Im pretty sure that this is just evidence that the NBA did a good job of making this look like a negative affair to people who didn’t actually see the game.
March 25th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Maybe merchandise splits (or at least part of it) for everybody go down if a market is weak depending on how that is split (I’ve not been clear on that)
A few weak markets pulling down BRI might be alright to the league. Teams don’t have to spend as much but big markets do and get edge and win more and are happy. Some small markets see cut in required payroll and might get luxury tax distibutions again (if big cities continue to spend the same amount but have a lowe cap line to start from) and might for the most part be happy enough even without competing /winning.
Schultz got out basically when he had exhausted most of the depreciation available on player contracts and when the luxury tax distributions dried up. And when he realized his basketball people weren’t good enough to compete strongly without spending more. Ackerly had the competing / spending balance going pretty well in the 90s but saw it was changing under new cba and tv revenues and got the arena built and sold out at a pretty smart time.
March 25th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Having lived in OKC, I know for a fact, it is ready for the NBA. That was proven when the Hornets went there for two years.
Here’s a simple math problem that my elementary students can figure out without my tutoring: Which number is greater, 41 years or two years? Please stop citing two years of support. That proves absolutely nothing and sounds ridiculous if you believe it merits consideration.
March 25th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
sorry for the repeat. tried to stop and correct some meaning impacting typos. if you make a choice read the second version of the post.
March 25th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Crow,
Remember when I’m talking about BRI and the CBA there might be a third party you’re not discussing in your breakdowns:)
And that third party might be one that would be most disagreeable to a two year lame duck situation.
March 25th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
From the PI:
TNT was here Monday night to tape a segment on the group’s efforts to air later this week on “Inside the NBA”
Anyone want to bet that segment never gets aired?
March 25th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
CLAY and David Stern on NBA TV RIGHT NOW discussing tour of Ford Center in OKC,,,,
March 25th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
God this interview is disturbing.
March 25th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
UGH… I’m feeling sick to my stomach watching this SHHHHHHH!T
March 25th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
I feel like punching myself in the face, and I’ve been as positive as possible… but I feel like we lost the Sonics!
We’ll accept a buy out and get a new franchise or relocate another here after we build a new arena… We’ll call them the Seattle Sonics but it wont be THEM…
I hate Clay, Stern, but most of all…. StarPhuks Howard who sold it to this loser…
Also, where was Balmer when we needed him?
I’m SO PISSED!
March 25th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
I’m not watching, but just keep in mind that it’s just public talk. Who really cares what they say.
March 25th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
I guess all three of the owners that were there today are recommending the move to OKC.
March 25th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Geez, what did they say? Just ignore it man. Whatever they said can’t take the team away. There is still a lot left to play out.
March 25th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Could you tell us where to find that interview online? Or maybe just briefly paraphrase the interivew for us?
March 25th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Also, keep in mind they haven’t even been presented with the Seattle plan yet. So just chill.
March 25th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Wow…
Speechless…
Looks like its time to start remotely consider house hunting in Portland…
David Stern: the great f’ing spirit breaker.
March 25th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
( I guess all three of the owners that were there today are recommending the move to OKC. )
C’mon now.
This is not a surprise.
Sterns puppets did what they were told.
Clays buddies backed him up.
Call it whatever you want, this was expected.
When all is said and done the Sonics will remain here: or the NBA & Stern will regret the move more than they have ever regretted anything.
March 25th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Basically;;;Bennet is saying that today was very productive in their desire to relocate… its basically now a matter of when, not if… then owners that were there are on board… and Stern wants the move… In fact, Stern even says he’d even help out in a buyout wiith Clay…
Disgusting…
Queestion was asked if Bennet and Stern would wait till 2010 if they lose in court, and both have said they would and WILL wait and will not sell to local owners…
March 25th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Pete- we haven’t been presented with a functional Seattle plan just yet. Time’s a ticking, and something needs to happen to bridge the $75 mill gap.
We’re hearing talk, but we also need to see action.
March 25th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
They’re gone guys… whether this year or in 2010… now its a matter of when and the best way to get a new team here.. According to Stern, neither will happen in Key Arena..
March 25th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Pete, what makes you think they’ll stay after they’ve been presented a plan?
*It sounds like the BOG has approved the move to OKC.
*Clay wants the team in OKC.
*OKC is bending over backwards to make them feel wanted.
*He’s getting a remodled arena at low cost/risk to him
The only thing Seattle can do is extend him from leaving in 2008 to 2010. What makes you think he’d change his mind to stay here when all we’re offereing is a remodled arena that he already said he didn’t want, and he’s constantly bashed in the local media. Would you stay here?
March 25th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Pete- They don’t need to listen to Seattle plan. The owner of the team dictates the agenda. They don’t even need to listen if they don’t want to. Right now, they don’t want to. The person they need to talk to is Mickey Arison the owner of the Heat. He is the Chair of the Financial Advisory Committee, that is where the real power in the NBA resides.
March 25th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
come on people gotta remain positive, what did you expect stern to say, after what hes said all these past months. You know its going to be negative stuff, and you should expect nothing eles. We still got a lot more hurdles to jump, but theres a reason why they are called miracles…
March 25th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Will someone please fix the site from giving a trojan virus warning? Makes my work not trust me and I want to stay up to date on all the news.
March 25th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
It’s not what stern says, it’s the fact that the BOG were ok with OKC having a team there. That was one of the last possibilities of stopping our relocation.
March 25th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
“It’s not what stern says, it’s the fact that the BOG were ok with OKC having a team there. That was one of the last possibilities of stopping our relocation. ”
You do realize that it was only a sub-committee in OKC and it wasn’t the entire relocation committee right? Just because they approved doesn’t mean the entire body will.
Besides, the sub-committee’s approval did not take into consideration what Seattle might have to offer when it comes to an arena package. The OKC deal might look good on its face right now, but it might not look so good when compared to a viable option in Seattle.
March 25th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Is it possible that the committee is only opining on whether or not they feel OKC could be viable?
That’s a different question than whether it makes financial sense to move from SEA to OKC (the real question from our perspective), isn’t it?
March 25th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Jesus we need more publicity or this is going to be a really tough battle
March 25th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
I agree it probably shoud have been expected though it doesnt show much due process for a part of the committee to comment immediately without talking with the rest, including the Chair
King 5
“NBA Commissioner David Stern told reporters Tuesday that league officials who toured Oklahoma City’s Ford Center and spoke to civic and business leaders in the area will suggest to the NBA’s relocation committee that the Sonics be allowed to move there.”
http://tinyurl.com/38mj6l
It is still just suggest to full relocation committee at this point but it will proceed down that path…
March 25th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
And the San Antonio owner was one of the three of them to agree with stern and gay. I mean clay.
March 25th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Even if we lose (which I still don’t believe will happen) - better for Seattle to go down swinging. Stern has made it personal at this point - the city needs to inflict whatever collateral damage it can…
March 25th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
They’re gone guys… whether this year or in 2010… now its a matter of when and the best way to get a new team here.. According to Stern, neither will happen in Key Arena..
You are playing right into their greasy, fat hands. They are trying to create leverage against the City of Seattle and despair in the Seattle fan base so they can get out of the lease. If they talked any other way it would just weaken their arguement even less.
As long as Seattle presents a viable arena solution with Balmer and company as owners, prior to the BOG vote, they will have to take note and consider NOT approving relocation. The City’s sledgehammer in these negotiations has and always will be the lawsuit.
David Stern and Clay Bennett will do anything possible to get out of the lawsuit prior to going to court. They will continue to spout rhetoric in an effort to get the City of Seattle to back down on the lawsuit and to create despair in the Seattle fan base to back off our support of the City’s position to keep the team here.
Don’t fall for their pathetic rhetoric.
March 25th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
the Rustlers
March 25th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Mr. Baker: best name yet. OKC Rustlers. I like it.
March 25th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Just like Bennett has the Daily Oklahoman in his pocket, Stern has NBA TV. Don’t jump off a cliff. The rhetoric continues.
March 25th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
I prefer the “Carpetbaggers”…
March 25th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
What did you expect them to say in Oklahoma City, that the facility sucks and relocation would be a mistake? Of course, they are going to talk it up. These folks haven’t seen any financial data. Consider this the group of promoters.
March 25th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Yeah, I for one am SOOOO surprised to hear that Bennett and Stern said they are committed to leaving Seattle - even if they have to bleed for 2 more years because of the existing lease.
Yeah, I really expected them to come out and say “Dear God, no - if we have to stay in Seattle until 2010 then we’ll just sell the team to Ballmer for pennies on the dollar.”
Yeah, it’s such a SHOCKER to hear that they’re talking tough - I really would’ve thought they’d pick today to change the tone of their rhetoric.
Wow - I am SOOO depressed after this. It’s hopeless - we should just give up now and let Bennett leave without a fight. Maybe if we let him go tomorrow without paying off the lease, Stern will have pity on us and maybe let us keep one or two of the jerseys in the rafters, or maybe if we let them leave quietly they’ll promise us an expansion team in 2150…
Or, we could just tell them to go fuck themselves and we’ll see them in court in June.
Hmmm…lemme think for a minute.
March 25th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Come on Guys! What did you expect to hear?
Their only hope of avoiding a huge PR nightmare is if the Mayor agrees to buyout. Of course they’re not going to let anyone think there’s a chance they’ll stay in Seattle.
March 25th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Stern and Bennett make me sick
March 25th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
I like the way you think courtsense.
Hell yes.
March 25th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
$350 million spent on the team.
Probably another $20 million in losses this year.
Probably $50 million in losses with a lameduck team stuck in Seattle in 2009 and 2010.
Around $30 million in relocation fees to the other owners when Bennett moves.
That’s a $450 million investment for a last-place team in OKC.
Hmmm…makes perfect sense to me.
March 25th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
They said nothing more or less than they have to say publicly. When presented with a new Seattle plan, they will have to take notice, or risk being exposed as the villain-jackasses they have always been.
Everyone needs to chill out, and stop throwing in the towel. They said exactly what we knew they would.
March 25th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
You guys are right. Clay must pay.
BOYCOTT ALL SPONSORS FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS, or until he agrees to sell to local buyers.
March 25th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Did Stern specifically say again today that KeyArena would never work for NBA basketball, no matter how they remodeled it? Some poster here seemed to intimate that.
I can’t find the interview, or even a transcript of the interview, anywhere.
March 25th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Or, we could just tell them to go fuck themselves and we’ll see them in court in June.
I like the way you think……..
March 25th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Thing about David Stern is that he’s pushing 66 years old and I can see his tenure end in the next 5 years or so. When he says that Key Arena is no good, its not the final word…
March 25th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
There will be more offers to buy out the remaining 2 years of the lease between now and the court date in June - count on it.
Eventually, those offers may approach the amount still owed on that debt…somewhere in the area of $40 million. How generous of Mr. Bennett to offer so much after having given so little.
But if the Mayor and the City stay strong, all the way through the summer, if necessary, Bennett will sell.
March 25th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
According to the times, TNT will be at the Wednesday game too. considering the censorship we experienced last night, is it too late to try to organize a similar movement for tomorrow night? We’ve got the e-mail lists and the shirts. I’d be down, that’s for sure.
March 25th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/david_dupree/03/25/sonics.move/index.html
March 25th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Courtsense,
You forgot he lost $17M last year. If the city wins the courtcase and he still does hot sell his loses the next two years will be closer to $40M each year. So far, he has had attendance at the Key Arena and a TV audience. Next year he will be playing before 3000 fans per game. He will be into this more like $550M -$600M before he gets the team to OKC.
March 25th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
A fairly reliable source at Microsoft tells me that Ballmer is urging Bennett to offer a $75 million buyout, which would then fund the remainder of the Key Arena package. Ballmer is also apparently actively pursuing the Grizz and/or Hornets. This is the same source who told me Ballmer was hounding Bennett about buying the team from him about a month before Ballmer’s name was ever publicly linked to the Sonics (I posted this on the message board but I forget what the date was).
March 25th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Ballmer is also apparently actively pursuing the Grizz and/or Hornets.
If that can be arranged, count on a franchise swap to drop the lawsuit. That would cover-up all the corruption under the table.
March 25th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Wow, I just got a reply from Darlene Fairley (one of my legislators in Olympia)… talk about arrogant. I want to post the whole thing in the board but the board is still down. Keep in mind my letter was very courteous, short, nice and ended with “as my representative in Olympia please support the Balmer plan”.
Here is just one quote - there are many:
I will ask you what I’ve asked others: why aren’t folks directing their energy towards these private investors and encouraging them to fund the whole project instead of asking for a public subsidy? Like many others, I think it’s time for taxpayers to stop subsidizing professional sports.
(Don’t forget that the Coliseum underwent a complete remodel in 1995, much of it funded by taxpayers, so it’s hard to believe it’s inadequate for the other types of events that take place there. Again, these private investors are asking us to foot the bill to meet their “needs.”)
March 25th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
I’m already done with the Legislator and if I have anything to say about it the majority of them are going to be voted out when reelection time comes. Hopefully the city and Ballmer will be able to give the fans of Seattle a satisfying solution to this whole ordeal. Barring that, I hope that the city will expose those scumbags Bennett and Stern. It’s freakin March and I can’t even enjoy myself reading and speculating about the upcoming draft as in years past because of this whole situation looming overhead.
March 25th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
OkC Sodbusters
OkC Dust Bowl
OkC Squatters
March 25th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
does she realize that the coliseum was funded by bonds expected to be paid off by profits that never materialized? there were no taxes. they city made a bad deal that looked like a good deal at the time and now have to pay for it.
March 25th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Wow, I just got a reply from Darlene Fairley (one of my legislators in Olympia)… talk about arrogant.
If you don’t agree with the politicians viewpoint strongly enough there is really only one real way to get your point across to them.
Let them know you will not be supporting them come election time. That is your choice, but it is the one strong influence you have as a voter over your representatives. If you feel strongly enough, tell them you don’t agree with their stance on the Sonics issue and if it is important enough to you, tell her you will not be voting for her in November and will be encouraging everyone you know to not vote for her either.
March 25th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Bennett says the Sonics are not for sale. I say “not yet.”
Last time I checked, neither were the Hornets or the Grizzlies.
How can you swap franchises when there aren’t any available?
I don’t buy this franchise-swapping talk. Someone is going to have to explain to me where the “other” team that Bennett or Ballmer is supposed to end up with is going to come from…
March 25th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
I’ll trade Bennett the Grizzlies for Durant, Green, Collison, Luke, and Petro. Hahaha. He can have the Grizzlies plus Wilcox, Watson, Damien and the rest. Seems fair.
Seriously though. I want the current team.
…And if I can’t have them, I certainly won’t settle for less than Chris Paul and Tyson Chandler. That wouldn’t be so bad.
March 25th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Actually, no. It seems lame to steal those players from New Orleans.
March 25th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
A fairly reliable source at Microsoft tells me that Ballmer is urging Bennett to offer a $75 million buyout, which would then fund the remainder of the Key Arena package. Ballmer is also apparently actively pursuing the Grizz and/or Hornets. This is the same source who told me Ballmer was hounding Bennett about buying the team from him about a month before Ballmer’s name was ever publicly linked to the Sonics (I posted this on the message board but I forget what the date was).
If I hear another person saying they heard from a reliable source then I am going to throw up. Nobody really knows what is going to happen. Why would Ballmer want the Grizz and/or Hornets? If this were to happen then we will lose the Sonics and get one of these teams? Nickel’s came out today and said that they are not looking at another team that they want the Seattle SuperSonics. I don’t think they would swap teams. Whey would Bennett pay 75 million if he wasn’t going to get the Sonics?
March 25th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
“A fairly reliable source at Microsoft tells me that Ballmer is urging Bennett to offer a $75 million buyout, which would then fund the remainder of the Key Arena package. Ballmer is also apparently actively pursuing the Grizz and/or Hornets.”
I’m not sure what to feel about that.
I don’t want any other fans to suffer the way we do.
Not gonna lie, I am pretty attached to Kevin Durant.
I have wanted him on the Sonics since his early days in Texas. I want Kevin Durant and the Sonics.
If they end up going to OKC, I hope KD can remember the kind of love we showed him right now, so he will re-sign with us when he is a free agent.
March 25th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
I just had an idea…. okay we know who is on the NBA relocation committee. It is Micky Arson of the Heat, Peter Holt of the Spurs, Lewis Katz of the New Jersey Nets, Herb Simon of the Pacers, Chris Cohan of Golden State, and Jerry Buss of the Lakers.
I have found most of their home addresses online. Can we do a mailing program? Send them handwritten letters from us enclosed with the Key arena proposal? This way we can explain to them how much this team has meant to us. Appeal to their inner fans and how we are so closely tied to our teams. Showing that we care? They are fans, just ultimate fans. I think someone like Jerry Buss reading a letter about us being a kids rooting for GP and Kemp or how we remember the series that our Sonics broke our heart when Nick Van Exel went ballistic on us in the playoffs?
March 25th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
About a week ago in the P.I.Greg Johns wrote a column inwhich
Stern was quoted:”If SEattle would have had this plan in place a year ago we wouldn’t be where we are today” He was of course referring to the key arena renovation proposal.now he is saying today that the key arena would never work for pro basketball.Is that correct?Why could it work a year ago and not now?
It sounds like they are just wingin it w/ their arrogance.I hope the city is aware of statements like these for the ensuing court case.
Yes, on the surface todays comments by stern and the relocation reps could be pretty depressing.but that’s how they want us to be.We and the city can’t back down.We may have them on the run.
Keep up the pressure.
Go sonics
BOYCOTT STARBUCKS!!
March 25th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Testing
March 25th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Nickels to NBA: Stay for your own good
During a news conference about his Pike Place Market levy proposal, reporters asked Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels about today’s Sonics developments in Oklahoma City.
Here’s some of what Nickels had to say:
“We don’t see ourselves in competition with Oklahoma City. They want an NBA team and we wish them well in that. There are teams in Memphis and New Orleans and Charlotte that probably would be happy to move there.
“We have been home to the NBA for 41 years and we think it’s in the NBA’s best interest to stay in the 12th largest market in America. We’ve identified new potential local ownership that would be committed to keeping the team, and committed to putting $150 million – the first half – of renovating KeyArena for the long-term future.
“The city has identified another $75 million that we’d be willing to contribute, so three-quarters of that answer is yes. But one quarter of that hasn’t been answered, is the state of Washington. They’ve sent us a nice letter, indicating their willingness to look at it in the future.
“We will do everything we can to keep the team here through the end of the lease, allow that new ownership to step in and find an arena solution with us.”
Question: Have you made an effort to find another team for Seattle?
“Seattle has been home to the SuperSonics for the last 41 years. Again, we think it’s in the best interest of professional basketball to stay here, to build on those roots. They have over the years lost some 17 different teams.
“And losing one more in a city that is a healthy market, one that has supported the team very well through some pretty lean years, like this year, is in their best interest. We’re going to try to make that case.”
Question: Again, have you made an effort to find another team for Seattle?
“We’ve been focused on saving the Seattle SuperSonics”
March 25th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Frozen & courtsense… great posts on the need to relax over the stern/OKC comments today. All posturing BS - no surprise - more will come in the weeks ahead.
Simple > put the Ballmer group & new Arena plan in front of the NBA owners in Mid-April and IMO…. they will NOT approve Clay’s move request. Then Clay will sell.
If I’m wrong > go to the next step and take them to court in June - more posturing for 2 months - I think Stern & Clay have ZERO desire to be under oath and risk having all the NBA records become public in a case they know they can’t win anyway. This was/is just another law suit that was filed in order to set up a process to negotiatite and pressure for a settlement - happens all the time.
And if the NBA actually thinks they can win the lawsuit and then they lose…. the next step…. What will stern & the NBA owners do?
Option #1: Tell clay he needs to sell & reverse the move approval
Option #2: Keep the team in Seattle & give us the middle finger & say they will just wait 2 years & move. I just don’t think so - a 2-year lame-duck situation in Seattle? Face a certain new HUGE lawsuit by Seattle?
I think even The NBA idiot owners would move towards option #1 if Stern is arrogant, stubborn and dumb enough to advocate option #2
There is a LONG way to go in this & IMO if Ballmer & Nichols find the extra 75 million they will have the best cards in their hand. If Ballemr 7 Nichols do NOT find the extra 75 million and do NOT have the ability to present a new arena plan they eveything changes & Stern/Clay are in good shape.
The next 3 weeks will be interesting to say the least.
March 25th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Eeeeeasy, KBA. This source was right about Ballmer pursuing the Sonics well before any public announcement was made (and yes, before Brian Robinson knew Ballmer was involved). So there is reason to believe that there’s some basis to his gossip. I have no idea how the logistics would work as far as actually moving the Grizz/Hornets to Seattle, but the notion of Bennett funding a Key Arena remodel with a $75mm buyout seems reasonable.
While I’m on the subject, I’ll go on record as being OK with a buyout and replacement franchise (whether it’s the Grizz, Hornets, or expansion). Obviously I would MUCH prefer to keep KD, JG, Presti, etc, but at this point I just want to be able to root for a team (any team) without having to feel conflicted. It would definitely take a year or two to get used to cheering for Gay and Conley, but I suspect it would start to feel natural after a while.
March 25th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Seems hyperlinks are surpressed right now.
The above article was from the P-I’s Strange Bedfellows blog.
March 25th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
“It would definitely take a year or two to get used to cheering for Gay and Conley, but I suspect it would start to feel natural after a while.”
This doesn’t correspond with this…
“Obviously I would MUCH prefer to keep KD, JG, Presti, etc”
YOu’ve only had one year to cheer for the second group of guys and you’d much prefer them.
Maybe its just me, but I’m not attached to any of the Clay Bennett added players. If we keep the team with Ballmer as the owner I’ll start to attach to them, but again the guys I’ll miss are Collison, Swift and Sene…for very different reasons.
March 25th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
This is a subject where many loyal Sonics fans on this web site simply differ - interesting…
If the current Sonics go to OKC I’m done with the NBA. Bringing another cities team does not cut it. Screw them if they try that.
March 25th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
great pic from last night’s game in SPM…
http://www.spmsportspage.com/images/NBA/2007/Seattle-Sonics-97-Portland-Trail-Blazers-84-NBA-03-24-2008/Chuckarelei_B091.html
March 25th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Imagine if it’s Gay/Conley/BEASLEY. I might get much easier.
I’d rather keep KD and co. But to me, with the way this team is playing, what would basically amount to a roster swap with another team wouldn’t hurt my feelings TOO bad.
March 25th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Excerpt from Stern’s comments:
“I think Seattle is actually a terrific market. It just doesn’t have an NBA-ready arena of the future that’s been agreed to by all parties for many years,” Stern said. “It’s a very strong market that has in fact supported NBA basketball well over the years.”
Excerpt from Lewis Katz’s comments (Nets owner):
“My hope is that we’ll find a settlement with Seattle that will give them the opportunity to have a replacement team. Seattle should have an NBA team, and I think David expressed that in the meetings. We all feel that way. My guess is you haven’t heard the end of the Seattle story.”
It’s so obvious what Stern’s plan is: the league is going to dangle the carrot of a replacement team - but only if the City drops the lawsuit first. If the City says no, and proceeds with the lawsuit, then we’ll hear all kinds of tough talk from Stern and Bennett about how Seattle could’ve had another team in the future, still called the Sonics, if only they’d let Clay buy out the lease, and how the Mayor and the City sold out the fans, blah blah blah. They’re hoping the City caves in and lets them go.
IF - BIG IF - the City holds fast, doesn’t fall for the bait, and refuses the buyout and wins the lawsuit THEN we’ll see Bennett start singing a different tune…he’ll be looking to sell once he adds up the losses for a boycotted lame-duck team.
Please, please, please say NO to any and all buyout offers!
March 25th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
So anyone else notice that Brent Barry has re-signed with the Spurs after being waived by Seattle?
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/0226barry0227.html
I believe the Sonics get the veteran’s minimum for this year as savings off Barry’s 07-08 salary and Brent gets one more year in San Antonio at the minumum. He comes back just in time for the playoffs all healed up.
Anyone NOT thinking that Presti just gave a BIG favor to his buddies in the Spurs FO?
March 25th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Paging Brian Robinson -
Please tell me that Slade Gorton and the Mayor understand the hollow posturing and rhetoric that Stern and Bennett are using vis-a-vis Seattle getting another team in the future, but only if we let them buy out the lease and drop the lawsuit…
Pleas tell me that Gorton and Nickels have the guts to call BS and let the case go tot court and then see what happens in the summer…
Please tell me I can count on them to play hardball and not softball when it really counts…
Save the SONICS - not another team!
March 25th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
It looks to me like Stern and Bennett are backpeddling faster than….a …. really fast back peddler.
Seriously, his comments about Seattle were absolute praise especially in comparison to his previous BS.
These guys are on the run. Classic negotiating would give them a way out, the franchise swap, etc. I don’t know if I would be willing to let Devil and Satan win ANYTHING, but having a team, THE SEATTLE SUPERSONICS, is the goal.
March 25th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Does everyone realize that the end game for Stern is to have a new stadium in Seattle and an NBA ready situation in OKC?
OKC gave Stern what he wants for that part with the vote to improve the arena there and add a practice facility, now all he needs to do is use Bennett to force Seattle to pony up when Seattle (and the state) clearly do not want to.
Stern is well on his way to getting what he wants, even though he is trampling all over his own product and loyal customer base to do it.
March 25th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Sounds like they’re hoping Seattle accepts a buyout then they’ll use Seattle as a hammer to get concessions out of other cities. You won’t give us what we want? I hear Seattle’s looking for a team.
March 25th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
I agree to a point Vinny, but I don’t think things have quite gone the way he wanted. I truly do not believe he thought Seattle would step up like we have. While he will probably, ultimately be happy with the outcome, he has opened himself up to great criticism and legal jeopardy. I don’t think that was ever past of his “Plan.”
March 25th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
That could go 3 ways……Seattle is looking for a team, OKC is ready and waiting, KC has an arena with no tenant…..
March 25th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
I know I am a little late for the names but I would choose the Oklahoma City Sternetts
March 25th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Oklahomo Haters
March 25th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Courtsense says….
“IF - BIG IF - the City holds fast, doesn’t fall for the bait, and refuses the buyout and wins the lawsuit THEN we’ll see Bennett start singing a different tune…he’ll be looking to sell once he adds up the losses for a boycotted lame-duck team.
Please, please, please say NO to any and all buyout offers!”
I totally agree but I will take it a step further….
If the owners approve the move despite Ballmer & Seattle having their arena plan tight & together…. I think Stern & CB will UP their BS even more after the BOG vote > BUT > I would not be surprised at all to see them CAVE just before the court case & sell to Ballmer. I do not think they want any part of that court case and they likely know they will lose anyway…. AND …. I think they realize if they lose they cannot stay for 2 years in lame duck status.
This is all about guts and bluffing now. Nichols is talking strong - CB & stern are talking tough. It is all about who will blink when.
Stern & CB are counting on seattle city leaders NOT being able to resit another larger buyout/settlement of the lease court case.
Meanwhile - we have to hope the 75 million needed for the new arena shows up - the arena plan MUST be tight going into the BOG meeting.
Get your tickets for April 13!
March 25th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Did you hear that they will only leave the name if we release them of the lease? How f-ed up is that?!? They are seriously coniving little a-holes.
March 25th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Oklahoma City Clay Pigeons- Their NBADL team will be the Tulsa SternWarnings
March 25th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
when the dust settles, seattle and okc will be in the league. either memphis or n’awlins won’t. that’s my prediction. stern will come out smelling like a rose (although he is a lowlife skunk) because he’ll have lost a subpar market, upgraded seattle, and brought in an enthusiastic new market that is naive enough to think that fielding a last place team is a treat.
this will last for a few years until the next sorry act in this smoke & mirrors operation.
but as seinfeld points out, rooting for a team really is rooting for laundry. if they call them the seattle supersonics, and they wear the right uniforms, and they play in seattle, i’ll root for ‘em.
March 25th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3312136
March 25th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
courtsense Says:
he’ll be looking to sell once he adds up the losses for a boycotted lame-duck team.
I wish I believed in the tooth fairy too.
Myk Says:
You should always fight for what you have…not pray for what you might get.
That statement could be taken a number of ways. As far as praying, see the top comment. Thanks to Howard Schultz/governement/constituents, we no longer have the Sonics. They are about as close as you can get to official lame duck status. What we do still have is the Sonics name and I want to fight to keep it. I want to take my future grandchildren to “Sonics” games so I can tell them stories about the past great Sonics players. I don’t want the emotion of this day or the next two years to destroy that chance.
I don’t have the stomach to deal with this shit for two more seasons, just to end up watching the name & history getting packed into a moving van. I don’t think i’ll have to worry about that however, since I believe after relocation is approved, the City will agree on a buyout once they realize holding the team to the lease will no longer be in their best interests as far as paying off the debt, keeping the team name, and expediting the process of doing what it takes to bring in a replacement team.
March 25th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
The comment from Stern is a bit surprising but I wouldn’t make much of it on its own. The Katz comment increases the intrigue quite a bit. It still is vague and could be throw away doublespeak or a lure for a settlement without a firm guarantee or quick replacement but it could be a signal of the beginning of the real dealmaking.
3 of the 7 owners on the relocation bothered to make the trip. Real serious, real impressive. Not.
March 25th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
For me I am done with the NBA if THIS team moves. I have no real connection to many of these player, but that is not the reason for my sentiment. It is this mess that schultz and the nba has put me in as a fan who has spend thousands of dollars on their product. If Sterns goal all along was to have a team in Seattle by relocation, and moving the now sonics to OKC, we as fans are nothing but pawns in his game. I am already sickened by what the NBA has done, and by approving the move, even if a new team arrives down the road, is a spit in out face as fans and consumers.
March 25th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
“Please tell me I can count on them to play hardball and not softball when it really counts…”
Courtsense, At the press conference announcing the Ballmer group Slade Gorton was empatic in saying we want to save the current team we dont want to be competing with other cities for another team! I think Nickels and Gorton understand the game being played and wont buckle.
March 25th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Dick, it sounds like we disagree about Bennett’s willingness to ride out 2 years of losses with a lameduck team…so you think his pockets are so deep, and his resolve so strong, that paying $500 million for a last place team - when the going rate for such a franchise is probably half that - makes sense? You really think he won’t even feel the sting of making a number of cash calls to Aubrey and Tom Ward? Their combined wealth is about a 1/5th of Ballmer’s alone…let alone Stanton, Sinegal, and Griffin.
You really think Bennett and Stern are being straight in all this, and that they won’t back down when their bluff is called in June?
March 25th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
I’ve said before the current team or I’m done but I’ve decided if The NBA approves this move and we are able to get another team WITHOUT INTERRUPTION, than I can live with that prospect!
March 25th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Here’s an article from the Seattle P-I dated Aug 11, 2006. Interesting comments by Governor Gregoire.
“After her meeting with the Oklahoma City businessman, Gregoire said, “Mr. Bennett told me that he intends to work with cities and the state to make the Sonics and Storm a business that we cannot afford to lose and I take him at his word.” In earlier comments to the media, Bennett gave a healthy emphasis on the role of private money in financing a new home for the teams.”
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/280838_clayed.html
March 25th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
“There’s no question in my mind that they’re coming. It’s just a question of when,” said New Jersey Nets part owner and relocation committee member Lewis Katz
March 25th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/basketball/356421_kolloen26.html
this guy sounds very much like he doesn’t really give a flying crap about keeping the team here….
March 25th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
JC, yes I do and I think the City is the one doing the bluffing.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
sorry if this is a repeat:
“The Mayor was reminded $75 million is exactly the gap between what has been raised and what it needed to save the Seattle Sonics. Nickels replied:
“This is the year of the market,” Nickels said.
As for the Sonics, the mayor said ” that will not be through a voter-approved levy. I am not going to ask the people to do that. This is a higher priority for the people of Seattle.”"
http://www.komotv.com/news/local/17001386.html
March 25th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Sims said a few weeks ago before Ballmer’s group stepped forward that “the investor groups” assumed the Sonics were already gone and were focused on a replacement team. Either he meant the 2 other investor groups and not Ballmer’s or he was giving his misunderstanding of their view (maybe they are still hoping on possibly retaining current team first but were open to plan B as well- possible) or possibly he may have had it right (and revealed insider strategy that others didn’t want revealed at that time for understandable reasons with the state request pending). Nickels and Ballmer appear to want to fight and win in round 1 foremost. Gregoire and Sims seem resigned to round 2 at best, if there is one. It doesnt seem they are in agreement all working on a single strategy but maybe they get there.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
I’ve been a Sonics fan since Day One in 1967, and an NBA fan since before that.
But my feeling remains the same - either this Sonics team stays, or I’m done. I have no interest in another franchise - none.
I don’t want the Grizzlies or the Hornets any more than I want the Celtics or the Pistons or the Lakers or the Mavericks or the Whatevers. We either continue the tradition with this franchise and this team or we get out of the game altogether.
At some point, you just have to say “enough” - and the day this franchise moves is the day I say “enough” with the NBA.
This whole idea of Stern dictating shit to the City is ridiculous - the City needs to start doing some dictation of their own. They need to tell Stern “this is how it’s gonna be: you either see to it that Bennett sells the Sonics to Ballmer now, or we’re done with YOU - forever. Ands when we say ‘done’ we mean done - don’t ever try to use us as leverage against another city, because we won’t play that game again. Bo building, no billionaires, no new franchise - this market will move on without you. Do you want that on your resume?”
March 25th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
OKC Tumbleweed
OKC Nomads
OKC Hypocrites
OKC Disaster
March 25th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
http://mvn.com/nba-source/2008/03/25/a-sad-night-in-the-pacific-northwest/
props from a national BB forum
March 25th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
I say fuck the NBA if they take this team out of here. If they vote for relocation I say keep them out of here for good.
Make them suffer for the next two years and keep on ruining the already deteriorating image. Their ethics are despicable and I hope David Stern goes down as the worst thing to happen to professional sports.
Don’t get me wrong im going to fight for this team.. until they saddle up and head to the ranch.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
“Do you want that on your resume?”
It would probably be better to say, “Do you want that on your tombstone?” Stern’s 66 years old. His term is up in 2010.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Sorry if this is a repeat:
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-31-87/Clay-Bennett-Might-Leave-the.html
March 25th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
I don’t post much here, but I feel like commenting today…
On the subject of the whole franchise swap thing…I have to give a big no to that personally. I can’t imagine it feeling right. Through this whole thing I’ve been imagining that scenario and debating with myself “What makes a team?” The jerseys? The players? I dunno. I just know if say, the Hornets moved here and became the Sonics it wouldn’t feel right. It would be great to have good team again, but I want to see THIS team grow and eventually get to that point (which I know they will). Otherwise it’s always going to feel to me like the Hornets dressed up like Sonics. Or the Grizzlies or whatever…
As for how attached we could be to this team anyway considering how young they are and all that…personally I have become very attached. Kevin Durant and Jeff Green were drafted by the Sonics to become (hopefully) future superstars for the Sonics. I want to see that happen. Despite all the rebuilding and everything there are guys who have been here for a while who I want to see what happens with. Like Nick…I love that guy and don’t want to see him go. And Luke…I’ve noticed he doesn’t have many fans here, but I’m from Blaine and have been watching him play since elementary school and it’s been great for me and my friends and family to see him play as a Sonic. Hell, even the guys who piss me off like Damien…These guys are the Sonics, and it would take a LOOOONG time for me to get used to anything else. I’m not sure that I ever could. If it’s not this team, I’m not sure I want one at all.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
The Oklahoma Potatoes
March 25th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Team name suggestion from the Truehoop link Speedy posted:
The OKC Visitors
March 25th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
“At some point, you just have to say “enough” - and the day this franchise moves is the day I say “enough” with the NBA.”
I guess because this current team is so bad like the worst team in franchise history that I start to think (sometimes) if we can get another team without waiting 1-2 years or longer than I could live with that, but on the other hand I have the same feelings that if Stern and the league allow this move than I’m done with the NBA for ever! I to have been a hard core fan since the very first season and the thought of this team leaving makes me sick.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Will Stern offer an expansion team to have someone who helped him get on with his business and will a Key remodel be enough if the new local owners say it is? He could and it would so much easier.
Will Ballmer’s group take a replacement team and what is their upper price and time limit?
Will the city find that $75 million by means Nickels and the majority of the council will support in the face of other presures and desires (like what Speedcat just posted)?
Need all 3 to work out. It doesn’t absolutely have to be right away, but of couse that would be best.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
I agree with Dick Tate.
As far as the Bennett group’s ability to absorb losses is concerned — they are in the oil and gas business. That business has been booming, with the price of oil soaring. I looked up their net worth on Forbes the past couple of years, and the two most wealthy owners, McClendon and Ward, EACH had their net worth increase by half a Billion dollars between 2006 and 2007. The net worth of each of them went from $1.6 billion to $2.1 billion in one year.
That is basically $500 million in INCOME in one year for each of them. To think that they can not “afford” to lose around $10 million each per year each is ludicrous. That is a pittance to these guys. That amounts to about 2% of their income each year. That is like $2,000 to someone earning $100,000 per year. For a hobby you love, that is nothing.
At the same time, my understanding is that, for at least the first 4 years of ownership, NBA owners can use team operating losses as tax writeoffs on their other profitable businesses. If this is true, then they actually are not losing nearly as much money as they report. I have read that Schultz sold after 4 years partly because he could no longer claim the losses from the Sonics as tax writeoffs.
Also, doesn’t the NBA share some of the luxury tax revenues among the teams with the lowest revenues, so the Sonics might be in line to receive several millions per year in this sort of revenue sharing if they have to play the next 2 seasons in KeyArena.
In my opinion, the idea that Bennett could be “forced” to sell by making him stay in KeyArena for 2 more seasons is a pipe dream. Or, as Pete Von Reichbauer called the arena plan, “wishful thinking.”
March 25th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
So, trying to get the NBA to agree to put another team in Seattle, as part of a buyout of the lease, seems to me to be the best bet. I just can’t see the Sonics being here after 2010.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/basketball/356421_kolloen26.html
INCREDIBLE! I actually met this guy on Friday at a friend’s house and participated in the trivial pursuit game he references in the article. He seemed like a decent guy, but his true d-bag colors are revealed in this article. I have now read it twice and I’m still not sure what point he’s trying to make. Actually, yes I am. It is “I use words like ‘truism’ in a desperate plea for the P-I to hire me.”
March 25th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
This is absolutely disgusting!!! Seeing Clay Bennett and David Stern together smiling with glee and proudly showing off OKC makes me fuckin’ sick.
http://www.newsok.tv/?titleID=1468267162
March 25th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
“That is basically $500 million in INCOME in one year for each of them. To think that they can not “afford” to lose around $10 million each per year each is ludicrous. That is a pittance to these guys. That amounts to about 2% of their income each year. That is like $2,000 to someone earning $100,000 per year. For a hobby you love, that is nothing.”
I believe Clay Bennett’s net worth is short of a billion. Most of his money is actually his wife’s.
Tom Ward and Aubrey McClendon are worth $2.1 billion each. I doubt thay make $500 million anually.
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2007/54/richlist07_The-400-Richest-Americans_Rank_10.html
March 25th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Luxury tax revenue splits are much smaller than they were to non-tax teams broadly (and may fade away further or completely in a few years) and that special pool to low revenue teams who are managing team right way and “deserve it” is probably smaller too.
I wasn’t as strong a believer in the value of Gorton in the context of getting state legislative action as some but if a deal gets done with NBA he and the City Attorney will have to broker it and then get Ballmer and Nickels to nod agreement to it.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
NBA Commissioner Stern says KeyArena renovation not an option
03/26/2008
By JEFF LATZKE / Associated Press
NBA commissioner David Stern on Tuesday shot down a proposal by a group of Seattle businessmen seeking to renovate KeyArena in order to keep the SuperSonics in the city.
Stern said the NBA does not view a renovation as a solution because the site could not undergo a proper expansion.
“The reason that this journey began was because KeyArena was not an adequate arena going forward and there were a lot of recommendations made for another arena … but the tax revenues and the various contributions weren’t forthcoming,” Stern said while taking questions about an NBA relocation subcommittee’s recommendation to move the SuperSonics to Oklahoma City.
“I would say that as far as we know, the footprint of Key is at present time not viewed as adequate to support what’s necessary going forward.”
Stern said he believes the footprint of KeyArena is only between 300,000 and 400,000 square feet, as compared to the 580,000 square feet of Oklahoma City’s Ford Center that will extend even farther during planned renovations.
A group including Microsoft Corp. Chief Executive Steve Ballmer has floated a proposal to buy the Sonics and pay half of a $300 million renovation plan, in the hope that the city of Seattle and state of Washington would split the remainder of the cost.
SuperSonics owner Clay Bennett has repeatedly said his team is not for sale.
“As far as I know, we have owners there that own the team and they have told us based on the present state of their record and their inability to get any assistance up to this point that the team is not for sale and the application to move has been made,” Stern said.
The SuperSonics’ lease requires them to play in Seattle through the end of the 2009-10, although Bennett is seeking to break the agreement in federal court. Bennett said his ownership group is “prepared to engage in the trial” and abide by the judge’s ruling.
After failing to secure a new, $500 million arena he was seeking in Seattle, Bennett said the Sonics “don’t have a prayer of succeeding in KeyArena.”
“I absolutely know a team can survive and be profitable in Oklahoma City. It needs to be understood that in this market that Oklahoma City is a viable, growing market,” Bennett said in Seattle in October. ” … It will work and it will certainly work a lot better than it is here today.”
New Jersey Nets owner Lewis Katz, Los Angeles Lakers vice president Jeanie Buss and Indiana Pacers owner Herb Simon said Tuesday that they would recommend that the NBA’s relocation committee approve the SuperSonics’ request to move to Oklahoma City. The NBA Board of Governors will vote April 18 on the proposal.
“There’s no question in my mind that they’re coming. It’s just a question of when,” Katz said. “The hope is that somebody makes the appropriate approach from Seattle, people get together, they sit down, they make a deal and everybody walks away with something good for their community.
“Hopefully, Seattle will then realize that the NBA is not walking away from it.”
Stern said he would be available to help Bennett and the city of Seattle if they were to negotiate a settlement “but there’s a lease to be honored, there’s a court deciding whether that lease can be honored by a payment or has to be honored by the team being physically there.”
“I think there may or may not be discussion to have about a fair settlement for both sides, and I’m certainly in favor of helping them look for some fair resolution,” Stern said.
If the federal judge rules that the Sonics cannot buy out of the lease, the team could be facing two lame duck seasons in the Pacific Northwest — or, as some hope, it could provide extra time to find a new solution and keep the city’s first major sports franchise.
“It would be terrible. It doesn’t help anybody to have a lame duck team. Nobody should be in that position,” Katz said. “It doesn’t help Seattle. It doesn’t help the ownership group here in Oklahoma. It’s not good for the league to have that just hang out.”
___
AP Sports Writer Gregg Bell contributed to this report from Seattle.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
hey guys… i don’t post on here very often, and usually don’t draw a response when i do, but i do enjoy reading the comments… just have to say, please stop suggesting names. This is probably the last time I’m gonna be on this site, I loved reading it for the postgame analysis, being in California it was kinda hard to find that. But reading all the suggested names, thinking about all our players in those uniforms… I’ve given up. I was such a huge fan of the nba. When I was a kid, I used to go shoot around in my backyard after every sonics game when payton and kemp were playing. I bought league pass every year to watch ray allen and rashard lewis try hard, but not quite make it for the most part. And while college has kinda taken away the extra money for league pass the last couple years, I’ve done what I can to watch our young players start to grow up. I follow the stats night in and night out, wondering when KD and JG are gonna turn that corner (looks like KD has, and JG is close to it). I’m gonna treat the rest of the games this season, and the draft, and everything up until they move, with as much naivety (is that a word?) that I can manage, just forcing all thoughts of the move out of my mind and assuming they’re just staying. Once they move, I’m done. But please, I know a lot of the posts on here about OKC names are jokes, I like the OKC Visitors one especially, but let me live in my dream world a little longer
March 25th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
The Key Arena expansion would make it 730,000 square feet.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
The net worth of each of them increased by half a billion in one year. In 2006 they were each worth $1.6 billion. In 2007, they were each worth $2.1 billion. That is not “income” per se, but it is a huge increase in wealth. If your net worth increased by $500 million in one year, would you worry too much if your hobby cost you $10 million that year? Just sell a little stock, and you’re still worth $490 million more than the year before.
With the way oil prices have increased, they each may be worth $2.6 billion by now. Those guys are getting richer by the minute.
Clay is not as rich, it is true. But, again, he can probably use his losses from the Sonics as a tax writeoff.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
I have grown to expect this much from the despicable David Stern, but it still makes me want to punch somebody.
March 25th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
“Stern said the NBA does not view a renovation as a solution because the site could not undergo a proper expansion.
“The reason that this journey began was because KeyArena was not an adequate arena going forward and there were a lot of recommendations made for another arena … but the tax revenues and the various contributions weren’t forthcoming,” Stern said while taking questions about an NBA relocation subcommittee’s recommendation to move the SuperSonics to Oklahoma City.
“I would say that as far as we know, the footprint of Key is at present time not viewed as adequate to support what’s necessary going forward.”
Stern said he believes the footprint of KeyArena is only between 300,000 and 400,000 square feet, as compared to the 580,000 square feet of Oklahoma City’s Ford Center that will extend even farther during planned renovations.”
Doesn’t the Key Arena renovation put the Key at over 700,000 square feet? If so, what is the point of even bringing this up?
March 25th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/54/biz_06rich400_Aubrey-K-McClendon_MSFH.html
Here’s McClendon from Forbes. In 2006, he was worth $1.6 billion. In 2007 he was worth $2.1 billion. He’s worth a lot more today, probably. That is $500 million in wealth he acquired just in the one year from 2006 to 2007. Ward is exactly the same.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
The Oklahoma McVeighs…fine fine fine below the belt
March 25th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
No, no, no. We hate Clay Bennett, not OKC and the survivors of the OKC bombing.
Look on the bright side: if we at least keep the team name, in 2014 or so, we’ll be able to buy the OKC team back and rename it the Sonics when Ok attendance dips below 5,000 a game and Durant refuses to re-sign with the OKC Ragin’ Grapes. Maybe we’ll even be able to get the the Celtics after Stern forces them to relocate and go insolvent in Budapest.
God, I hate Clay Bennett and David Stern.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
twk, enjoy the team and game however you can.
There are a lot of different discussion directions these days. I think it would probably help if everyone agrees / takes care to treat game and boxscore threads as just that so if that is what you want and all you want you can focus on just that there.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Sorry Dipper, you can make all the comments you want about the greatness of what they’re able to absorb, but compare it to this.
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2008/10/billionaires08_Steven-Ballmer_ZBED.html
March 25th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
“So, trying to get the NBA to agree to put another team in Seattle, as part of a buyout of the lease, seems to me to be the best bet. I just can’t see the Sonics being here after 2010.”
then the NBA has lost me and my family as a fan. It’s not whether we have a future team or not, it’s the spitting in the face of 41 years of fans that has me so upset. Stern backed schultz on his initial request for a key arena update when first proposed, NOW the only solution is the most expensive new arena in the country. No, I am NOT bending over for that, instead the nba can kiss my arse if it comes to that.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Meanwhile, Seattle city leaders had no news on their effort to come up with a funding solution for the final $75 million of its $300 million KeyArena makeover proposal designed to keep the Sonics in Seattle.
Matt Griffin, one of four Seattle businessmen who have offered $150 million in private funding, labeled the chances of the city or state coming up with the remainder before the final NBA relocation vote as “possible, but not probable.”
Where that leaves the four investors, led by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, remains to be seen. The group has set an April 10 expiration on its own offer to help.
“As we’ve always said, the right time to have this discussion is while these things are still pending (with the Sonics’ relocation),” Griffin said. “When we get a recommendation like today’s, they’re a little less pending. The shot clock is running down.”
March 25th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
God, I hate Clay Bennett and David Stern.
My hate is still reserved for Howie.
http://tinyurl.com/yvcq5k
March 25th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Makes no difference, Scott. Ballmer is even richer. So what? Nobody can force Bennett to sell. The question is: can Bennett’s group afford to play 2 more seasons in KeyArena? I would say, obviously, yes, they can afford it.
It’s critical to know if Bennett is bluffing or not. The very worst outcome for Seattle is for the city to force Bennett to stay in Seattle for 2 more seasons, then they move to OKC in 2010, and the city gets nothing, except the wrath of the NBA. How would that help Seattle? That is the worst-case scenario. Seattle can not let that happen.
Now, if you believe that Bennett can not afford 2 more seasons in KeyArena, you might call his bluff, refuse a buyout, thinking that he will be forced to sell the team. But you better be right. Because if you are wrong, Seattle really gets screwed — no buyout money, no Sonics name, no new team — nothing.
So, Seattle had better know if Bennett can afford to play 2 more seasons in KeyArena, or if he is bluffing.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
It is hard to tell if Stern is just trying to knock down the city / investor proposal in the national media where they don’t know the proposal well or if he really hasnt given it the time of day yet or if he is actually creating an opening for dialogue.
Upgraded and expanded Key may or may not be adequate to him now (though it was a few years ago when it weas drafted) but at some point Ballmer and the city have to get the proposal in front of them in detail and putch it. Maybe Stern will “discover” the plan is better and acceptable- if and when he decides it is desirable to say so.
If I was Ballmer I’d definitely respond Stern’s comments in public and say something to the effect “yes the arena will be big enough and have enough revenue streams and we do seek a solution and want to talk and talk very soon”.
Try to set the “dialogue” hook.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
kba your last post is troubling not only for the lack of progress on finding the last chunk of money but for the passive background posture the investors appear to be taking.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
I dont think any of us can say weather we would or wouldnt support an expansion team in Seattle. If they do move i can tell you the NBA is dead to me for a few years. I might be so starved for basketball at that point that i would welcome a new team in Seattle.
I just submitted the OKC Dustbowls and got my head ripped off by a bunch of Ockies lol.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
I understand that Bennett can absorb it, personally I’d rather have him do it and if it means that we ‘don’t ever get a team again’ then so be it.
We have to have a solution and the state failed the citizens of this region, much as they have wheni t comes to every key issue facing the state.
I don’t care what Stern says, he’s more than willing to go back on his word when it comes to everything else.
I personally believe that the more we stick it to Bennett and his group, the more they end up sticking it to the citizenry of thier home town. I’m cool with that.
I can find really good ways to spend money that would usually be spent on the NBA and its byproducts annually and put it to much better uses. Note to those from this city that think we’ll just spend it in other parts of Seattle or King County…this year it went to the Philippines. Next year, who knows?
March 25th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
I’m confused as to why some of you are advocating for the city to accept a buyout in exchange for a new team prior to the conclusion of the court case. If you accept the following three statements as true or likely true:
1) The BOG will approve Clay’s relocation request
2) The city will win its court case
3) Clay can and will ride out the storm until 2010 and then move to OKC
…then it probably does make sense for Nickels to negotiate a buyout and replacement team. But wouldn’t he have more leverage if he waited until the court officially ordered Bennett to stay until 2010? It seems like Bennett/Stern might be willing to compromise a little more in the negotiations once they know for a fact that the team is obligated to stay in Seattle through 2010.
Let me know if I’m overlooking something.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Seth K.’s article shows he doesn’t get the main thrust about saving the Sonics the way many fans do but his uncertainty is partly based on not knowing the complete public cost & method and if the final deal is fair and reasonable.
If those trying to finish the deal can present a whole deal and if several prominent politicians fully endorse it as an improved community facility as the heart of Seattle Center sensible for its vitality in the next quarter century and only partly Sonics solution I think a lot of the people on the fence and not as passionate about the Sonics will drift into the fold. But they’ve sure waited to the last second to try to do this.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
This is just to make DickTate a little more cheerful in his dislike of Howie:)
http://finance.yahoo.com/q/bc?s=SBUX
Now that’s a beautiful chart…if you hate the largest shareholder.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
Well, personally, I think it would be kind of funny for Bennett to have to play in KeyArena for 2 more years, with absolutely nobody going to games, and not one luxury suite leased. I see the satisfaction in that. But it would be a pretty expensive lesson for Seattle to be teaching Bennett and the NBA, in that it would cost the city of Seattle a lot of lost revenue, also.
That would not upset me too much. But for NBA basketball in Seattle in the long run, that would probably be counterproductive.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
“So, trying to get the NBA to agree to put another team in Seattle, as part of a buyout of the lease, seems to me to be the best bet. I just can’t see the Sonics being here after 2010.”
then the NBA has lost me and my family as a fan. It’s not whether we have a future team or not, it’s the spitting in the face of 41 years of fans that has me so upset. Stern backed schultz on his initial request for a key arena update when first proposed, NOW the only solution is the most expensive new arena in the country. No, I am NOT bending over for that, instead the nba can kiss my arse if it comes to that.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Sam K. I’d say those three initial statements are likely to be true. Your concluding thought is the crux and is still debatable. Stern and Bennett would prefer to negotiate before the trial because they have a better hand then. The city’s hand might be strengthened after winning the trial but only if the NBA is still willing to talk compromise. I hope they talk and then decide to get it done.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
“I understand that Bennett can absorb it, personally I’d rather have him do it and if it means that we ‘don’t ever get a team again’ then so be it.”
I agree I’d rather bleed Bennett for 2 years and never get another team than give into Sterns blackmail. The sad thing is for all my loyalty as an NBA and Sonic fan for all these years I’m being punished by Stern because of the broken NBA business model, bad ownership and politicians that wont rubber stamp these new arena’s.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
“But wouldn’t he have more leverage if he waited until the court officially ordered Bennett to stay until 2010? It seems like Bennett/Stern might be willing to compromise a little more in the negotiations once they know for a fact that the team is obligated to stay in Seattle through 2010.”
Good question. The one problem I see with this, is that waiting until the lawsuit is settled might make it impossible for the Sonics to move to OKC for the 2008-09 season, I would imagine. And if Bennett has to play one more season in KeyArena, no matter what, he would not offer as much to buy out just one year of the lease as he would to buy out 2 years.
Bennett might be the one who wants to wait for the lawsuit to be settled, because if he won, he could buy out the lease for a lot less money than the city would be willing to accept now.
I just kind of assume Bennett will offer the city a lot more money now, to avoid the court battle. But who knows? Maybe he won’t make a great offer, and it will actually go to court.
I don’t get the impression that the city council really wants this to go to court. I think Slade Gorton might, but he is not making that decision. This is probably going to get pretty interesting before it’s all said and done.
But you make a good point. It might take a really good offer from Bennett to get the city to drop the lawsuit, and settle.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
People have talked about Stern’s orchestrating to get 2 new buildings and also about helping Clay. I would add that potentially he could still help Howard Schultz save face and got a lot of thanks for that and pats on the back from other owners that don’t like to see owners taking heat. If Stern still cares about Schultz.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Crow, I’m not sure why Stern/Bennett would be willing to talk compromise now but not four months from now. They are big boys; being embarrassed in court is not going to deter them from doing what is in their best interest. I really can’t imagine Stern turning a deaf ear to Nickels if he is approached in July about trading a future franchise for a lease buyout. Especially since, at that point, Stern will know with certainty that Bennett is going to have to endure two more long, ugly, expensive seasons in Seattle.
It seems pretty clear to me that the city has a better chance of keeping the NBA in Seattle (current Sonics or new team) if it waits until this summer to begin talking about a buyout.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
A few thoughts for you to chew on:
1. Slade hangs tough. The City has a winning hand in court, for all kinds of good reasons (many of which we can only guess at). He will not abandon that hand without a good settlement outcome.
2. No deal but a good deal. I doubt that Slade will recommend accepting any deal that involves giving up the real Sonics if the deal does not GUARANTEE a replacement team. That’s what he got for the Pilots, and I doubt at this point that he would be satisfied settling for less. In fact, I think that’s the minimum that would allow a settlement. I’d like to think we can do better.
3. What else would they say? So a couple of owners representatives (Jeannie Buss?) effused over the Ford center. What would you expect them to say? “This cow palace needs to be blown up.”? “Do people actually LIVE here?” They were doing their job to help up the leverage. Nothing more. Why else were they there? Did they somehow learn something important about the site that wasn’t obvious from 2 years of NBA play in the place?
The news reports coming out of OK were VERY carefully timed and scripted for PR effect. The reports seem to have had their desired impact on many of the readers here. The OKies are trying to change the game with PR. But the game will be won or lost on the courtroom floor. And, provided that we can bring a top flight ownership group to the table with an acceptable arena plan.
4. Clay won’t pay. The Sonics will not tolerate a 2 year lame duck situation if they lose the court fight. It would be a nightmare for them financially and for the league. Why do so many of you assume that Clay and his partners would willingly lose $50-100 mil over those two years just to get the Sonics? What rational person would do that, recognizing that wealth expended could never be recouped? You may not think that much of Clay, but is he really that stupid? Or civic minded?
No matter how you slice that, those kind of losses mean that his group will NEVER recoup their investment. Is that what they signed up for? How much? I’d love to see the investment prospectus that was circulated on that. Can you say “investor lawsuits”?
5. The league can’t lose leverage. Others have pointed this out, but I will reinforce it. The league uses situations like this to cow all of the other cities out there. What happens to the league’s leverage if Seattle smokes the Sonics and / or the league in court? Or takes the issue to congress? Do you think Slade has some pull there? As compared to Stern? If the league loses, its ability to pull this kind of stunt will be vastly diminished. This is the way many (most?) of these owners have been able to jack up the value of their investments. I don’t see them viewing the OKies as worth the risk of blowing their future leverage.
6. The Mayor is crazy. For those of you who don’t work with the City, it is well recognized that this Mayor, and his staff, are extremely tough, uncompromising, and political (note that many other cognate words have been used as well).
Many view them as crazy. And they may be. Which is excellent.
Exactly the kind of person you want negotiating something like this situation. Remember: if the Mayor wins this, he’s a hard-boiled hero. He loses? He did his best - - a fantastic job - - against impossible odds to save a civic resource that all others had given up on, and he did so at no expense to the taxpayers. Now that’s a winning hand to play politically.
Why would he want to settle for a buy-out again? Remember, that is what the OKies have to do if they WIN in court! That’s about as valuable as offering to leave the team name behind. Do you think that maybe they intended all along to do that?
I’m sorry, but their offers so far aren’t good enough to sell to the last turnip to fall off the truck in OK City.
7. Ballmer knows how to litigate. So, what giant international company has been involved in the most, biggest, super high-stakes litigation, all over the world, over the last 15 years. Its a local company. Want a few hints? No, its not Boeing.
Ballmer deals with multiple cases DAILY where there is at stake 10 to 100 times the value of the City’s case against the OKies. He knows how to win those cases. And, he knows how to settle those cases advantageously. His company is also represented by - - Slade’s law firm!
What do you think. Is it likely that the City and Ballmer’s group are maybe working on an end game strategy together?
8. The Guest that posted at 5:06 is an imposter (not me). Pay no atention!
March 25th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
I think the air is really out of the situation now. I feel like a jerk, but I now think that the Sonics are gone and our best hope is to try to get another team. At some point, if King David deems us worthy. But it will take a BRAND NEW ARENA, something Seattle is not into at all. Maybe we can get the Olympis or something, and thus have a reason to inspire tax payers to build one. Unfortunately, the loserass M’s and Streakhawks ruined this for us as far as most Seattle/King County voters are concerned with their undeserved stadiums.
Sorry guys, but my towel is on the verge of being thrown in. The political climate of our state and city has destroyed the short term future of NBA basketball in Seattle.
Go Blazers? At least they have Seattle’s Brandon Roy, Martell Webster, and Paul Allen…
As much as it pains me to admit to myself, settling with Bennett and keeping the Sonics’ history is in the city’s best interest, makes the most biz sense, and seems extremely likely…
I feel sick.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Okie’s liars
Okie’s thieves
Okie’s goin bust
March 25th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
OKC CRADLE ROBBERS
Beware.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Katz’s comments are a possible opening, surely said with Stern’s approval I would think. I don’t recall any of the blow by blow Gorton went thru in the negotiations with the other two sports but at this point I guess I’d hope he makes a read, gets the others to follow his lead and that he makes the right call and gets the right discussion at the right time to get the best possible outcome- whatever that is.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
Courtsense… Your post at 8:03 is beautiful… I agree… For me just on principle if Stern jerks us around & gets us another team even immediately I am done with the NBA. And if they move the sonics after Ballmer steps up like this…. forget it - screw them too. I
If this team moves to OKC I really believe Seattle would never get another NBA team for at least a few decades - a generation. - because we would not want one. The wounds would be too deep and no way the city would want to support bringing in a new team.
Go to LA now - No one wants an NFL Team. It is almost a point of pride… “We don’t need the F’-ing NFL - We’re LA - We are bigger than you”. There would e some of that sentiment along with simply a trust/credibility gap with beeing burned that Seattle leaders 7 people would not get over easily.
And… At the right time Seattle leaders need to stick it back to Stern hard and see who blinks and who is bluffing.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
People, we need to relax, we knew all along that the NBA would approve the move to OKC if nothing changed in Seattle. Stern is playing this to the max. This is not over and Stern says that KeyArena even with a $300 million is not an option is in direct violation of his own bylaws. Let the dust settle from today’s news and we will go to work tomorrow. I expect if the city is going to make a move in will be in the next couple of days. Hang tough, it is not easy but we can still win!!!!
March 25th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
My hope is that we’ll find a settlement with Seattle that will give them the opportunity to have a replacement team. Seattle should have an NBA team and I think David expressed that in the meetings. We all feel that way. My guess is you haven’t heard the end of the Seattle story.” Katz NJ nets owner..
interesting change of heart, “david expressed!”
we will get a team! I hope it is not in 2 years!
March 25th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
My hope is that we’ll find a settlement with Seattle that will give them the opportunity to have a replacement team. Seattle should have an NBA team and I think David expressed that in the meetings. We all feel that way. My guess is you haven’t heard the end of the Seattle story.” Katz NJ nets owner..
interesting change of heart, “david expressed!”
we will get a team! I hope it is not in 2 years!
March 25th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Call their bluff, and tell them you’ll see them in court.
No settling for anything but our team.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
The Charlotte case is pretty important to know from inside. When Stern and city agreed to a deal to patch things up is key. Stern said they were gone with no arena but the deal to return fell into place shortly thereafter. Did Charlotte call the NBA bluff and succeed that way or did they privately lay the ground work for the deal in early talks with the league? Same choice as here but I don’t know for sure which posture best describes what they did or if it was a blurred combo there and will be blurred here too. I don’t think it was a pure call the bluff victory for Charlotte. I think it was blurred and they had to seek / coax talks and give some ground.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
I still don’t believe a replacement team will ever happen. Why?
As I said before, how many legislators said over the last month that they saw no point in pursuing the options when Ballmer and Co didn’t even own a team. No team = why try for new arena.
If the Sonics leave then there is no team so why would they then try for a new arena? Especially when it will now cost them $150m more when Ballmer bails in a few weeks.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Stern retires in 2010.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
If Ballmer & Co step up & offer to buy the Sonics & re-make the KEY it makes NO sense to me the move either the Hornets/Grizzlies/Bobcats as some have suggested to Seattle & then the Sonics to OKC. Why move 2 teams when you can move 1?
I know there are many variables & timing - but IMO a lot of the team swapping talk is really a reach at this point. Especially in terms of moving another team this summer.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
SEATTLE ALL THE WAY F**K THE NBA!!!!!!!!!
March 25th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Can’t you guys smell the stench of Stern’s bullshit rhetoric?
So today Stern says even a remodelled Key Arena is insufficient for Bennett’s (or presumably Ballmer’s) Sonics franchise.
Okay Dave, I’ll bite - but if the Key isn’t good enough for the current team to play in, then how could it be good enough for an expansion team or another team later on?
So what he really means is the only way ANY current or future NBA team can be in Seattle is if they have a brand new palace to play in? But wait a second - we all know there will NOT be a new arena built in Seattle…so that argument doesn’t fly either!
So either Stern is lying through his teeth, or…what exactly???
So apparently what Stern really means is that Seattle should accept a lease buyout from Bennett and just let him steal the Sonics?! Because it’s the only way (it isn’t) to pay off the Key debt?!
WTF is he talking about?!
There is not going to be an expansion franchise or replacement franchise coming to Seattle, for a number of reasons. So let’s get serious about keeping the team we already have. The only way we can possibly keep the team here is - we have to willing to risk losing them, and the NBA, for good. It’s that simple. We need to push the whole pile of chips into the center of the table and call their hand.
Maybe Bennett and his investors really can absorb all the losses they’d face as a lameduck team playing to a few thousand fans (at most) for the final 2 years in Seattle. Maybe they really can absorb losing every major corporate sponsor they have today. Maybe they really can make endless cash calls and write big checks and throw another $100 million or so down the rathole after the $350 million they’ve already spent. Maybe they really can afford to pay $500+ million just for the privilege of moving a last-place team to a market where their investment becomes worth half what they’ve paid for it. Maybe they really can do all of that, and become civic heroes in the process.
And maybe Stern and the NBA and the owners and the players really can weather the media/PR nightmare of playing 2 more years as a lameduck team. Maybe the league really can handle what would be constant negative attention in the papers, on tthe broadcasts, and all over the Internet, for every single game. Maybe Stern really can handle discussing the “Seattle situation” during every single conference call for the next 2 years. Maybe the owners really won’t mind the certain backlash by other cities who start questioning the rationale of supporting a league that freely blackmails even its longest-standing communities.
Or maybe it’s all BULLSHIT. Maybe the whole game by Stern and the BOG and the owners is to help Bennett recoup as much of his money as possible while saving the Seattle market for the NBA.
And maybe the only way we’ll find out which game Stern and Bennett are really playing is if Gorton and Nickels and Ballmer push their whole pile of chips into the middle of the table and say “CALL - WHADDYA GOT?”
March 25th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
the buyout offer a year from now will be bigger than that other bs. He will leave a name he does not want to a cityhe doesn’t care about, gosh, thanks for nothing.
I am reading conflicting opinions, Bennett will pay whatever it takes if made to stay, he can not afford the loses, he sold the Storm for the money, he gutted the team to save money, he will pay the relocation fee, he will cave, Ballmer has a lot of money, may have accepted the Sonics leaving and is going after another team, private money is already paying 150 mil and the city/state might not cover the other 75 mil.
Bennett is cheap or not? Neither, it is business.
Ballmer will not pay the other 75 mill and is trying to get Bennett to pay it? Why would he do that if he could ride out 2 years for less? Bennett is in this as a business.
Business.
Why would Bennett AND Ballmer pay the NBA two relocation fees if Seattle and OKC both end up with teams in the end? What is that, 100 million together? That is bad business.
in the end Ballmer buys a franchise, and a franchise moves to OKC.
Crow and a few others have mentioned that Memphis and the others have expensive buyouts, is that a whole lot more than the money Bennett will be paying to relocate this team? Maybe not.
Go to court to keep the costs up near what it would cost to relocate another team to OKC.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Yea, verily!
March 25th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
your were right Brain, Stern gets two new arena. Now the nba has to work out who is moving to seattle? Katz let the cat out of the bag “Seattle should have an NBA team and I think David expressed that in the meetings.”
how sad the nba is? I hope our ression hits them hard!
March 25th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
If I could interview David Stern on ESPN I would ask him….
OK King David….Let me get this straight….
The City of Seattle wants to hold the Sonics to their lease by arguing that the team has an economic impact on the city.
Clay Bennet as the owner of an NBA “Civic Trust” - er - I mean NBA Team and the Sonics organization is actually sueing the city that has supported the NBA for 41 years and is arguing that they should be allowed to break a lease contract because the team (and therefore the NBA) has little to no impact to the city?
Really? A franchise is actually arguing that they have no economic impact to the local economy and YOU are OK with that?
Mr. Stern, you do realize fans from every city are watching how you are stabbing the fans of Seattle in the back? How do you expect fans of other franchises to be able to trust you won’t do the same to them?
Are you looking forward to being under oath in June with Slade Gordan asking you all the questions you are now avoiding?
Are you excited about having this court case happening during the NBA finals this June?
Are you looking forward to the litigation Hell you & your league will be in for if you make this move while lawyers dream of putting you & Clay under oath to talk about this “Good Faith” effort that was promised to Seattle and was included as a specific clause in the Sale of the Sonics to Clay 2 years ago?
How hard was it for you to make Bud Selig look like a competent commissioner?
David, I need some more advice on how to alienate some of my followers. How are you handling the Sonics situation again?
Do you have a headache?
March 25th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Emotions are flying high tonight. I love the see the passion of Sonics fans!!! This is the lowest point for all of us who really care but we truly need to stay strong. Remember Brian talked about for many months now that this would be an ugly mess and here we are. Don’t panic now because this is part of the game. The chance to keep the current franchise is more of a reality that what it appears. OKC deserves a team and they will get one. When it is all sorted out we don’t know which one they will get but Seattle will have basketball and so will OKC. It could still be the Hornets when it is all said and done. I used the OKC Hornets logo on my latest blog post, just to be a smart ass. A little humor for the Bennett Family!!!! I know they read!!!
http://www.sonicsman.com
March 25th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
If Stern and Bennett are playing straight, and telling the truth about everything, then they should have no problem being men and accepting the consequences of their actions when they lose the lawsuit in June.
Where Reaping What You’ve Sown Happens.
March 25th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
I agree Sonics man…
I think the chances are 95%+ that somehow this will all work out. Why?
1. The Numbers: We are just too close - we have a 650 million dollar glasss that is 575 million full (300 million for Arena - 300 million for the team)
2. Nichols and Seattle council people United in Support: Several folks who are typically resistant to public money for sports teams and arena’s are all lined up pretty strong on this. This is a big deal.
3. Problematic Alternatives: If this deal does not work what will happen? The Key becomes a very empty place that starts to wear down and is expensive to maintain & manage without a premier tenant. I think city leaders have gradually started to smell the coffee in recent months that they need a positive Key arena situation and thus they need the Sonics as a main tenant. Now Ballmer comes along & even Licata see’s the light. They now see not just an arena for an NBA team but a way to get the Seattle center environment transformed.
4. It’s become personal: Nichols and many other political leaders and business leaders are tired of Stern & Clay giving us the iddle finger.
5. Sonic Fans: I think our voice matters & is making a difference.
Finally… This lease & court case is the elephant in Stern & Clay’s room. If this case goes to trial public opinion will be brutal for the NBA. Do you really think clay & Stern want to be under oath with Seattle lawyers going for their throats? NBA records opened up in public?
IMO… If Nichols & Ballmer find the 75 million and can pitch a solid/tight new arena plan Clay will sell this spring or summer. If they somehow do not get the arena deal nailed down all bets are off & Stern/Clay have the better hand. We get the arena deal tight & we can call their bluff and win.
Sonics stay if the arena deal is tight and if Seattle city leaders hang tough and don’t blink.
March 25th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
I just got done telling another board what a class act this board was Open to Positive dialog.
Disappointed I caught someone that had mentioned naming the team, “The Oklahoma City bombers”
I had friends that died in that blast, and I wasn’t aware that poking fun at terrorist attacks was accepted here.
As for those that live in their west cost “bubble” and no idea whats going on in the rest of the world…Oklahoma City in the 80s was a ghost town. The Oil bust had killed all major revenues pouring into the city. Most people have no idea how much growth the capital city of Oklahoma has experienced in the past 10 years. Booming industry, that has brought countless new jobs to the area. The moving of an NBA franchise is not firmly placed on the foundation of the CURRENT economic foundation but the perceived futures of the city. Like any stock, market, or business you want to invest while the future prospective worth is much higher than it is now. Also why I’ve been dumping as much of my savings into land in or around the Oklahoma City area as possible. Clay Bennett may be a hated figure but he’s a brilliant business man. Invest in the City of Oklahoma while the value is rising. Oklahoma being the second largest oil/natural gas and energy producer in the country behind texas makes it prime ground for new growth and zealous financial investment. Unfortunatly many people still see the midwest in the binoculars of the 30’s and the dust bowl years, assusming like many macro economic trends the small cities would stay small and the larger ones would grow much larger. Unfortunatly in a country getting more lazy by the minuet lil’ ol’ Oklahoma (whose state moto happens to be “labor omni vincit” or Hard Work Conquers all in latin) is paving the way for new types of energy, industry and medical procedures. Small cities dont have to always be small cities.
Many times in sports its the hardest worker that wins the game, if anything can be said for the people of Oklahoma its that despite the dust bowl that wiped out a third of the states population, a terrorist attack that killed 169 of our Oklahoma family, Oklahomans pull together work their sweat off and move forward. That kind of work ethic has its roots in the wells of success and we’re finaly showing the fruits of our labor. I sincerely hope that everyone of you get to see Oklahoma City at least once in your lifetime, and dont hold hard feelings about the lot of Oklahomans because a couple uneducated hillbillies happen to take a dump in here.
“I’ve spent most of my life living in cities where people are obsessed with looking down on people from everywhere else. You get so used to doing it that you start to believe it’s simply what everyone does. It makes for an atmosphere of unwelcome that penetrates much of our modern life. It’s a shame really because a couple days in Oklahoma will open your eyes to how much better it would be if the rest of the country was filled with a few more people from Oklahoma.”
Adam Duritz (Counting Crows)
March 25th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Its good to see that Mayor Nickels and Ceis have a pair of bronze ones. I hope they never back down.
And for all of you ready to throw in the towel, just think of the team we have here trying to keep the team here. I’d say its comforting knowing the studs we have on our side.
March 25th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
Clay wants Durant and company or Paul and company. Bennett hypnotized three owners today of accepting his relocation plan. He apparently needs thirteen more yes votes out of 27 possible owners left? NBA is all about the money. but how can they not love Seattle’s basketball history including a championship and all of GP’s passes to Kemp? OKC should get a guaranteed expansion team or just swap the Sonics franchise for one which is available for sale. The SuperSonics are Seattle’s property for a few more years, so I’m settling in for atleast one more run at the title with Durant and Green.
March 25th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
Geez, could’ve gone without reading Bosley’s comment.
I’m pretty sure my life wouldn’t change if I went to OKC and who the hell cares about the counting crows anyways?
March 25th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Bosley… I’ve been to OKC 3 times in 5 years on business. Aside from Bricktown (some cool bars/restaurants and the canal), I wasn’t impressed at all, and there’s certainly nothing I saw that would make me think it’d be a better home for the Sonics.
March 25th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
Moving the Sonics to OKC alienates and destroys the Seattle NBA fanbase.
Moving the team to OKC, renaming the franchise and forgetting 41+ years of history and tradition alienates and destroys the Sonics’ NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL fanbase.
As a supporter of the Seattle Supersonics who lives in Australia, if there are no more Sonics, then I don’t have a team to support. If I don’t have a team to support, I stop watching the NBA. I stop buying NBA licensed products. I am not the only one I know who is also in the same boat.
Who can I email to get that message across? Anyone have addresses that I could email that would reach David Stern or any of the other owners of NBA teams who will be voting on relocation?
March 25th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Sonics stay next year, OKC rehabs Ford Center, Stern promises both cities teams, Bennett pays remaining rent and at least half of remaining arena debt here, Seattle keeps at minimum name and history…
where current players go I don’t know
if they go, then Seattle back in perhaps 2010 after Key upgrade
if they stay both both could roll in 2009
If there is a deal it might look something like this.
Before or after lawsuit is heard in court.
March 25th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
Great stuff there Sonicsman…I hadn’t seen the replies by the Mayor and Ceis. These guys are awesome, calling Stern’s bluff.
“It seems to me Mr. Stern is the one who has been planting dynamite with every step he takes,” Ceis said.
Great fuggin quote. The City will NOT back down now knowing they hold the better hand. Keep trying your “politics” Stern, you are pathetic and the nation is witnessing your ineptitude firsthand.
March 25th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Count me as one who WOULD be ok with settlingwith Clay with the City keeping the name, logo, colors, records etc. ala Browns/Art Modell. I feel if we don’t take this, then he’ll just leave at the end of the lease, with the City getting nothing.
March 25th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Bos, I think it’s pretty safe to say that the board as a whole abhors the “bomber” comments. It’s just trolls stirring the pot. The best thing to do is ignore them.
March 25th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
Bosley, sorry for the sweeping potshots that come up. I wish they didn’t. I know what it is like to live in places that weren’t widely known or well regarded by outsiders. Oklahoma is clearly making progress in some notable ways in its economic good times. The friction is largely a product of the arena game. Most of the heat goes to Stern and Bennett & Co but some drifts wider. I’d say try not to take it too personal but I understand your reaction. Our region has been getting various slaps too, though somewhat different. Hopefully the posturing and noise phase is closing and this ends with a decent result for both regions.
March 25th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
I saw a few guys get railed about the plane contracts in court….”David, have you been calling the media plays and spitting in our faces time and time again….shame on you. We have been part of the foundation for the NBA and your mistreatment of our loyalty is repugnant and you’re getting redundant….”
March 26th, 2008 at 12:08 am
Our beloved Supes god damnit!!!!
March 26th, 2008 at 12:11 am
We need Durant to stand up and say something about this whole situation.
This is now how our SUPERSTAR is suppose to be….
I blame Clay B.
Btw
Jeff Green future ALLSTAR
March 26th, 2008 at 12:12 am
SOS SOS SOS
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 26th, 2008 at 12:15 am
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/basketball/356382_arena26.html
please read Katz comments relating to stern and relax
this will be worked out..
keep the pressure on the city..
March 26th, 2008 at 12:17 am
Bosley, your insights about the relative merits of OKC are fine and everything, so don’t take this personally - it’s just that we don’t care about Oklahoma. I mean, we literally could not care less about Oklahoma.
You’re obviously very proud of your city and your state. Great. OKC = The Little City That Could. Fantastic. Good for you.
How ironic that you talk about people living in a “bubble” and not being aware of what’s going on in the rest of the world.
See, the thing is, we already know a little something about energy and investment and hard work and “what’s going on in the rest of the world” because every single day people come to Seattle from all over the entire world to live, do business, play, and a million other things. We know more about “what’s going on in the rest of the world” than you could ever possibly know. It’s just that we don’t know, nor do we care to know, what’s going in Oklahoma, or in the oil and gas industry.
That’s because Seattle has already been a World-Class city for about 25 years now. That’s because Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon, Starbucks, Costco, Nordstrom, Weyerhaeuser, and a handful of other Fortune 500 companies all started here. We already know about growth, and hard work, and education, and technology, and innovation, and tolerance, and forward-thinking, and…you get the picture. When we think of other cities in order to learn and grow, we think of places like San Francisco and Vancouver BC…you know, other progressive, world-class cities. Definitely not Oklahoma City, or even Tulsa. Can you really blame us?
Oh, and if you think Clay Bennett is “a brilliant businessman” then I guess we’ll just have to agree to disagree. Something tells me Clay hasn’t quite hit the bigtime in the business world just yet. But there’s still time - perhaps if/when he successfully rustles our NBA team out of town, his legend will grow. Bravo, Clay. Bravo, Oklahoma. God knows the NBA would probably never actually expand there over a dozen other bigger/more important markets, but maybe if you can steal someone else’s team, they might let you keep it there. And then you’ll really be on your way to the bigtime.
Anyway, I didn’t mean to ramble, but so much for the civics lesson. Come visit us in Seattle sometime. Yeah, it rains all the time, but you’ll get used to it.
March 26th, 2008 at 12:44 am
“Bosley, your insights about the relative merits of OKC are fine and everything, so don’t take this personally - it’s just that we don’t care about Oklahoma. I mean, we literally could not care less about Oklahoma.
You’re obviously very proud of your city and your state. Great. OKC = The Little City That Could. Fantastic. Good for you.
How ironic that you talk about people living in a “bubble” and not being aware of what’s going on in the rest of the world. ”
AMEN to that, Courtsense. You summarized everything I wanted to say.
March 26th, 2008 at 12:45 am
I just want to play devils advocate for a moment. I am two weeks short of 49 years old. While I can’t claim to be part of the revolution of the 60’s and early 70’s - I was a kid delivering Seattle Times newspapers then - I can claim to be at least be a witness to the radical demonstrations of the time, and I delivered the news of these events.
Here’s a thought, maybe the “let’s play nice” and ‘make no decisions’ attitude of politics today where nobody takes a stand is something that needs to be stood up against and protested.
Maybe it IS time to storm the court. Maybe it IS time to be radical. Maybe it IS time to storm government.
That’s what we did in the 60’s.
As much as I consider Brian and others our allies and friends in the cause, I wonder sometimes whether they aren’t just learning the sad and sorry tricks of the trade.
Is cuddling up to the opposition really productive? Is looking for compromise the answer? Maybe it is. Again, I just wanted to play “Devil’s Advocate”.
March 26th, 2008 at 12:59 am
I believe Durant made a brief statement before the season began of how winning and fan support should help solidify his team’s continued success in Seattle. Nice to see the Supes and Key Arena gettin pumped up on the tele and Durant after the game said how much he appreciated the efforts of Ridnour and Petro. Durant picked up Green after his fast break miss and everyone knew it was on… the new and improved Key Arena could be fantastic and a few more championships would help Presti establish a winning culture in Seattle.
March 26th, 2008 at 1:07 am
OK Straddlers
March 26th, 2008 at 1:08 am
I’m still in the small camp that says the number 1 goal is to have an NBA team in Seattle called the SONICS for the long term.
I’m also sticking to my belief that if a guarantee in writing is put before the city that says an NBA team is assured within two years if there’s an ownership group that wants own one in Seattle then the city should entertain a buyout rather than go to court, possibly win, and then watch the team leave anyways after two seasons and wonder why they didn’t accept the buyout and still have a team even if it’s not the current Sonics roster.
I know most in here want to play tough until the bitter end win or lose but I say go for the sure thing if it is indeed offered.
Somewhere down the line I’ll be proven right or wrong, but I wouldn’t bet money that Clay Bennett is going to be forced to sell.
But I will say that it’s looking apparent that he( and Stern) are beginning to squirm and are in desperation mode to avoid an ugly, public legal battle.
March 26th, 2008 at 1:18 am
My weak bond to the NBA would break if Durant, Green and the rest of the Sonic’s players and accumulated first round draft picks are shuffled off for no reason. A shiny new Key Arena isn’t good enough for the these owners? Give me a break please.
March 26th, 2008 at 1:41 am
Quit saying “IF” BOG approves - it is a done deal.
Season tickets go one sale by June 1st 08 in OKC.
Focus your efforts not on a court case that wont happen.
March 26th, 2008 at 2:06 am
Regarding the Charlotte deal, that was a peculiar one. The NBA didn’t want to return unless Charlotte agreed to build a new arena. Charlotte didn’t want to agree to build a new arena unless the NBA agreed to return. They both basically agreed to do something if the other did it, and it basically happened simultaneously. Charlotte sat out of the league for two years.
So if anyone is going to look at the Charlotte deal, you have to start with looking at the arena situation. If Stern says that a renovated Key is not an option, then that is a problem from the begining. The question is whether Stern will hold firm on that point and whether Washington will hold firm on not funding a new arena if one is required. Someone has to blink first, and to me it would appear to be Seattle.
March 26th, 2008 at 5:00 am
Quit saying “IF” BOG approves - it is a done deal.
Have the BoG meet yet? Whats that? No? Then No, its not a done deal.
March 26th, 2008 at 6:09 am
“Season tickets go one sale by June 1st 08 in OKC.”
This would easily be the single stupidest thing I’ve read on here in months.
“Focus your efforts not on a court case that wont happen. ”
Why exactly won’t it happen again? Oh yeah, because Stern and Bennett don’t want it too. How do they stop it from happening? I’ll give you a hint, season tickets going on sale in OKC on June 1 would be a bit problematic.
March 26th, 2008 at 6:17 am
what I don’t understand is that stern says the remodel key is not a option but is ok with the remodel of ford center in okc? this whole thing was set up from the moment clay bought the team..they fix the draft so the sonics pick durant just so the can have a big name player in okc..this shit is not right! I can’t belive after 41 years stern and the nba would just let the supes move to okc..its unreal!
March 26th, 2008 at 7:36 am
what is the recommendation that griffin is referring to?Brian said yesterday at 1;08 on kjr that things are happening.Now Griffin implies the opposite. Does anyone really know anything yet?
March 26th, 2008 at 8:04 am
Count me as one who WOULD be ok with settlingwith Clay with the City keeping the name, logo, colors, records etc. ala Browns/Art Modell. I feel if we don’t take this, then he’ll just leave at the end of the lease, with the City getting nothing.
You don’t “settle” for this when we’ve (The City of Seattle) got the single biggest card showing on the table. David Stern does not want to go to court over this. The absolute last thing he wants is to be sworn in as a witness on the stand and have to start answering questions. Same goes for Clay Bennett and Aubrey McClendon.
The NBA’s current course of action is going to lead them to two years of lame duck status franchise, bad press and substantial losses after getting whipsawed on the witness stand by a federal judge.
Don’t underestimate the power the City of Seattle holds right now with that court date. If they can present a viable arena option prior to the BOG meeting, that reflects a positive solution and future Clay Bennett and his thieves stand very little chance of getting out of the last two years of the lease.
Right now all we are hearing is more negotiating and political rhetoric in the press from Clay Bennett and David Stern. As Brian mentions this morning……notice how much David Stern’s stance toward Seattle is already starting to soften and we aren’t even in April yet.
March 26th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
OK Kings?
March 26th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
OKC Bad Karma
March 28th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
If Clay Bennett and his OK band had not bought the Sonics someone else would have. Schultz had been posturing for some time about selling, but no one thought it would be to out of towners. It could just as well been KC, Vegas or Boise. Same scenario would exist. Where was all the civic pride before the okies came to town? The Sonics are gone, sad but true.
March 29th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Gotta love the brave OKies that come to these threads after they’ve pretty much ran out.
Schultz could have sold locally but they were hesitant to pay his outrageous price. The fact is he recieved a $20 million discount when he bought the team from Barry Ackerly because Ackerly wanted to keep the team in town.
You’ve no doubt read about the recent judgement in California against Starbucks where they owe their employees $100 million in confiscated tips. Shultz is a morally corrupt individual.
April 12th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Oklahoma City Southerns