Ciess Not Gonna Settle
Posted on Thursday, April 24th, 2008 at 11:30 am by Brian Robinson
We need a new thread. Take a look at Greg Johns article today.
I am not certain how, even if they wanted to the city could accept a cash buyout now. I would have to think that given the pending litigation if they agreed to take $100M to settle, and made that conditional upon Clay having legally established control of the team that they would then have to put the money in escrow and have it sit there pending the outcome of the Schultz case.
Would you want to be the mayor that played Judas, sold the team, then never even collected a dime of the blood money?
Nickels has been consistent that he would not settle. I think he’s committed.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:40 am
I saw that last night.
Softy is going to have ESPN’s law guy on talking about Sonics situation.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Very cool! I really like Ceiss.
I was wondering now… What’s up with the Task Force?
The obvious best way to keep the current team is a remodel deal before the trials start. And without the authorization to use the stadium tax for the other $75 million, there’s no stadium. Since there aren’t enough votes, there’s no point in the Governor calling a special session (other than accountability, but a no vote would be more detrimental than accountability is worth). The next legislative session won’t start until January, 2009, I believe. Obviously, this means the city would HAVE to win the lease case (or Howard get an injunction) and force them to stay another year. Unless something happens in the meantime to get the $75 million approved.
What could happen? Well this session, the legislature convened a task force to determine how to split up the extra revenue from the King County stadium tax before it retires in 2010. After that is settled, it sounds like the legislature would vote to pass whatever plan the task force comes up with. Not a given, but that was the strong implication. Is that Task Force working now? The only links I could find seem to indicate that the task force needs to report by 12/1/2008 (although it says 2007 in the budget….) and a final report by 1/1/2009.
Is there anyway to push their timeline up? Or at least get them to the point where they can make a partial declaration that $75 million will be set aside for the Key, and then figure out the rest later? Probably too much to expect, but it seems like that may be a good place to apply pressure than just asking the Gov to call a special session that won’t get a vote passed. Any thoughts on that?
April 24th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Lester Munson is on KJR right now.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Lawyer guy: “Bennett is going to want a quick dismissal, That will NOT happen”
April 24th, 2008 at 11:43 am
The links I found: Trib link, the page/section number is 6015, I believe, pg 127.
UW Daily
April 24th, 2008 at 11:45 am
so, the city wins, schultz case moves along, state approves funding, howard keeps this alive until the BOG votes again and again, or he wins.
The timeline extends to Howard’s case, after the league and Bennett lose big.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Munson “Schultz case will go to trial, Schultz is not grand standing, They are doing this at the highest level. With Howard SChultz, its almost all substance, and no PR.”
April 24th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Munson says lease suit could be settled but Schultz case will likely go to trial. What do you think Brian???
April 24th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Munson “Monetary damages are not possible”
April 24th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Munson says this is NOT just a PR stunt.
He thinks Schultz is planning on going all the way with a legit chance at victory!
April 24th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Munson:
“It wil go to trial (the Schultz case), Schultz is serious.”
“…he (Schultz) just might win.”
April 24th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Munson “Drastic case, but schultz has the ammo to do this”
April 24th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Howard has a 55-60% chance of winning according to Munson
April 24th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Munson:
“Schultz 55/60% chance of winning”
April 24th, 2008 at 11:48 am
I am going to say this, I have always felt something is going tol happen, and something has always happened. I like our odds, I like the players in this drama that are representing us, I say all the way. In the end, when we have this team, and we are in the playoffs, winning again….this WILL be about memories….and one of those great memories will be about just how much support I gave MY Supes throughout this whole ordeal and how emotionally drained I got. In the end I fight like this because it will feel that much sweeter to know that I didn’t back down, and was rewarded for it.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:49 am
WOW
Munson “55-60% chance Howard to WIN!!!”
April 24th, 2008 at 11:49 am
55-60% chance of Schultz winning according to Munson
April 24th, 2008 at 11:49 am
Munson:
“This is a drastic, different kind of case. But they might just have the ammunition they need to win.”
“Schultz has a 55-60% chance of winning the case”
!!!
April 24th, 2008 at 11:49 am
They will be forced to stay here by the city while the schultz case is going on.
I didn’t want this important information getting lost in the last thread:
I think either way there is a fair chance of having Durant in a Seattle Sonics uniform 2011-12, 2013 at the latest. So, I am not worried about Durant so much.
One way the team stays and he does, the other way he get’s away of Bennett’s OKC Rustlers and he signs with the Seattle Supersonics. In a sick kind of way I prefer the second option, but either way is cool with me.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Injunction 4 to 6 weeks.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Seattle was already awarded an expansion franchise….back in 1967.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Wow. Who would have thought Schutz would come from NO WHERE and throw this twist into the tale?
I really hope he sticks this through!!
April 24th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Nice.
I think a key thing that Munson said was that Schultz is not trying to change the sports world (I would assume charging anti trust). He is just trying to overturn a fradulent deal, which munson thinks has a greater likelihood.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:53 am
Holy crap!!!
Thank you Howard.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:54 am
Yesss
SAVE THESE KD-LED SONICS!
April 24th, 2008 at 11:54 am
Again, guys, watch the progression. First, this was just a PR stunt. Then, an interesting case never before brought up, but not winnable….blah blah blah…..yaddah yaddah yaddah…and before you know it, as more information comes to light(i.e….the fact that the side letter was only for the public and actually an excerpt from the actual contract, more and more emails) and the odds are now from “0% chance to 55-60%” AND GROWING.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:54 am
I love it…if anything it’s just great to see Gay Clay and his boyfriends sweating blood! Wouldn’t be great to see Clay and boyfriends lose the team and have to START ALL OVER AGAIN or better yet get beat to OKC by George Shinn! I’m really thinking the Ford Center is going to be the second coming of the Sprint Center in KC, a world class arena collecting dust!
April 24th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Baker:
I think either way there is a fair chance of having Durant in a Seattle Sonics uniform 2011-12, 2013 at the latest. So, I am not worried about Durant so much.
Has Durant so fallen in love with seattle, that we can already think that he will be back? Would assume he might try to head back to the east coast..or maybe one of the texas teams.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Attaboy Howard.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:56 am
The most interesting point that Lester Munson made in the interview is that this case wouldn’t exactly set any legal precedent. Although that might sound bad, it actually makes it a lot easier for a judge to rule in Schultz’s favor if he/she knows that it would not be a groundbreaking decision. Judges are far more likely to make a decision that is narrower in scope than having to deal with the scrutiny of making a ruling that will change the way a business operates.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Bennett should get Ballmer on the phone ASAP. This could ruin more than his reputation.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Perjury. Bennett and Stern are going to be in trouble
April 24th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Again, guys, watch the progression. First, this was just a PR stunt. Then, an interesting case never before brought up, but not winnable….blah blah blah…..yaddah yaddah yaddah…and before you know it, as more information comes to light(i.e….the fact that the side letter was only for the public and actually an excerpt from the actual contract, more and more emails) and the odds are now from “0% chance to 55-60%” AND GROWING.
- This is good news…but lets please not put too much faith in these types of “lawyers”…once these lawyers become consultants for news outlets they realize that their paycheck is driven off how many times they are “consulted”. Therefore, it is much more likely (by pure human nature) to spin a story to help ensure they remain popular with the group paying them (KJR..Seattle Fans) in order ensure that they will be invited back again (to collect another paycheck).
April 24th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
If Schultz wins this lawsuit it could really hurt Bennett bad.
We need to get a pod cast of that interview with Lester Munson and send it to Bennett.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
“The most interesting point that Lester Munson made in the interview is that this case wouldn’t exactly set any legal precedent.”
I am looking at the precedent fromt he fans perspective. This will provide other fan bases some form of protection and DYI if if the Big Bad Wolf(Stern) comes knocking at their door. That is the precedent I am looking for.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
I said this before but I think it is very interesting so here is is again:
Howard’s Trust for the Sonins is called: “Canarsie”
Schultz grew up in a subsidized public housing project (Bay View Houses) in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn, New York. He attended Canarsie High School.
Also,
“Canarsie” is a phonetic interpretation of a word in the Lenape language for “fenced land” or “fort.”
Basically, Howard is saying that he he building:
FORTRESS Seattle SONICS!!!!
I am loving this more and more everyday…
April 24th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Therefore, it is much more likely (by pure human nature) to spin a story to help ensure they remain popular with the group paying them (KJR..Seattle Fans) in order ensure that they will be invited back again (to collect another paycheck).
I don’t think KJR paid him. Its not one of those ’spots’ where they have a sponsor. And based on that knowledge, he wouldnt have said last week that there was no shot, would he?
April 24th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
I still think its a PR stunt. I can’t see how people say it isn’t. There is no incentive for Shultz to do this besides making himself look like a savior. There is no financial incentive…….in fact he loses money in theory (court costs). I think the biggest reason for this case is that he knows he put us in this situation. He feels guilty. I’m all about the bottom line though. He can do whatever he wants if the bottom line is the team stays.
Its a PR stunt…….and thats not a bad thing.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
The most important thing we fans can do is get the arena ball rolling again. We need to get that final piece in place while the fight in the courts plays out. The Gov. needs to call a special session now!
April 24th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
I thought percy allen was revealing a new email today? what happened to that?
April 24th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
I still don’t see Clay or Stern going away any time soon. I believe Clay is hell bent on getting this team to OK city. I’d piss myself if he called Ballmer and asked him to buy the team from him.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
“Perjury. Bennett and Stern are going to be in trouble”
so could Shultz
April 24th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Otto,
Seattle is Kevin’s first love. He will always hold a special place for Seattle esp. since we are fighting soo hard for him to stay here!!!
Remember: he almost cried in the final home game this year. We have a very good chance of Durant in our future..(for the right price of course)
April 24th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
I think the biggest reason for this case is that he knows he put us in this situation. He feels guilty
He would spend possibly millions of dollars in legal fees just to clear his conscience?
April 24th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
“I still think its a PR stunt. I can’t see how people say it isn’t. ”
That’s a bunch of crap. If the Sonics leave, Schultz loses a lot. He needs to win this fight and it is way more than PR; it is his whole civic reputation at stake.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Seattle SuperSonics: “Scorched Earth”
http://youtube.com/watch?v=DFAFHzJnggw
Keep DURANT in SEATTLE…Fight to the Bitter End!
Expose the LIES of Bennett & Stern.!
-2RSonics
April 24th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
We have taking these “consultants” word pertaining the unlikelyhood of this case winning as well. My whole point is, as more information comes to light, and more clarification is interjected the better this case looks to legal minds. And I completely agree, let’s limit the amount of validity we give to these guys and trust the true top guns of the industry who actually know what they are doing and what is going on….one of those just happens to be Yarmuth….
April 24th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
“The most important thing we fans can do is get the arena ball rolling again. We need to get that final piece in place while the fight in the courts plays out. The Gov. needs to call a special session now!”
I think the arena ball can take a back seat at this point. The suits are the most important thing. Now that relocation has been granted…….the arena really isn’t the issue anymore. Its still an issue……..but first things first. The city and Shultz need to win.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
so could Shultz
well of course, but we haven’t seen anything yet that has showed that Schultz has already lied.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
“I still don’t see Clay or Stern going away any time soon. I believe Clay is hell bent on getting this team to OK city.”
George Shinn might beat him to the punch…. Clay needs to settle, or he may never be an NBA owner again.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Durant’s location post-rookie deal will depend largely on where he, his agent, and sponsors like Nike will want him to end up.
Nike and KD’s agent supported GP’s stay in Seattle for most of his career, so who’s to say they wouldn’t support KD becoming the face of Seattle pro sports for most of his career?
April 24th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
“That’s a bunch of crap. If the Sonics leave, Schultz loses a lot. He needs to win this fight and it is way more than PR; it is his whole civic reputation at stake.”
exactly. its a pr move and there is nothing wrong with that.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
“I think the arena ball can take a back seat at this point. ”
NO! It is the last missing piece and the one area we we fans can help. We need to get Olympia to do their job! The Gov. needs to call a special session ASAP!
April 24th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Save Sene!
April 24th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Schultz did nothing wrong he was just naive to the whole situation. To trusting of Bennett.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
I agree with Menace in a sense, While I don’t think it is a PR stunt, If it was, I really could care less as long as we keep our team. Would any body?
April 24th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
I talked to multpile people yesterday. I knew about the Munson 60% quote but had 2 other attorneys and one VERY knowledgable national NBA beat writer. Munson felt the odds were 60%, the others had heard way, way less than that.
I also talked to two people who are very, very close to the Sonics basketball and potentially Schultz. One told me unequivically that this is not a PR stunt and they are committed all the way. The other told me he knew what Schultz budget was and that it wasn’t nearly enough.
Who do we believe?
I don’t know how I suddenly turned into the voice of pessimism when I’ve been the optimist all along. I just want you guys to temper your feelings and realize that you can’t ride the roller coaster all the way up. There are dips and valleys and just because we got good headlines for a couple of days this is not in the bank.
I’m thrilled about the news lately. It seems like things are really on the upswing. I still don’t fall for the hype. This is a battle that we have to be ready for.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
“He would spend possibly millions of dollars in legal fees just to clear his conscience?”
Yes. What other reason does he have for doing this? There is no financial incentive at this point.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
“exactly. its a pr move and there is nothing wrong with that. ”
It isn’t a PR move!
Holy cow, what is wrong with you folks? Piss the Sonics away for an expansion team? Drop the arena effort? Bash Schultz’s efforts, the one real effort, to save the team?
Are you folks from OKC posing as Seattle folks?
April 24th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
I give this Sonics team a 49% chance of staying in Seattle.
Until we have an arena deal the odds are they are moving.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
If this team is in Seattle at the end of his contract, we should just about being ready to start making some noise in the NBA. With GP’s agent and NIke, I can see them pushing for a re-sign of Seattle. Save Our Sonics!
April 24th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Has Durant so fallen in love with seattle, that we can already think that he will be back? Would assume he might try to head back to the east coast..or maybe one of the texas teams.
I don’t know, has he?
The only thing I have heard him say is “I love this place.” on KINGtv when they were leaving after the season ended, but maybe he was talking about the parking lot, Bill Gates now owns that parking lot, so, goodbye KD.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Actually, the arena really doesn’t mean anything…..seriously. If HOWIE WINS THE CASE….BENNETT IS GONE!!!!! THIS TEAM STAYS IN SEATTLE. The arena deal means nothing. Will it be revisited, yes, but it won’t play into keeping them here. Not like it did before.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
A PR stunt is putting an elephant on roller skates, or pouring coffee in front of news cameras at Pike Place. Suing in federal court over a $350 million transaction and alleging fraud is called a lawsuit…
April 24th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Bash Schultz’s efforts, the one real effort, to save the team?
Are you folks from OKC posing as Seattle folks?
Dude calm down, Hes not bashing Schultz, read his bottom line.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
I am looking at the precedent fromt he fans perspective. This will provide other fan bases some form of protection and DYI if if the Big Bad Wolf(Stern) comes knocking at their door. That is the precedent I am looking for.
- Neither case will do what you are suggesting…
Holy cow, what is wrong with you folks? Piss the Sonics away for an expansion team? Drop the arena effort? Bash Schultz’s efforts, the one real effort, to save the team?
- This would be much more powerful if any of this was actually true…
Yes. What other reason does he have for doing this? There is no financial incentive at this point.
- Im in the corner that Schultz is doing this cause he is angry that Bennett made him look stupid. I don’t for a minute think he cares what any of us think about him. However, by letting this slidehe is bascially telling the business world that he is ok with having someone committ fraud against him during a business deal.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
In an equity case a judge is… the judge. Schultz could win and the judge may say that giving to team back now is too much, but Howard would get his court costs back (as requested at the end of his filing). I don’t want to say he will win the team back or not, but winning that case and still not getting the team back is possible. As it is, Howard doesn’t have to get an injunction to keep them from leaving if the city wins its case.
If Bennett damages the property while he has control and Howard wins the case then Bennett could have to give the team back and pay damages, or eat the losses he caused himself.
This will push things out and give time for things to work out.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
The $75 million is the issue. In the NBA the average ticket is about $55. In Seattle it is about $40. A $10 ticket tax would raise the $75 million over 15 years. A pay per view charge on FSN could also do it. You could probably charge $20 per season for Sonics basketball on FSN and pay for the arena. What do you think? Would you be willing to do something like this to Save Our Sonics?
April 24th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
i’ll take this as it comes. anything — including schultz’s lawsuit — that advances the cause of having the nba in seattle is something i support. but i still think it’s good that seattle has other arrows in the quiver. slade remains the key, in my opinion.
as to where kevin durant winds up, let’s give him a chance to grow up before we determine his lifelong abode. and i was born in dc, lived in seattle, and have a degree from utexas, thus giving me three reasons to love the guy.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I don’t think KJR paid him. Its not one of those ’spots’ where they have a sponsor. And based on that knowledge, he wouldnt have said last week that there was no shot, would he?
- I absolutely guarantee you that Munson was paid to appear on the show. Just like he is paid by ESPN to provide his legal insight. He’s not just taking time out of his day to call and write these opinions.
Munson is just a step above people like the guys who appear on Cold Pizza and Around the Horn…the reason they are so flamboyant and opinionated is because they know it is entertaining and ensures their paychecks keep rolling in.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Its not solely a pr move…..there is more to it. NOTHING WRONG WITH IT BEING BASED ON PR IF THEY KEEP THE TEAM HERE IMO. NOT A BAD THING.
Think about it. If they win Shultz is a hero. If they lose……he was the guy that made the last attempt to save them. Its a win win for him. Think about it.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
I am looking at the precedent fromt he fans perspective. This will provide other fan bases some form of protection and DYI if if the Big Bad Wolf(Stern) comes knocking at their door. That is the precedent I am looking for.
- Neither case will do what you are suggesting…
Actually this whole things that we have gone through provides a tremendous blue print…..don’t kid yourself. This will be talked about for years to come. Stop staring at things through a PVC pipe.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Munson made it sound that if he wins the court case, monetary damages are not a option.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
- I absolutely guarantee you that Munson was paid to appear on the show.
No offense, but unless you work at KJR, your guarantee won’t work with me.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Text C to 73761 quick. Presidents “supersonics” is up on radio impulse voting. If it wins they’ll play it on the end at the end (107.7) of the hour
April 24th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
I don’t want to say he will win the team back or not, but winning that case and still not getting the team back is possible.
- I believe that Schultz made reversing the sale one of the necessary requirements to “winning the case”
April 24th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
I think Griffin put it best, as he often does:
“We’re pretty much on the sidelines at the moment,” Griffin said. “If somebody thinks we’re important to help in the program, we still believe we need a competitive arena. And to have that, the Legislature has to take action to empower the city to raise $75 more million. That would clearly be helpful and allow us to come back into the game, if that’s useful.
“I still believe that without that, it’s hard to have the right negotiation with the NBA and owners.”
Exactly. Find the $75m. Bring Ballmer back in. Continue down the trial road as Ceis says, THEN negotiate. Ballgame.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Myk - you’re really hoping that we lose these Sonics and get an expansion team bad enough to try to discredit Munson like that?
Sure he’s paid to do his job as a legal analyst, and that’s just what he’s done here - analyzed the Schultz-Sonics’ situation from a legal standpoint.
Sheesh, man.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
No offense, but unless you work at KJR, your guarantee won’t work with me.
- Soooo…you would rather go with the “he has nothing better to do so he will call a Seattle radio station” rationale?
April 24th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Stunt: any remarkable feat performed chiefly to attract attention
If anything, Howard has done little to attract attention. In fact they have shied away from comment all together.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
The Sonics situation from one OKC bloggers perspective:
http://tinyurl.com/5f7p6m
April 24th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Ceis rhymes with nice
and just to entice
I will say it twice
Ceis rhymes with nice
Bennets head in a vice
and his nuts on ice
being gnawed on by mice
that would suffice
April 24th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
While Munson is OBVIOUSLY paid to come on, he wasn’t paid to say what he did. Honesly, a few minutes on Seattle radio isn’t going to make or break his career. He is going to say what he feels.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Myk: If Munson changes his ‘percentage’ if on with a different radio station, then I would follow your line of thinking.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Myk - you’re really hoping that we lose these Sonics and get an expansion team bad enough to try to discredit Munson like that?
- Yup…warning people that Munson might not be the best source is the same as hoping we lose these Sonics…it is clearly in his best interest to provide information that endears himself to the station. So that he can get another paycheck.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Munson was not paid.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
I’m in agreement with you Brian. I can’t believe how many hear this lawyer use the 55-60% figure and buy into it 100%. I realize that people cling onto any positive news that comes out. But the fact of the matter is this guy really doesn’t have any more of a clue as to the chances as the rest of us do. He’s just one more opinion, and as Brian posted there’s other equally qualified people that have the chance being far lower. We simply don’t know until it all shakes out. A roller coaster ride for sure.
But it is good news that Schultz’s team says it’s serious about going full steam ahead. Regardless of how we feel about him( personally I think he’s the root of the entire mess), him hopping on the lawsuit train is something to be supportive of. I think it might have been Steve that used the phrase ” muddying the waters” in describing what Schultz’ actions do the whole situation.
At this stage Bennett probably is having a bit of a tough time with so much coming at him from different angles. He can’t deflect everything and neither can the league offices. No matter what face they put on there has to be lots of uncertainty and anxiety on their side.
I do have a question. There was a lawsuit from some season ticket holders I believe. I thought I read where it was forced to sit on the backburner waiting for the citiy’s outcome. I may be wrong on that, but if I’m correct, how does Schultz’ suit jump over theirs?
Can anyone refresh my memory on this?
April 24th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
But the fact of the matter is this guy really doesn’t have any more of a clue as to the chances as the rest of us do
While I am not buying into it 100%, can you honestly say that a Lawyer that looks at the lawsuit/emails, would not have more knowledge on how it might turn out, than just a regular joe?
April 24th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
I talked to multpile people yesterday. I knew about the Munson 60% quote but had 2 other attorneys and one VERY knowledgable national NBA beat writer. Munson felt the odds were 60%, the others had heard way, way less than that.
- If you are a lawyer and you see a Seattle station is going to want you on their show. Would you go the Munson route and give 60% or would you go the route of the rest ofthe people there that said they heard way, way less than that…?
Again it is in his best interest to tell the crowd “what they want to hear”
Myk: If Munson changes his ‘percentage’ if on with a different radio station, then I would follow your line of thinking.
- Do you think a radio station in Indiana is going to care what % he gives? So he’ll probably stick with 60%…the only place you’d question is if he showed up on OKC radio staions. Let me know what you find out.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
KJR just reported the Gov. doesn’t want to do anything regarding the arena.
Rossi ‘08. Register to vote now!
April 24th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Myke, Softie just called you out on the air. Nice.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
myk, as remedy the judge in an equity case is the decider. He is, bound by the facts to reach an equitable solution. The sale agreement say it is the team, Schultz is saying that is the only resolution, that is his side of the story.
The other thing about this case is that the judge will break new ground, and will be careful about this case leading to a rash of slap cases.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Munson was not paid.
- LOL…seriously…why do you think this? Everyone gets paid to appear on the show…I mean even players get a gift when they appaer on post game shows…
April 24th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
“I absolutely guarantee you that Munson was paid to appear on the show. Just like he is paid by ESPN to provide his legal insight. He’s not just taking time out of his day to call and write these opinions.”
Softy was just laughing at your comment on the air
April 24th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Did you folks read Munson’s piece on ESPN.com the other day? He told the nation that Schultz has a great case!
Let’s focus on saving the Sonics and GET THE WORTHLESS GOVERNOR TO DO HER JOB AND GET THE ARENA DEAL DONE NOW!
April 24th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
“Myke, Softie just called you out on the air. Nice.”
I just caught the end of that. Did he say he was reading th blog or what?
April 24th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Myke, Softie just called you out on the air. Nice.
- He said that they did not pay Munson for an appearance? Consider me impressed and surprised…still consider the data source one for skepticism.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
“I am looking at the precedent fromt he fans perspective. This will provide other fan bases some form of protection and DYI if if the Big Bad Wolf(Stern) comes knocking at their door. That is the precedent I am looking for.”
Uh, not really. All it would do is just make the future Clay Bennett’s of the world know that they have to be much slicker and cover their tracks much better. The only precedent it would send is, don’t be as stupid as Clay Bennett was.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
No one is saying that Lester Munson’s 55-60 means the world. The whole point…it is indicative of how the legal field views this case. It has gone from 0-55/60 as more info has come to the surface. This is actually telling. What it shows me is that Howard and Yarmuth have more info than we do and know a great deal we don’t. If you arent going to take positive with more than a grain of salt, then what about the legal experts and pundits who have a negative opinion? You have to apply a standard. In the end I trust the real pro who has ALL the info and is actually involved in the case….that being Mr. Yarmuth.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
I just caught the end of that. Did he say he was reading th blog or what?
I didn’t think they paid munson (as I don’t think they pay most people they have on the air). But I asked them to verify. I believe them.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
“- If you are a lawyer and you see a Seattle station is going to want you on their show. Would you go the Munson route and give 60% or would you go the route of the rest ofthe people there that said they heard way, way less than that…?”
“Again it is in his best interest to tell the crowd “what they want to hear””
Why can’t Seattle handle the truth? It’s in people’s best interest to know the score and to act accordingly. So this guys says 60% and some others give lower figures, all estimates based on legal sense rooted in experience and not based on any kind of real calculus in any way. Some people have differing opinions. What’s surprising or suspicious about that?
I don’t get it: you question his judgment but your judgment that his is questionable isn’t more questionable?
April 24th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Just because KJR did not pay them does not mean that Munson is not financially incented to provide good information…the radio appearance business is cut throat…
April 24th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
BTW, we get the arena deal done and it takes away an argument Stern has and puts some fear in the Milwaukees, Memphises, and Sacramentos a bit.
Getting an arena deal done now shows we want the NBA. It also shows we will steal another city’s pride and joy if Stern allows ours to be stolen from us. Seattle is the more important market, and to prevent a history and tradition murdering domino effect, it will force Stern to actually be a leader.
We must get Gov. worthless to do her job! We need the arena deal now!
April 24th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
He didn’t say specifically that he was reading this blog, but obviously he is. He said (basically) that some idiots were trying to say they paid Munson, and that is why he said 60%. They laughed at the absurdity of that kind of crap.
And yes Myk, you are today’s Dick Tate.
Masterful contrarian.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Regarding Munson and whether he was paid by KJR - I don’t think he is. I think he’s a paid consultant with ESPN, just as their writers are either staff writers (like Marc Stein) or freelancers (like Brian Windhorst).
But I find it hard to believe that KJR has to work out a contract and payment to bring all of their guests on the air. Regular recurring guests like Tim Kirkijan on Gas-man’s show, maybe. But I don’t think KJR has to be pay all the journalists from around the country who show up on the Daily Schnoz in the morning, or any of the columnists or broadcasters who they have on their shows on a daily basis. If nothing else, it’d be a logistical nightmare to keep up wtih all of those one-off deals.
More likely, I think if you work for any sports media, you give these interviews because it gets your name out there, gives some free advertising for your media, and because you may need their interview at a future date. I would expect since KJR is an ESPN affiliate, lining up Lester Munson was not a huge challenge.
That’s all just my assumption, I don’t know. But I can say that once when I was an editor at a vaguely sports-related magazine (not stick-and-ball sports) NPR contacted me to talk on one of their shows about a specific issue that was in the news. I’m not trying to toot my own horn here - it wasn’t that big a deal, and it wound up not happening. But there was no offer of payment - it’s just straight journalism.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
“Uh, not really. All it would do is just make the future Clay Bennett’s of the world know that they have to be much slicker and cover their tracks much better. The only precedent it would send is, don’t be as stupid as Clay Bennett was.”
Again, PVC pipe perspective. It creates AWARENESS. Goodness Gracious folks!!! Not to mention it shows a fan base that you CAN fight for what is yours and get it….even in the face of Stern and Co.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Just because KJR did not pay them does not mean that Munson is not financially incented to provide good information…the radio appearance business is cut throat…
That I can totally agree with.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
He didn’t say specifically that he was reading this blog, but obviously he is. He said (basically) that some idiots were trying to say they paid Munson, and that is why he said 60%. They laughed at the absurdity of that kind of crap.
- The implication is not that they paid him to say what he said…the implication is that he gets paid to appear on the show so he is likely to give information he thinks the show will appreciate…
It is just as likely that ESPN pays him by appearance to promote their site.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
“No one is saying that Lester Munson’s 55-60 means the world. The whole point…it is indicative of how the legal field views this case. It has gone from 0-55/60 as more info has come to the surface. This is actually telling. What it shows me is that Howard and Yarmuth have more info than we do and know a great deal we don’t. If you arent going to take positive with more than a grain of salt, then what about the legal experts and pundits who have a negative opinion? You have to apply a standard. In the end I trust the real pro who has ALL the info and is actually involved in the case….that being Mr. Yarmuth.”
Exactly. As a lawyer, I take every legal opinion I hear or read with a grain of salt. But that doesn’t mean you should think every optimistic opinion should be met with cynism and that any negative legal opinions must more realistic.
In actuality, rescinding or voiding a sale transaction because of fraud isn’t that unusual. Just because it has never been used as a remedy in a franchise sale doesn’t mean it is impossible or won’t happen.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Looks like presidents supersonics may win this thing. Tune into the end 107.7 they should play it in the next 5 minutes or so.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
the implication is that he gets paid to appear on the show so he is likely to give information he thinks the show will appreciate…
They mentioned that as well, I honestly didn’t think they would talk about it over the air.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Lester’s first article was entitled:
“Schultz’s effort to get Sonics back is a legal long shot”
Now it is 55-60. Progressive disclosure. It is changing things for a reason. They are now all starting to see what Howard and Yarmuth are seeing. And guys, don’t think that Howard just woke up one day and decided to file a suit. I wouldn’t be surprised if this has been in the works for a few months.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
On now
April 24th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Again, PVC pipe perspective. It creates AWARENESS. Goodness Gracious folks!!! Not to mention it shows a fan base that you CAN fight for what is yours and get it….even in the face of Stern and Co.
- No it doesn’t…if Bennett hadn’t screwed up we would have been powerless…no precedent is being set here. In fact the biggest precedent that could be set in this market is the one that says that an Arena cannot be funded publically.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
“They laughed at the absurdity of that kind of crap.”
can you imagine if they had to pay EVERYONE who came on the show. doesn’t mitch have on at least 4 or 5 guests/analysts on each morning.
I guess munson can skew his comments on whatever he feels the market wants to hear, but if he is continuously wrong he won’t have any job for long.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
first- about munson getting paid or not-WHO CARES! why are you taking so much time to bicker about something so unimportant! sorry had to get that out.
second-this schultz lawsuit is making me very happy but for anyone who thinks we dont need that $75 million asap youre crayzy! this really worries me though.
i remember gregoire on an interview after the ballmer offer first came out and she said she can almost promise that next session they can get the votes and get the money together. now today its reported shes says no chance of a special session because she doesnt think the votes would be there. um how does this make any sense! she cant be trusted on this issue at all. its sad she acts like she cares and says shell do anything she can but then she does NOTHING. ROSSI in ‘08!!!
April 24th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
“He didn’t say specifically that he was reading this blog, but obviously he is. He said (basically) that some idiots were trying to say they paid Munson, and that is why he said 60%. They laughed at the absurdity of that kind of crap.
- The implication is not that they paid him to say what he said…the implication is that he gets paid to appear on the show so he is likely to give information he thinks the show will appreciate…”
Myk, I was responding to the Poster who asked if they read this blog.
But also, I get what you’re saying, it’s just human nature to want to please, especially if you’re in the media… gotta keep those listeners happy. But even with that said, I seriously doubt Munson is saying 60% when it’s only 40%. He is just giving his opinion. It’s not the end-all-be-all of opinions, but it is nice to hear, so can you please just quit taking a big crap on Lester Munson? What has he ever done for you to question his journalistic integrity? Because that’s what you’re doing. It’s rude. Stop it.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
It seems the real question for Bennett and Stern as the legal sea of challenges swell is how much risk are they willing to take as the cases move forward.
Even if it is 25-30% chance do they really want to gamble with terms like fraud and perjury and have more of their business information disclosed? Does the NBA really want all this seeing the light of day and the city of Seattle possible assume control of one of their teams?
Bennett is a fool and Stern is stubborn but at some point the apparent risk will seem too great to continue without negotiating IMO. You’ve got to believe Clay and David have been carefully weighing their line in the sand…Life goes on for both of them after this is over and despite their ego’s a loss would define them both eternally..
April 24th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
The once a week national guys most likely get paid. John Feinstein, Tim Kurkjian, etc.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
How to get the 75 million? Here is an idea…. Details to work out I know but it seems to make sense to me as doable and capable of broad & bi-partisan support.
Similar to Patches idea of a surcharge of Sonics tickets of $10
A similar concept that I think makes sense is this:
Gregoire could develop a specific bill with a few legislative leaders to do the following: (Contingent on local owner buying Sonics & keeping them in Seattle)
1. Create a special fund in Olympia for the Key arena re-model
2. Agree to designate all the sales tax from any ticket to any Key arena event for this fund - along with the sales tax from concessions & merchandise items sold at the Key.
3. Use this money to raise the 75 million for the re-model
4. Have a limit on how long this goes. Once a certain amount of money has been raised for this fund (75 million) it is then closed and the sales tax revenue from Key arena events shifts back into the general fund.
A. This does not impact any of the ticket prices for any events at Key Arena.
B. This means Key arena users are paying for key arena re-model
C. This means people can view the arena re-model in a broader & better way. It is not just about the Sonics - it is about providing a venue for many different groups in our state to go and enjoy an event.
This would mean the GOV. would have to work it. She would have to embrace the vision that she needs to rally support for this so a General session could be called where she could be confident she had the votes. This would require Gregoire to take a strong/public stand and work the phones.
I still think simply working to gather support for using the same tax that helped give us Safco & Qwest makes tons of sense & if Gregorie would commit to that vision she could sell it - but she must not believe that is true so maybe she could get behind this sales tax designation idea?
I mean… how could even the “no taxes for sports etc.” crowd really object to this? Sales tax from all Key arena events helping to remodle the Key arena - a type of user tax - seem fair to me.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
“Lester’s first article was entitled:
“Schultz’s effort to get Sonics back is a legal long shot””
of course that article was only intended for OKC.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
one more thing…im becoming addicted to this website. i just want to say we all need to not give up theres still a chance for us to win. and when people start to feel like they want to give up on this go to youtube or the kjr site and find the clip from the last game against dallas and watch and listen to the crowd and see kevin durant clapping along to SAVE OUR SONICS and it will remind why we are fighting so hard.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
“The once a week national guys most likely get paid. John Feinstein, Tim Kurkjian, etc.”
Didn’t timmy say the mariners had a 60% chance of winning the world series (since he is getting paid)!!!
April 24th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
And… I people objects & said that sales tax revenue is need for the genral fund etc….. Well, if the Sonics leave most of that sales tax revenue is gone anyway.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Actually, without the fans and SOS making enough noise and putting in the effort, Bennett regardless of screwing up could have left. It is going to show fans what they need to look for and how to encounter different road blocks. Don’t kid yourself. The only reason we are at this point is because of Brian and SOS, and all of us at SOS running as a successful organization. Had we not done, had SOS not done what we did(especially Brian and SOS) CLAYS ERRORS DON”T MEAN ANYTHING….he still gets away.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Hey Softy! I want a shout out too!
April 24th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
i remember gregoire on an interview after the ballmer offer first came out and she said she can almost promise that next session they can get the votes and get the money together. now today its reported shes says no chance of a special session because she doesnt think the votes would be there. um how does this make any sense! she cant be trusted on this issue at all. its sad she acts like she cares and says shell do anything she can but then she does NOTHING. ROSSI in ‘08!!!
I’m hardly a supporter of how Gregoire has dealt with this situation, but what she is saying isn’t exactly contradictory. All she is saying is that if a special session is called right now, there likely wouldn’t be the votes needed to get it to pass. If, however, they wait until the next legislative session (when there is more time to work out a compromise), she is very confident that they can get something approved.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
I meant “all of us at sonicscentral.com”
April 24th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
I buy into Munson’s 60% comment. But I also don’t take them as gospel. It’s nice to hear somebody with legal expertise say this isn’t a no shot in hell kind of thing. But like Brian pointed out, other legal experts have differing opinions. We need to not fly off the handle and get so excited about the slightest things.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Sonics fan in SLC
Locke is that you?!?
April 24th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Anywho, I gotta go to practice guys, I hate offseasons…..worst part about bein a coach….I got 5 months till the beginning of the season….SERENITY NOW!!!!!
April 24th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
jj
i like what youre saying but i truly dont think we have gregiores support on this. she talks a lot with no action..
April 24th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
JJ at 12:55, I really like that idea. I think it would work well for the Gov, because she’ll be able to avoid being seen as caving (by the sports haters) because only Arena users are paying for the Arena. Only totally irrational sports haters could dislike that plan. The only catch I see is… How long will it take to get to $75mm?
April 24th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Fuller text of the “sweet flip” email up on the Seattle Times:
– Bennett wrote to Tom Ward and Aubrey McClendon about the impending Sonics sale to their Oklahoma-based group: “No decision yet, we are told we are still the leading candidate. (Although the banker BS factor in these deals is a given.) They want to get our price up which I rejected. Also want a stronger commitment to good faith effort on a new building for 12 months, which I have no problem with. If we are successful we are probably looking at a sweet flip and with the strength of our group I think we would still be in good shape for something in OKC.” –
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sonics/2004369709_emailsidebar24.html
April 24th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
I just gotta say that i love our own version of 2008 NBA playoffs here in Seattle right now…
series 1:
City vs. Bennet (OKC)
series 2:
Shultz(BCOS) vs. Bennet (PBC)
series 3:
Seattle SuperSonics Fans vs. Bennet, Ward, McClendon
April 24th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
yoon-
good point and you might be right but if thats the case where were they this year when there was still time and where were they the past 3 or 4 years.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Joshu@: “Actually, without the fans and SOS making enough noise and putting in the effort, Bennett regardless of screwing up could have left.”
Yep, exactly. Let’s trace backwards.
I’m betting both the Schultz lawsuit and the Ballmer ownership group hatched from Slade Gorton’s fertile mind. The city brought in Slade Gorton and filed their own suit, but the city didn’t really get involved until SOS’ “A Deal is a Deal” initiative came up.
Before SOS, we had nothing but an easy, inevitable path to let the team go. Now, we have the major players in the business community, the city, and at least lip service from our state officials that the team is worth keeping here and (for everybody but the state officials) worth working and fighting for.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
I also talked to two people who are very, very close to the Sonics basketball and potentially Schultz. One told me unequivically that this is not a PR stunt and they are committed all the way. The other told me he knew what Schultz budget was and that it wasn’t nearly enough
- I actually think that most people overlooked the biggest part in Brian’s post…that would be killer if he gave up the suit cause it cost too much.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
“second-this schultz lawsuit is making me very happy but for anyone who thinks we dont need that $75 million asap youre crayzy! this really worries me though.”
My perspective is this. Its not a no arena……no team situation anymore. We need to win the cases to get the team here now. Arena takes a back seat IMO.
Say we get the $75 mm somehow. Does that strenghten either suit? I don’t think it does. Having an arena proposal/deal in place doesn’t keep the team here with relocation already granted. It helps get an expansion team in theory……but it also bows down to the NBA.
Its been the NBA/Stern/Bennett’s position that we need a new arena. Not the cities or the fans. Shultz wins…..sells to an owner who has no qualms with the Key……no need for an arena immediately (even though it is outdated).
April 24th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Joshua,
SERENITY NOW!
LOFL for real. Almost tears.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Menace: “Its been the NBA/Stern/Bennett’s position that we need a new arena. Not the cities or the fans.”
Ballmer wants a new arena too. Anybody operating the NBA here would want a new arena.
I’m not disagreeing with you - I love the Key. It’s an absolutely fantastic place to watch basketball. But nobody in a position to own a team seems to feel that way.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
hey maybe were not supposed to know the details about $ donations being made to SOS and i have no idea what there plan is but does anyone agree that we should raise funds to get this story on a national commercial spot or something similar? does that make sense?
April 24th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
“Ballmer wants a new arena too. Anybody operating the NBA here would want a new arena.”
Can’t disagree, but a new arena isn’t make or break anymore IMO. Its not the so called saving point it once was with suits that are in place and relocation already granted.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
I have been looking for this to no avail for awhile. I thought it was pretty damn funny, Check it out
http://youtube.com/watch?v=evTNEW80QVE&watch_response
April 24th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
@ Menace
If the City’s suit works and the Sonics are held to the lease for the next 2 years, I can guarantee a new/revamped arena would have the BOG voting a lot better than 28-2
April 24th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
“Sonics fan in SLC
Locke is that you?!? ”
Haha you should hear Locke down here. He has king of the world syndrome. Big old Locke in the small time SLC market.
His voice does bring back good memories though of listening to his post game show on the way home from a Supes game.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
We are lobbying hard for an arean now. The big SOS goal right now is to meet with as many members of legislature as possible. That said I think it is doubtful we get it done before next session. The Gov has promised she’ll get it next year, Dino Rossi we know is in. I am not sure how effective of a use of energy it is to push for anything sooner. Conserving energy and using it effectively is a big deal. Volunteers crap out fast.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
I just got this new e-mail from John Kerry (who has become such a poor excuse for a politician these days):
Do you remember where you were Friday, December 3, 2004?
At 5:00 that day, in Washington State, Chris Gregoire and Democrats who refused to quit just beat the deadline to fund the recount in the all too tight Governor’s race. To become Governor, Chris fought through three recounts that left her only 129 votes ahead of her opponent, one of the closest elections in history.
They couldn’t have done it without you. Your contributions made that recount happen. Don’t take my word for it. The State Democratic Party Chairman at the time, Paul Berendt, said, “John Kerry really came to our rescue.”
Paul got it almost right: I didn’t come to the rescue, every one of you did. You showed up to fight at a time when you could’ve given up on politics.
The question now is whether we’re going to protect what we fought so hard to win. Chris Gregoire’s opponents have never rested - never. The same opponent she defeated in 2004 - now aided and abetted by some big-money GOP donors across the country - is gunning for her again.
Please donate what you can to Chris Gregoire’s campaign to help her beat back the GOP money machine:
ChrisGregoire.com
Seeing what Governor Gregoire has done in Washington State, it’s no surprise the national GOP donor machine wants to knock her off. She’s stood up for the environment and the fight against climate change by battling the Bush Administration on car emissions; she’s fought them on children’s health care; she’s fought the federal government to keep their promises on cleaning up nuclear waste; and she’s been a leader in the fight for corporate accountability.
Her opponent? He’s exactly the kind of Bush-GOP candidate that you’d expect to have run in 2004. Four years later, the GOP is on the ropes, but they are going to put everything they have into this race - they want revenge and the Washington Governor’s race is one of their top targets.
Governor Gregoire was prohibited by Washington state law from fundraising during the first quarter while the state legislature was in session, but her opponent wasn’t under the same restrictions - and man did he exploit that loophole. He raised over $2 million dollars while Chris did what she does best: getting results for the people of Washington State.
Let’s do what we can to help Chris Gregoire keep doing that for another four years - and let’s finish what you started December 2, 2004.
ChrisGregoire.com
Across this country, I can see things setting up for an historic election that could change the political face of this country. But only if you work at it.
Thank you,
John Kerry
Maybe you can use this to publicize that Gregoire had better save the Sonics or else…
April 24th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
150 posts in under 2 hours. Nice.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Whos excited for the NFL draft? TE or DE or DT in first round?
April 24th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
OT: Jonathan Stewart if he is there, go for the BPA.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
yoon-
good point and you might be right but if thats the case where were they this year when there was still time and where were they the past 3 or 4 years.
I agree and certainly don’t believe she should get a pass - there’s a lot more she could have done and has probably lost my vote unless she does something productive soon. However, I do agree with her that the reality of the current situation is that a special session would probably fail whereas they probably have a better shot at getting something done during a regular session.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
ESPN continues to post Vince Carter’s bone spur story as their lead item after 35 plus hrs. I commented on it. Interesting that an “oh by the way” item continues to lead their lineup. Sonics stories quickly go to the back.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Re JJ at 12:56pm.
Isn’t the city’s $75 million contribution already based at least partially off user fees at Key Arena? I think that was the case, but can’t remember for sure.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
I’m looking forward to the NFL draft. The most exciting draft by far to me. The NBA draft isn’t the same to me. With all the early entrants and foreign players, it just isn’t the same. I’m hoping the Hawks go BPA, unless somebody like Stewart is around. Depending on what’s left, I might not be against trading out of the 1st round for extra picks later on. It is a fairly deep draft at a few of the positions of need for the Hawks.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
E-mail ChrisGregoire.com. Just did it in less than 5 minutes. Please let her know how many of us Democrats will vote Rossi in the next election, no matter how short-sighted that may seem. This team means a lot to us.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
OK, maybe not. “While private investment would cover half the arena upgrades, the plan envisions that the city and state would split the other $150 million. Half would come from the city of Seattle, offset by lease agreements and taxes on the renovated arena.”
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/23511487/
April 24th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Right Cage44. That should be how you leverage this. Make it her make-break issue
April 24th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
I hope they get a big huge fat d-line in one of the first 3 rounds
April 24th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Schultz lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, was reassigned to federal court judge Marsha Pechman on Wednesday. Judge Robert Lasnik initially had been assigned the case.
Good or Bad?
April 24th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
I know this is far from happening but if we can get Gregiore to understand that if she does not find the 75mil by the trial date Sonic fans will vote for Rossi. She will reply that the votes are not there. From there she needs to go to Chopp and Brown and say to them that I gregiore will not be in office if you do get the votes to authorize the money. She then needs to say who would you rather have in charge, myself or Rossi!!!!
April 24th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
There were 2 or 3 recounts in the ‘04 election. Rossi won the first if I remember correctly. If it is that close next election, all of us Democrat Supes fans can easily put Rossi ahead. It would suck to have to do, but I don’t want anything to do with Gregoire if we lose the Sonics under her watch.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
New Emails. Wow
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004371389_websonics24m.html
April 24th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
kba,
I read that the citys case is assigned to Marsha Pechman and Robert Lasnik is assigned to Schultz’ lawsuit.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
NBA officials last year worried that Sonics owners may have violated their “good faith” promise to work toward an arena deal in Seattle, according to new e-mails disclosed as part of the city of Seattle’s lawsuit against the team.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
nevermind just heard on kjr that shes now assigned to both cases. hmmm i hope this judge is a good one!
April 24th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Bennett reacted to a column by Seattle Times columnist Steve Kelley: “All of these guys are against us. Seattle has the most inept and difficult sports media of any major market. That was the view of the league before we arrived and I now completely agree.”
Yeh must be tough when your wife doesn’t run the paper
April 24th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
All of these guys are against us. Seattle has the most inept and difficult sports media of any major market.
- LOL…well at least we can say that one thing wont change no matter where they go.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
In an e-mail last August, Sonics owner Clay Bennett told fellow owner Aubrey McClendon that NBA executive Joel Litvin was “looking into certain documents we signed at closing that may have been breached.”
Clay clay is amazing.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
“All of these guys are against us. Seattle has the most inept and difficult sports media of any major market.”
What a thin-skinned, spoiled brat. What’s funny is that it is generally known that Seattle’s media is one of the easiest on it’s teams and players, in all sports. Pick up the NY Post after a Yanks or Mets loss and they hold nothing back. You hear it all the time that Seattle’s fans and media are generally considered “nice”.
I mean what did Bennett expect? That everyone would slap him on the back and tell him how great he was while he wanted to move the team? That nobody would be suspicious over his true intentions, which are obviously clear now that the hunches and predictions were right about these carpet baggers all along??
Moments like this is when I want to join the fight to the end club, and if it means losing the NBA, so be it. To think the other NBA owners voted for him to be able to steal this team? The heck with all of ‘em.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
“Bennett reacted to a column by Seattle Times columnist Steve Kelley: ‘All of these guys are against us. Seattle has the most inept and difficult sports media of any major market. That was the view of the league before we arrived and I now completely agree.”
Whah wah… this guy sounds more and like a baby that has never had any tell him no. If he wants a tough market, he ought to try out Philly, Boston and New York. I think the newspapers were actually kind of slow to get going on the Sonics issues.
Sorry Clay, but if you want to play in the big leagues, you’re going to get a few fastballs at your chin.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
My first reaction to these new emails was that they didn’t mean much…BUT if there is evidence that the NBA knew that there was a breach of good faith AND still have been stating otherwise, they are going to be in a big heap of trouble. Time will tell I guess.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Stern is deposed. NICE
April 24th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
I think the chance of the Schultz case winning can be summed up by Detective Frank Drebin, “He has a 50-50 chance, but ony a 10% chance of that”.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
err CIty wants to depose.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
SCORCH ‘EM
April 24th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
While this single email does not really change that much..it just adds to the mounting ‘evidence’ of Bennett’s intentions.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
http://tinyurl.com/6rvh8n
More dirt…
April 24th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Keep in mind though that the article also states the league found there was no breech. Of course the league is no court of law, and were they going to find him guilty of the breech? Of course not, just the fact they suspected it can’t hurt our cause.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
I haven’t been paying attention to the NFL draft at all, but I hope we pick up a fullback who can actually block. Man, I miss Mack Strong!
April 24th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Clay is an idiot.
“Bennett vented in other e-mails about the Seattle media. In an e-mail to McClendon and other co-owners last July, Bennett reacted to a column by Seattle Times columnist Steve Kelley: “All of these guys are against us. Seattle has the most inept and difficult sports media of any major market. That was the view of the league before we arrived and I now completely agree.”
HAVE YOU EVER READ BARRY TRAMMELL!!!! HAVE YOU EVER READ BARRY TRAMMELL!!! (ALL CAPS TO EXPRESS POINT ALA STEPHEN A. SMITH!!!!!)
April 24th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Keep in mind though that the article also states the league found there was no breech
League didn’t know about these other emails.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
“There were 2 or 3 recounts in the ‘04 election. Rossi won the first if I remember correctly. If it is that close next election, all of us Democrat Supes fans can easily put Rossi ahead. It would suck to have to do, but I don’t want anything to do with Gregoire if we lose the Sonics under her watch.”
And all the dead people that voted for Queen Gregoire are probably Sonics fans also. She might not be able to get their vote in November like she did in ‘04.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
“NBA officials last year worried that Sonics owners may have violated their “good faith” promise to work toward an arena deal in Seattle, according to new e-mails disclosed as part of the city of Seattle’s lawsuit against the team.”
“In an e-mail last August, Sonics owner Clay Bennett told fellow owner Aubrey McClendon that NBA executive Joel Litvin was “looking into certain documents we signed at closing that may have been breached.”
I’m gonna die laughing if this is indicative of what may eventually come to surface in public disclosures(in greater detail of course).
April 24th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Anyone have a link to where it says that Marsha Pechman is now hearing both trials?
April 24th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
“And all the dead people that voted for Queen Gregoire are probably Sonics fans also. She might not be able to get their vote in November like she did in ‘04. ”
Hey now, careful with those accusations, dude. They weren’t dead, that is fallacious…they were a secret community of people living underneath the King County courthouse….get your facts straight, bro…..(hehehehehe…hint of sarcasm…in case anyone didn’t catch it)
April 24th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
again, WHY IN THE HELL WOULD THEY USE EMAIL TO DISCUSS THEIR SHADY BUSINESS!?!?!
Wow. I’m completely shocked by Bennett’s neglect and stupidity…
April 24th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
If Slade pulls this off, the man needs to have a statue in honor of him built for saving sports in Seattle.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
New thread.
Everyone must read.
Bennett’s emails imply that the DECISION to leave Seattle was made BEFORE the end of his good faith period.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Kyle - check the News Tribune Sonics Blog.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
the naming rights currently belonging to Key Bank expire in 2010, the same year as the lease. The way I see it, there’s a significant chunk of your 75 mil (maybe 15 or so) right there.
April 24th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
“all of us Democrat Supes fans can easily put Rossi ahead.”
I would rather vote Clay or Stern Gov, of WA than Rossi.
April 24th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Newsflash! The votes were not in the legislature. No mortal could have gotten them. To think the GOP the supposed “fiscal conservative” party would have passed arena funding is moronic. You may be angry that the funding diddnt go up to a vote, but would that really have mattered. How bad would we look if the arena would have failed in the legislature by a landslide? That would have just put more bullets in Clay and Stern’s gun.