Journey’s End
Posted on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008 at 9:17 pm by Xteve
I sit at this keyboard and find it difficult to type these words. It’s the end of an era.
An era that began for me about half my lifetime ago, in the middle Nineties shortly after I first moved to Seattle. Back then I didn’t know a soul in town, I lived in freaking Federal Way which is as nifty a suburban hellhole as I’ve ever lived in, and the only thing I could really identify with was Sonics basketball.
Back then KC Jones was the coach, we’d just drafted Shawn and Gary, Nate was still the glue before he became the coach I couldn’t stand, we had Ricky Pierce, Eddie Johnson … not a championship caliber team mind you, but certainly not anything near the dregs of what you and I have been watching for years. Then they fired KC and replaced him with Karl and the rest, as they say, is history.
I suppose I could recap the highlights and lowlights, all the first round losses followed by the do-or-die 96 season where the Sonics ended up pitted against one of the five greatest teams in NBA history. That incredible Game 5 where Nate had a cortisone shot and came back, making us all wonder that if he’d just been healthy enough to guard Michael Jordan, maybe … just MAYBE things would have turned out differently … and the slow, eventual decline from championship contender to bottom feeder. The seemingly endless mismanagement, starting with the trade of Vin Baker. At the time it was actually a good move and made sense. I look back today and that’s the one move that killed this franchise in this city. Vin promptly went down the tubes, his contract pretty much ensured they weren’t going to get any better for seven years, which is a lifetime in this league, and all the interest and passion just slowly … ebbed away.
But that was then, and this is now.
I am fortunate beyond words to share the friendship of the people behind Save Our Sonics and this site. It is a rare thing to see people achieving their dreams through hard work, sacrifice and their passion for this sport. Kevin Pelton and Brian after him are inspirations to me in what they have been able to accomplish over the past ten (My God, has it really been TEN?) years and see the places that their fandom has taken them. And everyone else from the old ESPN boards, many of whom are still around and whom I interact with occasionally both in online and “real” life. Scott, the ever-handle changing Mr. Baker, who I still fondly remember as Westphalstinks :), pdway, and so many many others. You guys are great people and it’s an honor to work with you.
If this sounds like goodbye, it isn’t … time to take a step back. I’m kind of a Renaissance sorta dude, ya know. I like my geeky comics and playing my guitar and other bad habits … I’ll always be there to tip the glass or party with ya at the drop of a hat.
Funny, ya know. I used to know the name and relative statistical worth of every NBA player on every NBA roster on every team back in the ol’ NBA Jam days. I could actually remember guys like Clarence Weatherspoon, Brad Lohaus, and of course the all-NBA comedy roster … God Shammgod, Boniface N’Dong, Bison Dele aka Brian Williams … I suppose if I have one thing to say to Mr. Stern it’s this: You’ve killed all my joy for your sport David. For a while. I barely watched the Finals this year. And it should have been something that I as a basketball fan would be loving. I could barely summon up the apathy to be indifferent.
To the fans of the Oklahoma City Whatever: I can’t say that you’re going to be getting a particularly good team, but I guess it’s better than no team at all. Enjoy it. May it bring to you the passion that I once had. May you never know the disappointment of having not only your fellow citizens but your elected officials basically telling you that they don’t give a fat flying f*ck about your passion and that it has no cultural value. Because I guess if it really didn’t, then you wouldn’t be wanting this team so badly.
Regarding the case: I still don’t think the City should have settled. Take your win in court and let the
chips fall where they may in Howard’s case. No reason not to drag the NBA through the mud,
THEY”RE COMPLICIT IN THIS! If Memphis can’t make it work, have Ballmer offer to
buy them out! Put the pressure back on the league! Not only did they completely screw the
fanbase over, and IMHO sell us down the river, but now Howard can’t even proceed with his case … this can’t be considered a
win under anything but the most long term rose-colored view imaginable.
So in closing, thanks for your readership. It’s been fun being a whimsical asshole and every once in a while talking hoops too.
Bless you and your families. Right now the world needs moms and dads and brothers and sisters, boyfriends, girlfriends, buddies, homies more than it needs NBA fans.
See y’all around the ‘net.
Xteve
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Brian, Steve, SOS you can count me in the group that will fight till nba is back in Seattle. Its never over.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Will the last person posting please turn out the lights?
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:29 pm
calm
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:30 pm
Hey Xteve/Steve, thanks for all your help on the Save Our Sonics struggle. We all can be proud of what we’ve done so far and I don’t think it’s over yet. We can all work to help bring an end to David Stern’s reign. We need to do that. There cannot be an end to corruption until there’s an end to David Stern’s behind-the-scenes manipulation. I hope that Howard Schultz will really step up on his lawsuit. I really think that Steve Pyeatt was in such a state of shock today when he was interviewed that he did not know what he was saying. His eyes looked a little glazed over when said “This was clearly a WIN for us today - not the big win we wanted, but clearly a WIN FOR US.”
I think he was delerious. I won’t hold it against him until he returns to his senses, wakes up and realizes what he actually said to the media. He may be a little embarassed actually.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Who saw it end this way?
Where do we go from here?
The worst part? Clay got what he wanted…
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:31 pm
numb
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:32 pm
I guess the latest NBA Live game i’ll ever get is 2008….
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:32 pm
I can’t thank Eric E enough for being such a good friend and SOS volunteer.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:34 pm
sonics basketball has guided me through the rainy winters. now i have nothing. bless every poster on this site and everyone that put in effort. SOS SOS SOS SOS SOS SOS
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Hello, all, I tried to post under my real name a bit earlier but was moderated into nothingness. So I’m coming out from under my alias. I’ve posted here for a few years as Lester, but I am Sherman Alexie. I’ve had a great time here arguing and debating and celebrating and now mourning.
I wish my testimony had amounted to something. I wish I had done a better job. I wish, I wish…but I spoke to power and power shrugged.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:36 pm
I do thank all of you for participating in this SOS cause and this web site.
It will all soon be over - good venting tonight.
What a total sell-out by the city.
I listened to the city lawyer - I think Ceis - about an hour ago on KJR - brutal. To say this is a good deal for Sonics fans is ridiculous.
Bottom Line… He said Clay convinced them he was not going to sell.
Well so what if Clay says that - He is a liar and he is trying to intimidate you to get his way - of course he wills say that.
And even if it is true - so what - win the lease case see what happens in 2 years. Clay would still have to get approval again from the NBA BOG - Howard’s case was a real threat to Stern & NBA owners….. on & on…. sorry…
The city simply blinked and folded at crunch time. They got intimidated by Stern. They should have stood there ground - kept the team for 2 years and taken their chances on Clay caving under more pressure - or Howard winning.
Unreal
We all counted on Nickels… And I remember BR saying on KJR about 2 months ago when asked if Nickels would fold and settle - he said… “No way - if he did he is the biggest liar ever.”
My guess is BR is grieving over the reality that he was used and lied to by Nickels. Same thing the Gov. did back in April.
Brutal - I thank you BR & Steve for all your efforts. I’m not blaming you at all - I’m hurting for & with you. Nickels lied to you and when it was crunch time he sold out to save face - and save the $$$$.
remember the city council supported this.
I think Nickels may indeed have worried that if they lost this case many would blame him for his weak testimony & for being the mayor when the city has “Unclean Hands”.
He is a wimp.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Sherman…..you are the man! I love your writings and absolutely loved Smoke Signals! A pity this world does not have more people like you! Instead, we’re stuck with morons as Clay and Greg..
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:40 pm
lester maybe you could autograph my nba 06 with ray allen on the cover for me sometime
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Black day for the city of Seattle and the state of Washington.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Elise is extremely emotional on KJR tonight as most of us Sonics fans are. She is taking tons of calls from people who are devastated and can’t believe that the city caved on this. She said she wanted to punch everyone out at the Press Conference. This is a HUGE LOSS for Seattle and the Mayor and City Council don’t care about anything other than they were made “whole” with $45 Million and they avoided pissing off David Stern any further, so they think that’s a victory. Listen to Elise and other Fans still on KJR. When we recover from this a little, we can start organizing ourselves seriously for a push to bring the Sonics back and remove David Stern from his position.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:44 pm
GOODNIGHT EVERYONE. RIP SONICS. See ya’ll in b-ball heaven.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:45 pm
this will be my last day posting on hear. hopefully i will be able to rejoin the uprising of seattle supersonics fans when shultz case gains momentum or if ballmer becomes a “man pocessed”
goodnight to all
take care
Jonathan A.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:45 pm
The worst part is that liars win once again.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Great writeup, Steve. I just want to say thanks to all you SOS’ers who fought the good fight. I cannot call myself nearly the Sonics fan you guys are, but I am deeply saddened to see the team leave Seattle. I’m sorry, guys.
It’s sad, but I already was losing interest in the NBA. I guess this gives me a good reason atleast to turn from “fan” to “casual observer.”
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:48 pm
NICKELS SUCKS !
SCHULTZ SUCKS !
BENNETT SUCKS !
SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL SUCKS !
DAVID STERN SUCKS !
THE NBA SUCKS !
THEY ALL LIED AND LIE REGULARLY !
WHY DO WE BELIEVE ANYTHING ANY OF THEM SAY ???? !!!!!!
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Sherman (lester)! Thanks for everything. Your columns and your testimony were wonderful.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:51 pm
I wish my testimony had amounted to something. I wish I had done a better job. I wish, I wish…
For whatever it’s worth, your comment about just wanting another two years to say goodbye captured my feelings exactly.
(though, if I think about it, I have to admit that’s kind of a lie. I didn’t just want two years to say goodbye, I wanted two years to keep fighting).
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:51 pm
MY EMAL TO THE MAYOR:
I want you to know that this is one of the worst days of my life. You told fans the Sonics could not be replaced and that you would hold them to their lease. But you LIED. Just like Bennett, just like the legislature. You took the money and didn’t even get a promise of another team. I never realized how powerless I am and how much I don’t matter until today.
I guess a deal wasn’t really a deal huh.
By the way Bennett wants to make replica banners and replica trophies for OKC. So could you please explain how he is leaving the history here? Or was that also a lie?
THANKS FOR NOTHING
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Thank you Sherman. You put into words everything I loved about the Sonics and why they mattered to Seattle that I couldn’t. Thanks.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:55 pm
I’ve been lurking on the site since I moved to Seattle last March. I’m a huge hoops fan and was loving life knowing that I had the NBA about 5 blocks from my condo.
Like everyone here, I had my breathe taken away when I pulled up the Seattle Times at 4 and saw the news. I can’t fathom how the Mayor could pull this, UNLESS, there is a behind the scenes guarantee of a team from the NBA and the Mayor knows that Olympia will rubber stamp any funding to make it happen. I know it seems like a long shot on both fronts but I’m hoping everyone is just being tight lipped until the ink is dry on the funding,etc. It’s the only thing that will help me sleep tonight.
A part of me will never be completely satisfied knowing that a liar like Clay Bennett will ultimately go down as the hero that brought a team to his hometown and will never be dragged sufficently through the mud for the blatant lies he publicly spewed. It makes me sick and always will.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Great sentiments X.
Today’s been a complete numbness for me. Those that I’ve made friends with, we’ll definately grab beers. Hopefully sooner rather than later.
In the end, I’ve learned that nothing will ever shock me again. It’s impossible to try to figure out where things go from here. I’m sure if there’s a movement to ever get something back in this town I’ll have a part in it, no one will know its me of course (not even the KIRO guy when he tries to interview me, or ZenDoc…LOL).
For now, time to take a step back. I didn’t watch the Finals this year and won’t be watching the league at all next year. Maybe in a few years I’ll start to care again, but it’ll never be like it was.
Thanks to all the guys who’ve worked on this site since it was inherited from Kevin: Brian, Xteve, Sonicsman, Chris Mr Baker and John. It’s been a real honor and a privilage. Thanks to those that have read our collective insights, agree or disagree its been a blast.
Until next time Seattle.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:02 pm
It’s crazy but I’ll reiterate what I said on the previous thread…
I think there is something deeper going on behind the scenes. I really believe something good for Sonics Fans is going to come out of this.
You know they’ve talked about this as a seath and the stages of death and grief in the past but I reall ythink this is more of a trilogy.
Act 1: Bennett and the boy’s come in they create havoc, we fight and it looks like we’ve lost.
Act2: We’re in it. There is Whalling and Nashing of Teeth. It seems hopeless. Even the most faithful are doubting the future. It appears evil has won. But still there is a little glimmer of hope out there. We can’t see it, maybe it’s Schultz, maybe it’s something in the deal we’ve struck that we can’t see, or maybe it hasn’t even occured yet.
Act3: Redemption, the return of the Prodigal, or The Masses stand up and take down the Evil Empire. No matter what good triumpns evil.
It’s the theme of Grand Opera, Professional Wrestling, Spiritual Writings, Lucas Movies, and Mythology.
Ask Lester aka Alexie. Great Literature is based on reality. Honestly I don’t think our reality is over yet.
Those who have said this is their last post, or hae said good-bye. Please Don’t Close Shop Up Yet.
AS LONG AS WE’RE HERE, THE SUPES ARE HERE. LET’S NOT BE THOSE OTHER GUY’S WHO GIVE UP. THIS IS WHE WE NEED TO BE COOL HAND LUKE FLAYING AWAY EVEN WHEN OUR BUTT HAS BEEN KICKED BY GEORGE KENNEDY.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Lester, if you’re really Sherman Alexie, then thank you for the support. Thank you for getting up on that stand and speaking the truth. Thanks for being a great Sonics fan
Great writeup, Steve. I was one of those posters way back on the ESPN boards. I can’t even remember my handle over there, it was probably nevins-something or GRENACHI or Ty Guy or something like that, I really can’t even remember that seems so long ago. It was great to talk Supes with you guys over there and when we moved over here to SC.com it was even more fun. Like you, I’m always down to tip a few beers or have a 96 playoffs viewing party or anything like that with anybody here.
B-Rob and Steve and the rest of SOS!!! you guys did all you could. none of us expected to get screwed by Nickels of all people, who assured us time and time again that there would be no buyout and nothing short of basketball in Seattle will be accepted under any circumstances.
I just don’t have words for what happened today. I feel like I’ve had a girlfriend of 20 years and she died today. She didn’t leave me or cheat on me, she DIED. I was born into a hardcore Seattle sports family. My dad’s favorite sport was basketball and I obviously adopted his love early…my parents bought me a mini basketball hoop when I was 1 years old…
I don’t know what to do right now, this wound will probably take a long ass time to heal…well, I doubt this EVER heals, but it will take a long time to stop hurting. What got me earlier was when a poster mentioned his little boy was balling, asking if he would get to see Durant anymore. That just tore me up worse than I already was. I’ve wanted nothing more than to take my kids (when I have them) to a Sonics game and tell them all about the days when I was a kid when we saw The Glove and the Reign Man (sound like superheroes) battle the mighty Chicago Bulls and the greatest of all time Michael Jordan
I don’t know how to end this because I could write an entire book on my feelings right now and about my memories of our past teams, great players and great moments. I won’t say goodbye because I doubt I’ll leave this site no matter what happens.
I’ll see ya guys
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:08 pm
First thing I did when I got home was search Google for Sonics Blog. Here I am.
I’m here because I can relate. I lost the Hartford Whalers when I was 13. To an owner who wanted a new building with none of his money in it, for a team he bought from an idiot of a previous owner who sold it to him when he clearly wanted to move it.
It sucks. I hate seeing it happen anywhere else. Hockey is now dead in Hartford. It’s been a decade since a total dogs**t (bless ‘em) Whalers roster lost to the even-more dogs**t Islanders on the road in April to ensure that they’d miss the playoffs. To ensure one last, final, home game. Against TAMPA BAY, no less. At least Kevin Dineen scored twice that day.
He even got an empty-netter with 30 seconds left. It clearly didn’t go in, so they went to the review booth. It was ruled no-goal, and despite it being obviously the right call, and the fact that it was a needless review- only dragging out the Final Minute of My Team’s Life in My City- the Mall booed like holy hell.
Because we wanted some small solice, some small idea that told us that yeah, the good guy wins in the end, that we may be losing our team, but dammit, Our Hero, Kevin Dineen, is gonna score a damn hat trick and Gary Bettman can shove it up his ass.
I don’t even know why I’m going off on a tangent, but if you take anything, take this: make it happen. Don’t wait. Because the flame does die over time. Look at Brooklyn. Look at Hartford.
Don’t.
Be.
Like.
Them.
Because I’ve seen it. It sucks. And I don’t want to see anyone go through it ever again. The settlement is pointless- we kept the Whalers logos.
The logos. The records. The colors.
They don’t bounce the ball.
They don’t throw it down like the Reign Man.
They don’t pass it through a needle like Gary Payton.
They’re the stuff you use in the arguments with other fans- but those arguments don’t happen without a team. That’s why you need to fight. That’s why you can’t get down forever over it. That’s letting them win.
But if you ever get a team back, if not the Sonics (it wouldn’t be the same), feel free to call them the Whalers.
If for nothing else, then because you’ll make a couple thousand people a few thousand miles away smile, for a little while, and remember what they had, and what can be had once again.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:12 pm
My dream is to acquire enough money that I can buy the Lakers and move them.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Not a regular poster, so I’m sure one closer to this mess has discussed this before, but man, isn’t this “settlement” simply the exact same result we would have received if the city had actually just lost the lawsuit? I mean, give or take a few bucks, if the city had lost they’d calculate the damages and Clay would write a check covering the last 2 years. Which is exactly what ended up happening!
I mean, why go through the phony excercise of this lawsuit if you are just going to settle for a few more dollars than Clay offered originally? Why tell everyone this wasn’t a money issue when it was? And why the hell settle the case mere minutes before a judgment that could have potentially given the city the leverage to actually get another team?
Just sad really. We all got false hope from our political leaders that they valued what we did, the Team, when the reality is that they got a few extra bucks and covered their legal fees. So we get to keep to the name? Great! As if we couldn’t have negotiated that for a reduced lease buyout even if we’d have lost the case??? Clay doesn’t want it anyway. Or is this conditional $30 million something we should hang our hat on? As if the same legislature that rejected the funding when the team was still here will now approve it on the hope that Stern is gracious enough to grant us a new team at some undetermined time down the road?
This is honestly worse than if we’d have just accepted Clay’s original offer and admitted the City cared only about getting the biggest check. At least then we wouldn’t feel even worse now.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:14 pm
4020…I wish I could feel the same you are.that something good will come out of this.but I don’t see how.this to me is the end.I am heartbroken.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Is this site shutting down?
Is Joshu@ going to continue talking down to the readers at newsok.com under the SOS moniker?
Inquiring minds want to know…..
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Hell of a ride everyone. We did so much, from flying airplane banners in New Orleans, to having a Sonics rally with over 4,000 people in front of the courthouse with GP and X-man. The last home game will stick with me for a long time. I will remember that forever.
This is the first time I have cried in a few years.
Someday we will all be in an arena somewhere in Seattle, as the Seattle Supersonics are re-born, and GP and Kemps jerseys are retired. Until then,
Chris
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:17 pm
“AkDan Says:
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:12 pm
My dream is to acquire enough money that I can buy the Lakers and move them. ”
Marry someone with a newspaper
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Deep thanks from me, as well, Sherman. Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfitght in Heaven changed my literary life and vaulted you into being my favorite author back in college. Your efforts here, along with Brian and Steve and everyone here at SOS, have been so appreciated by thousands of fans, including myself. We have looked to you all for leadership, hope, and now comfort. Before this post by Steve, it was nearly palpable on the other posts, people yearning for something from one of you. And, Steve, we have your farewell.
I find myself somewhere between the sentiments of Steve’s “signing off” and SeaSonics’ words in Post #1. I want to cry. I want to fight. I want to go to sleep. I want to stay up all night reading these words and emotions, looking for some comfort. But, really, there’s nothing left to fight against now. We’re left watching Clay’s fat face smiling at his constituents, clothed in his OKC NBA logo (making me throw up in my mouth), and taking his pats on the back-side from all his boys. And I want to throw my radio out of my window as I listen to him talking about making “replica banners and replica championship trophies.” (sigh) Alas, the radio was kind of expensive….
And we have lost our beloved Sonics. For now. For now? I’m not sure where the Schultz lawsuit plays in to all of this now, or if it does, or how it does, or if I should HOPE it does. I just don’t know. I do know I’m going to go home and tell my 6 year old son that the Sonics are gone, and tell him we’re not going to be able to go to games anymore. And I will always cherish the memory of the 2 of us at the last game of the season against Dallas, remembering high-fiving the strangers around us, me picking him up, hugging him, and cheering with him as the clock went to all zero’s, the crowd erupted, and I felt, somewhere deep in my heart, that this was probably the last moment like this for a long, long time. And I stared at the court for a long time, and held my son in my arms, and was thankful for the silly, amazing, prophetic, and special thing that sports are in my life.
At least I took a picture that night. I hope you did too.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:19 pm
this is the real hard part, what it is to talk hoops with some poor guy trapped working on the other side of the world, India, Ny, Chicago, Australia, Tacoma, and always how can the team be better.
I am happy to have contributed a few stories here, a few years ago, and again these past few months, fighting to good fight.
I started writing here and my own blog as a way to learn how to write, I’m still learning, but it helps to feel connected to the subject as a way to compell me to keep trying. I, too, will step back from writing about any of this. This is Brian’s blog, I am glad I could help.
I already feel bad for the okc fans, the odds are stacked against them before the even start.
Best of luck to those I will not likely bump into on the Internet, I have no desire to follow the NBA without a team in the league. The NBA is dead to me, it is a social death that Nick Licata didn’t appreciate, that Nickels sold today, that Schultz sold two years ago, that David Stern thinks he can turn off and on like an aging veteran player until he goes to turn it on and there is nothing there (which is where he is).
I will lurk in once in a while, and maybe visit when another team shows up, maybe not, nobody can predict the future.
Thanks for the crazy pictures and stories xteve.
Thanks for posting the box scores and recap, even when the games were not worthy, Chris.
I have said all along that this process would not fail because of the fans, that remains a stone cold fact
I might have to sell my car, I selected a particular shade of yellow, a gold.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:20 pm
A few things for clarity:
1) The Settlement awards Bennett the right to refer to Sonics’ history, records and players. Yes, Seattle retains the name and colors, but the OKC team can still refer to records, hang banners etc. as though they are a part of OKC history. Nickels couldn’t even get THAT out of them.
2) The Settlement allows Seattle, should it secure a team in the next 5 years, to reference records, players, the ‘79 title etc so long as it’s ’shared’ with Oklahoma City in some sort of ’shared vision.’ And Seattle gets the privilege of doing this ONLY if the city secures an expansion team in the next 5 years.
3) If Seattle does not secure a new Sonics franchise in the next five years, Bennett/PBC/OKC retain exclusive rights to reference Sonics records, players, banners, titles etc. Any team secured beyond that point will presumably be unable to reference Sonics’ history, as it would be held exclusively by Bennett/PBC.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:23 pm
t,
It’s what Zack from Hartford Ct. Stated. Don’t. Be. Like. Them.
Seriously Folks, don’t give up. It’s what they want, they want us to hide in our homes lick our wounds, drink our scotch, and skulk away into anonymity.
Don’t Do It!!!! Hell let’s retire Payton’s Numner next Year. Why not? We’ll fill the bleeding place. Let’s Have a Shawn Kemp Retrospective at the Key. Cripes they’ve got the open night’s and we’ve got the history retained.
We live one of cyberspaces hot cities let’s find some Computer Wiz and Create the Cyber Sonics. Have them play out a computer generated season.
I’m not in denile, I know this Sucks but I’m not willing to give in to the hype. These people can be beat if we stay at it.
This isn’t a Sprint. It isn’t a Marathon. This is The Tour de Freakin’ France and right now we’re on a Giant Mountain in the Alps. Let’s get Peddlin’!!!!!!
Can I get a Witness!!!!! Any Witness!!!!!!
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Thanks, Lester. You represented the voice of the fan very well for us. I really wish the City listened and appreciated the fan more. We’re mourning with you. Sigh. By the way, you’re a kick ass writer, and I’ve read your latest book. This is a sad day for all of us.
———————————————————————
Brian–
Thanks for fighting the good fight for us. I never would have guessed that you moved here in the mid-90’s. You show a respect for the team that makes me feel like you’ve been here forever. My own personal first memories of the Sonics were watching the championship team play when I was 8 years old. It was so great seeing “Downtown” Freddy stroke a three pointer from about 4-5 steps past mid-court. Just phenomenal.
Shit, this sucks.
I’m just not ready to give up the fight yet. I’m not sure if the Schultz case holds enough water; I still think that he’s just trying to save face and sell some coffee. I hope I’m wrong.
I wish we could get some players who are partial to Seattle like Chris Wilcox or Watson to file a players grievance. On the other hand, I’d be pretty pissed right now as a player…
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:26 pm
well there goes my last reason to give a crap about anything. i grew up loving the world trade center, and never got to see it in real life, ive been a sonics fan for like ever, and now i will never get to see them either. all i do is get up go to work, go home sleep and do the same shit all over again, and for what? no life, no house, no nothing. the only real joy in my life is my parents and brother and the sonics. well i gusee my parents and brother get more attention now hey? thanks to all for the spirited posts we all had, and as someone said above,
“will the last poster please turn out the lights.”
it was great while it lasted.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:26 pm
4020vision,
I love your optimism, but face the reality; our elected leaders are liars and morons. I am done with Seattle until the voters there finally become undumb. If mayor liar think he can get something done in Olympia, think again. And Tim Ceis is a giant pile of worthless too. Heard the guy on KJR. You SOS guys should demand an apology from him. He needs to get fired along with Nickles.
Register to vote and start spreading the word about Dino Rossi. Also, if you know Mark Sidran, tell him to run against Nickles!
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:30 pm
I love the idea of retiring Payton’s number anyway, 4020.
For those not willing to give up the fight, here are my ideas:
* Have the players file a grievance with the league.
* Encourage Schultz to have a more realistic settlement that really gives him a chance to win his case—like returning the $350 million that he originally received for the team if he wins.
———————————————-
One thing is definitely for sure, the more city leaders talk, the more they sound like doushbags. Did you here when Nickels talked about the Seattle U. team possibly going to Division I and playing some games at the Key? Is that shit supposed to be consoling? Come on, man!!! Holy hell.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:31 pm
Lester (Sherman). I am proud to have you represent me in the court. you put into words what I fumble to stutter out. I am 5 beers into my night and I don’t usually drink on work nights. Thank you Lester. Thank you Brian. That you Xteve. Thank you every single poster on this forum (including AK1984). Thank you Gary, and Shawn, and Ray, and Ra and Lukey Luke and Dale, and Nate and every single basketball player that has ever dawned a jersey. I am a mess right now and its because my lifetime love affair with this team has been ripped from me by some guy with money. Everyone here has been amazing. My heart goes out to you all and I will join you in mourning over the next weeks…months….years…….decades. We gave everything fans could ever give and none of us should regret our efforts. This is a painful loss and one that will not soon be repaired. Thanks. I’ll be here until the http://www.sonicscentral.com site either is overflowing with OKC posters or it shuts down. This team is my lifeblood: like all of you I bleed green and gold.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:31 pm
Kingdome,
That’s what I’m saying shoot across the bow. Screw Party Affiliations if someone is in offive right now, when this happened, get em out. All of them.
You’re saying what I’m feeling Kingdome. We’re down by 20 time to throw everything but the kitchen sink at everyone on the court.
Let’s tear it up.
It’s not optimisum it’s activism. If we quit that’s when they win.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:31 pm
4020, like in the last thread, another good post
the GP and Kemp retired jersey numbers is a GREAT F238ING IDEA!!! I bet we could pack the Key with at least 10k people. that thing would fill up. maybe season ticket holders get a priority on seats
I want to still have hope that something can be done but at this point it seems dire. But I’m thankful for some optimism like yours. I need it, alot of us need it
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:32 pm
NJ, if that is what Nickels agreed to then he is more of a spineless weasel than it appears. FRICK HIM!!! And even more than him, FRICK Clay and all the OKC anal growths who think they lay claim to ANYTHING from 2008 and before.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Mr. Lester,
your testimony mattered to me. I posted a thank you a few threads back, for your testimony, it still happened, I still thank you.
I have no idea of what I will write about now
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Thanks NJ… This is interesting - details that show we got a worse deal that I thought.
Can’t believe Nickels is expecting sonic fans to get on board and help with the efforts in Olympia for more $$$ for an arena. When he asked Sonics fans for their support in this effort I was just sick to my stomach.
No way - not for me - The NBA has given us the middle finger - so has Nickels - good bye NBA - I have no interest in bringing the NBA back to seattle - I will not do anything to support a new arena or bringing in a new team. If others want to try, go for it - but I’m done. If this someday involves taking a team from another city where the fans there are trying to oppose the move - I hope SOS fans will have absolutely nothing to do with stealing another cities team. that would be the essence of hypocrisy IMO.
The NBA simply pushed me past my limit. I gave plenty of loyalty and support & money & partnership etc. over the years - season ticket holder - and I was willing to continue as long as this team stayed - but for the NBA to pull this off - It is too much - I got treated like dirt - so I’m done with you NBA. In 5 years if they bring a team back - this fan will not go back.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:35 pm
This was one of the best sites on the internet for all of us Sonic fans. VERY knowledgable fans with good ideas to chew over all during the long wet winters.
Thanks to everyone for all the efforts to SOS, and for all the good B-ball talk on here. Even beantown, bless his lying a…
Hey, they can’t take the memories away from us, or the fact that we cared about the game.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:36 pm
We’ve felt sad for a few hours now, it’s done. Let’s get back to spit balling ideas. Great plans have been hatched on this site, I’m sure there are more remaining.
I’m going in for a minor surgery in the morning then off to my wife’s family cabin to recoup and enjoy The Fourth.
I’ll be back on here Sunday Morning, let’s have some ideas and let’s get done what we can. Contrary to how a lot feel right know we do still control what we control. Right now that’s our grassoots.
OHHHHHHH BABY, I’m a MAN POSESSED!
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:36 pm
I am not quitting but I am quitting any Seattle effort, screw them. I will help in any effort to bring NBA to Bellevue or Tacoma, but not the land of stupid where mayor liar reigns.
I hope this site stays around long enough so we can get rid of the bums. That press conference today with mayor liar and the other worthless chumps, smiling and grining is the last straw.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:37 pm
NJ-
holy s888, you have to be joking, but somehow i know you arnt. they get to hang banners?????????!!!!!!!!!
i have been texting with sonics bros from all around the world and the outrage is worlwide!
THANKS TO BRIAN AND ALL SOS PEOPLE, THEY GOT THE TEAM BUT WE HAVE HONOR.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Here’s the deal. If the city wins the case Bennet and the Supes stick around for 2 years then leave. Maybe we get jerked around by the legislature, but without a motivated ownership group moving things along, the arena stuff was not going to move forward…how could it? It was basically a chance to watch our team for 2 more years and hope Bennet got tired of losing money (not going to happen). That’s not much of a “win.” Now we have some money, some motivation, a local ownership group that is able to work out in the open, and a little leverage with the state legislature. Not a big win by any stretch, but still, it’s something. And I’m with 4042 (or whatever his handle is) I have to think there is a little more “wink, wink” behind the scenes. Nothing that could be set in writing due to requireing votes and also because they still need the state to get off it’s a**.
Look, I wanted the supes to stay as much as anybody, and I was terribly excited to watch KD, RW and JG grow up together. I loved the idea of a creative, decicive GM. Hopefully we will look back in 5 years and think we got a little lucky….
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Mr Baker,
Please keep writing on here. The team is not in Seattle, doesn’t mean we’re not all still here together. Freak none of us are going to OKC. Let’s keep up the chatter.
You’ll find inspiration to write about maybe not tonight but soon. Let’s keep on keeping on.
We either get busy livin or get busy dying. I choose LIFE!
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:41 pm
Sherman,
For what it’s worth I really do feel bad for calling your testimony kinda gay.
You are one of a kind. I appreciate your love for this team and I appreciate your testimony. I wish you the best of luck.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:43 pm
SeaSonic and Sherman,
This isn’t the Last episode of MASH. We do not and should not say Goodbye!
Like I said above, none of us are going to OKC. Let’s keep the site up and keep yappin’.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:45 pm
I told you SeaSonics!!!!
He’s just passionate like u or I. If I cry because they took away my team its because I have lost my first true love: Seattle Supersonic basketball.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:46 pm
Imma be yapping till the site ends! than i will yap on a new sonics blog!
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:48 pm
chuckles 2000….
Good points but I think you need to factor in the Howard case - this was the biggest strength in our position - that was likely going to trial in about a year - that case could have turned things in our direction while the team was still here.
Nickels chickened out. So did the Seattle city council.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:49 pm
So….I kind of checked out at work around 530 and went for a walk around Greenlake…ended up being three walks around Greenlake. I’m still going to completely admit that I am in shock. As sad as it sounds the shock is similar to what I imagine will be the shock I will have the day I find out my mother or my father have died.
Obviously, I will get over this much quicker then the death of a loved one. However, as I think Scott said above…I don’t think anyone here who is a sports fan (of any sport) will ever be the same. Our collective innocence has been shattered on literally every level. No longer will we be able to watch sports, politics, big business, legal proceedings with any sort of belief that “right” always prevails, and for that I will forever be scarred…and its sad.
What is even more sad to me is that this site is going to shut down…or at the very least become irrelevant. If anyone questions the social relevance of sports I think this site is a perfect example of just how powerful it is. You have a group of 1,000 people who get around and talk about a common subject. Sometimes we agree…other times we disagree (especially with me)…but we sit and talk to each other. We have passionate debate about two guys who make $6 million dollars a year playing a game we’d probably play for $60,000 a year. That is simply amazing.
The age of the internet has created a whole new community. Through fantasy baseball/football I suddenly have friends in Chicago, New York, Texas and Colorado that i will probably never see…yet I can sit and talk to them about sports for an hour.
I know I haven’t seen eye to eye with most (all?) the people around here. However, I will definately miss checking this site 50-100 times a day at work (although my employer probably won’t).
For some of the regulars (Brian Robinson, Xteve, Scott, Dick Tate, Heavy, Sonics Comic, Ballaholic, Froznropers, Call it Like Calabro, Crow…even AK) I have appreciated debating with you. I know we’ve all had some pretty heated arguments…but one thing I have always tried to do is keep it civil (thats why I very rarely resort to calling names). You guys have made Sonics basketball bearable for the last three years and I commend you all.
Hope to see ya’ll around! I admit I’ll still check back here from time to time…its almost like family.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:51 pm
This whole thing turns me off to just about all pro and college sports and even HS sports is being poisoned. I cannot imagine a 16 yo kid calling a press conference 20 years ago to announce that he’s going to attend USC. I’ve really lost a lot of faith over this…..
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:53 pm
For what it’s worth I really do feel bad for calling your testimony kinda gay.
- How did this actually make me laugh today…
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Well… to take a different spin on my bashing earlier… I’d just like to say… I’m doing all I can to fight back tears. I haven’t cried in years. This… the Seattle Supersonics were the first professional team I fell in love with. The good, the bad, the ugly. I followed every game, every season, I began by watching Payton to Kemp alley-oops, watched Ray Allen get into a mode so unstoppable KC believed he was hearing signals from outer space, to watching Kevin Durant mature so much within one season of play.
Now… it’s all for nothing. Yeah… I have my memories, but what good do memories do when in the end, it’s a thought you’d rather repress? As much as I want to remember the glory days, they will be forever tainted by the follies of Clayton Bennett and the City of Seattle.
It’s a disgrace that the City of Seattle decided to settle, even though victory in court was imminent. Like so many other people have said, you never know what could happen. I’d like to think that statement applies to this current debacle, but that phrase was thrown straight out of the window with this decision.
Truly heartbreaking. Thank you for the memories… Thanks for the ride.
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Myk I agree with you. One of the hardest things in this is saying goodbye to this site. I will miss checking here way too many times a day.I enjoy reading everyones posts and im sad there won’t be much more reason to post on here. And 4020…I don’t want to give up but what else is there to do. Moving trucks are on there way. All I can do is cry.
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Why did we setttle. Why. If we lost the suit we could let a jury decide how much we would get. Thats if we lost. If we lost. So heres one lets get Maria and Paty to get a congressional hearing on extorsion from cities. Fat chance. Weak lame leadership. Why because we don’t care. Hey hows this going to fly. Olympia is going to approve an extension of taxes on a building that now has 70 open dates for arena football and swap meets. Its beyond beilief. What the Guv and the Mayor and these other nuts are saying is what I have said all along. The hate and I mean hate business. They are betting that Mr. Bahlmer and Senegal are going to fund the damm thing. Screw that.
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:27 pm
The NBA is all but done for me. This league is so toxic and so nuclear that it’ll take years for people to come back here. Look at Vancouver, they had a BRAND NEW BUILDING! The place was finished in 1996 and they started the moving process in ‘99! This league is broken as is all pro sports. Us fans are just pawns. They only care about the corporations and big time stars and rollers. Look at the Super Bowl….the average fan can’t get a ticket. Instead, they give tickets away to network stars, big business, and other high rollers. It’s total bullshit and this is a fine example of the ongoing raping of fans in the NBA and other sports.
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Mr. Alexie I feel as if an integral part of the fiber of my life has been rent. My first Sonic game was against the Milwaukee Bucks. It was only their 3rd year but they were the defending champion and the epitome of greatness. Several years later when we hoisted our own championship trophy there was utter euphoria… horns that honked all night long. I was doing a shift at KCMU and I brought a friend’s portable TV to the studio so I could see one of the finals games. I played the California Jam double album from start to finish only pausing between sides to give whatever meager audience I had an update on the score. Back in those days it never occurred to me that the team would ever be ripped away from us.
I’m only glad my great aunt, a rabid fan and season ticket holder from 1972 until she became too sick to go to games, didn’t live to see 1) Her favorite player, Nate McMillan, become the Portland coach and 2) This day.
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Kingdome is BEGGING to be gang banged by Rossi and Sidran.
Yea, let’s fantasize that those honest republicans will fix things. They’re straight shooters right?
Sure, just like Clay Clay, Aubrey McCunntFace and the rest of those swift boat MotherF’ers.
Both parties can kiss my ass. Its another case of too much “Northwest Nice”, when we wanted a leader who would show some balls.
Take your political crap to the PI board.There are plenty of idiots who will lap it up.
When I moved here in ‘91, I could watch the Sonics with anyone on my block. All different kinds of people. It was a bonding experience with my community. That’s what I’ll miss the most.
F an expansion team. The NBA has shown that it doesnt give a shiz about us, the Mighty 206, home to 41 freakin years of ball.
F the NBA.
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:04 am
To me, the rivalry with the Blazers was intramural. I graduated from Michigan and usually root for any other Big Ten school in a bowl game (also helps our conference strength) and that includes Ohio State. And the folks down in PDX have been good to us and supportive of keeping the rivalry going. Plus the 12th man’s best friend Paul runs the ship.
Call me anti-Seattle for supporting black and red now. Well, going anti-Seattle ain’t wrong since the City sold us out.
It also appears to me that hatred of anything in Oregon is relegated to trickle down from UW and WSU alumni who have associated the Blazers with the hated Ducks and Beavers.
Just don’t say I’m not true Green and Gold.
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:09 am
One more thing, and I don’t think it has been mentioneed yet, is the possibility that the City used the SOS effort and strung us along, knowing it could milk more cash settlement when they never intended to fight for us anyway.
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:16 am
Mr. Alexie, Mr. Baker, Ms. X, or whoever else can do it,
Which of you will write the book?
The pain needs to be shared. These stories about the impact of losing the Sonics need to be shared. Stories like Zach’s (from Hardford) need to be shared. There are many compelling stories in this thread alone about the agony of defeat. This would not only be for the average sports fan to read and experience along with us, but for politicians and sports team owners (and even business owners and executives, etc.) to understand the human impact that their decisions have. And hopefully, a few people will read and understand and act accordingly, and the world will be a better place.
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:32 am
Sherman (if your reading…Thank You)
I am a huge admirer of yours and find it stunningly ironic that we share a love for this team and the NBA athletes.
I am not a big movie buff as I cant stand mainstream Hollywood actors at all. No offense intended. I always admired the more indy type of movies. I saw Smoke Signals by chance 3 years ago when it was recommended to me after enjoying Whale Rider. Up until a month or so ago I had no idea you were the man behind this film. I was pleasntly surprised that I shared this common interest with you. All I can say is that it takes quite an open/contemporary mind to come up with a character such as Thomas Builds the Fire. I came away from that movie with a good sense of understanding modern Indian life. Very refreshing.
I can honestly say that I fully understand the significance you put on the cross-cultural element that sports brings to a community.It is totally irreplaceable and is a one of a kind experience in life. I am a 47 yr old white male born in Detroit Michigan and have always taken great pride in my ability to interact with all types of people.It’s one of my only pure joys in life. Sonic games were a big part of that element of my life. 10-15 nights a year. Not sure but I think I can relate to Indians because, with all due respect, Detroit has a few similarities as a reservation for alot of it’s people, I believe.
As far as losing the Sonics goes, it’s not like we lost a good team. We’ll have another one for sure. For what it’s worth. Still I’m as depressed as Kevin Calabro sounded.
Peace
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:54 am
Thanks Lester and everyone. It has been real. Life gave us lemons and we made lemon aid. As hard as this has been, I can’t help to think how much fun it has been posting and chatting with you all. If this had never happened I would not been so enriched with your intelligent and passionate thoughts and opinions. I will continue to lurk and seek guidance from Brian and others for sometime because this whole thing has been a wild ride and who knows guess what everything can change in a NY minute.
The thunder and lightning outside is very fitting.
the only thing we saved was a small piece of Sonics DNA. It is in deep freeze and we need to rebuild using futuristic medicine to bring back to life the Seattle SuperSonics.. It can be done we have the technology..
This whole thing went down sooooo poorly there will be consequences.
Ohhh by the way Clay cried!!! At least he cried…
July 3rd, 2008 at 1:40 am
I still can’t believe that they mentioned “save our sonics” at the press release and had the balls to thank us… f__k you seattle city gov’t.
After I received the responses I did from emailing my representatives a few months ago I thought I was so jaded that nothing with our state and local gov’t would surprise me - well this tops it.
Thanks everyone. I’ve been a sonics fan since I was in high school during the begining of the payton era - fond memories of getting together with friends to watch every game. Memories of the Seattle paper making posters of the players while I was in college which we cut out and wallpapered the wall of our college apartment with. I remember scrounging up just enough money in college to afford a ticket package and being so excited. I remember several times like the Ewing trade getting no work done at work becuase instead I spent all day discussing the trade on the ESPN boards. Sonics and especially sonics games were something where race, income, religion was largly set aside and we came together as a city and now that is gone… Lots more memories with the last one going to the game with my wife with the SOS folks and cheering till I lost my voice.
Thanks to everyone who gave it their all. I tried to do my part in supporting the cause to keep them here, writing, calling, going to the games with SOS and I feel horribly betrayed by my gov’t, by the NBA and by Schultz - so I can’t imagine how Brian, Steve, griff etc feel… all I can say is thanks for representing us and I am sorry you basically got crapped on by our government and by Clay.
I guess in the end No one gives a sh1t about anything except money - we we did about the sonics but obviously to most people its only the money….. and everyone is right that is so pathetic that someone can even do all the wrong things (smoking gun emails, outright lieing etc) and STILL get what they want becuase they have money. And on top of that seems quite obvious Clay is not some brilliant businessman that earned their money either.
July 3rd, 2008 at 6:40 am
F Nickels. What a douche… this is just freaking disgusting. He can bet his ass he won’t have my, my family’s and my friends’ votes even if Satan himself is running against him…
The terms of agreement are just pathetic. I can’t even comprehend how they came to this agreement. “Best for taxpayers?” You mean, like the people who started businesses around KeyArena? They make it seem like the Sonics organization was a huge money sink and didn’t make any revenue…
Anyway I’m done with the NBA. What a bunch of crooks. I hope Stern rots in hell, with Bennett by his side.
Thanks so much for arranging all these efforts guys. Even though I didn’t post much, this blog was a sure hit for me every day for the past year and a half. I wish you all nothing but the very best.
July 3rd, 2008 at 7:52 am
“Is Joshu@ going to continue talking down to the readers at newsok.com under the SOS moniker?”
I never used the SOS moniker.
And I don’t talk down to people. I was one of the few who was calling for civility and rational discussion from both sides.
July 3rd, 2008 at 8:14 am
Good words myk…
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:04 am
[...] through it. Then we’ll regroup. Then we’ll figure out what to do next. XSteve, SonicsCentral: I sit at this keyboard and find it difficult to type these words. It’s the end of [...]
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:21 am
well said XSteve!
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:22 pm
NBA over like as WWE and XFL cerebrithy Vince Mcmahon like
Clay and Stren.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:40 pm
I was notably more active earlier in the year what with the legislative action drives and all that, but with other obligations haven’t had the chance to help out or even follow the blog much in the last couple months…nonetheless this site has always been up there at the top of my favorites list and I don’t know what the direction is for it now but I hope against hope that the ability to read all y’all’s comments and insight doesn’t go by the wayside. I think those who have represented us to govt and the media all these forsaken months deserve all the credit and praise in the world…as heartbroken and disappointed as I am I can at least assure myself that there are those who are feeling it more. The saga has, in a bizarre way, become a part of my life and this blog has been somewhat therapeutic in giving me an opportunity to see how others read the situation and its fallout before I give myself the green light to panic.
Drawing upon that I think my paranoia proved worthy in the end: we were just the unfortunate victims caught between two forces (the NBA and local govt) that had similarly minute intentions of keeping a team in Seattle. With every step and every opportunity we had at redeeming ourselves another wrench was thrown into the system and the final hail mary, the court case, went the way of every other development. Given the way things have gone and how those with the power to keep men’s pro basketball here have betrayed us fans, I really feel no desire to see and support a future expansion team. This situation holds precedence and I have no reason not to accept that a future team will be here for the long haul and that the safety net of law and due process will prevent any maverick from coming in and moving our team (or even conspiracy with a commish of the league itself to move). I just don’t have the confidence any longer.
Anyway, thank you to everyone for your input and for keeping me informed/entertained, and I’m glad I could’ve served in any capacity helpful.
Kevin
July 6th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
I broke up reading this thread the first time, only just now got around to finishing it. Sorry to be extremely late in responding here.
Thank you everyone - it’s a great community we have here. Hard to imagine all this going away. Somehow I think it’s not over yet.
Nice to hear from you Sherman!
August 7th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Celebrities.
Celebrities.