• From: Washington State
  • Registered: 2006-03-30
  • Posts: 1,593

Topic: 41 years down the drain...

The Seattle Sonics are headed to OKC. New owner Clay Bennett gave his assurances that he would make a "Good Faith" effort to keep the team in Seattle. His "Good Faith" efforts turned out to be a demand for a new, one-half billion dollar arena or move the team. He flatly refused to consider refurbishing the existing Key Arena as an acceptable venue. He said it was not an acceptable option.

The NBA agreed with Bennett's position, and voted to allow him to move the team to OKC.

Then in an announcement late yesterday the NBA issued a statement that if renovations were made to Seattle's Key Arena that it would be an acceptable venue, and Seattle would be eligible to get another team. WTF??? Clay Bennett has been disingenous at best, and the whole thing smells of collusion.

I grew up with this team. I remember sitting in my room, lights dimmed, listening to the games on my transistor radio when I was 11 years old. I've been a fan ever since. I'm not a happy camper today.

  • From: Charlotte
  • Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 2,350

Re: 41 years down the drain...

What a bummer...

Music is good for the Soul...
  • From: Deep in the forest
  • Registered: 2007-02-11
  • Posts: 5,296

Re: 41 years down the drain...

Sorry Stu. I know how you feel...Baltimore Colts......      Cathy

  • jim m
  • jim m
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: Okie City, OK
  • Registered: 2006-04-24
  • Posts: 3,429

Re: 41 years down the drain...

Your loss is my gain Stu. Sorry. Not a big NBA fan but I might become one. If anyone thought including the previous owner that Clay wouldn't have the team OKC bound they were just kidding themselves. We had the Hornets for 2 years and the City likey NBA.

People underestimated Clays abilities and determination. I don't know much about the politics involved but the ownership is some of the heaviest hitters among Oklahoma's wealthy elite. Most here were hopeful but doubtful they could get the team moved. I think Clay could be elected govenor right now.

The way they worked the system might qlalify him for a higher office.

jim m's Website

  • From: Oklahoma
  • Registered: 2008-03-28
  • Posts: 263

Re: 41 years down the drain...

yeah, I'm pretty happy about too.  I cant wait to come up for games in Bricktown.

Don't play leapfrog with a unicorn
  • From: Crystal Lake, Il.
  • Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 5,120

Re: 41 years down the drain...

Stu Craig wrote:

The Seattle Sonics are headed to OKC. New owner Clay Bennett gave his assurances that he would make a "Good Faith" effort to keep the team in Seattle. His "Good Faith" efforts turned out to be a demand for a new, one-half billion dollar arena or move the team. He flatly refused to consider refurbishing the existing Key Arena as an acceptable venue. He said it was not an acceptable option.

The NBA agreed with Bennett's position, and voted to allow him to move the team to OKC.

Then in an announcement late yesterday the NBA issued a statement that if renovations were made to Seattle's Key Arena that it would be an acceptable venue, and Seattle would be eligible to get another team. WTF??? Clay Bennett has been disingenous at best, and the whole thing smells of collusion.

I grew up with this team. I remember sitting in my room, lights dimmed, listening to the games on my transistor radio when I was 11 years old. I've been a fan ever since. I'm not a happy camper today.

Stu,
My condolences. I've always been a big Bulls fan and could not imagine them moving out of Chicago.
I remember some great Sonics teams and wonderful players like Jack Sikma and "Downtown" Freddy Brown (who could flat out shoot a basketball).
This is IMO a sad day for the NBA, when a storied franchise like this leaves for greener ($$$$) pastures.

"Rock ON & Keep the Faith"
  • From: Washington State
  • Registered: 2006-03-30
  • Posts: 1,593

Re: 41 years down the drain...

jim m wrote:

The way they worked the system might qlalify him for a higher office.

Well, I guess he's got the makings for a good politician, the way he lied to the media and the public up here.

I can't take issue with what he did really (moving the team) but a more forthright approach would have been better. The real fault lies with the former owner for selling to an out-of-state ownership group, and our local politicians who did nothing to work with the previous owner.