Former Sonics owners file lawsuit

The Seattle SuperSonics’ former owners sued Tuesday to have the 2006 sale of the team voided.

They are asking a federal judge to order the Oklahoma-based owners to sell the team “to an honest buyer who desires to keep the Sonics in Seattle.”

The 13-page lawsuit was filed late Tuesday in Seattle. It is the latest legal roadblock to the current owners’ efforts to move the team to Oklahoma City.

NBA owners Friday approved the relocation 28-2.

The former owners are led by Howard Schultz, the founder of Starbucks, the famous coffee chain. The former owners contend they sold in 2006 only because they were persuaded the new owners wanted to keep the team in Seattle.

The lawsuit alleges: “These Oklahoma City businessmen wanted a team that would play in Oklahoma City — not in Seattle. They were willing to lie, and did lie, to complete the deal.”

Sonics Chairman Clay Bennett has said he acted in good faith in efforts to keep the Sonics in Washington. He said Friday he was disappointed Schultz was planning to sue.

“I was disappointed because I've had a nice relationship with Howard, and I have not spoken with him about this .

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