Mayor rarely seen at Sonics' games
Nickels admits going to ‘handful' of games
Mayor rarely seen at Sonics' games
By Nolan Clay
Published: May 15, 2008
Seattle's mayor admitted in testimony last month that he rarely went to SuperSonics' games and Seattle will remain a world-class city even if the NBA team leaves.
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Your thoughts!
They owners know chances are excellent in OKC for making a profit..the NBA BOG considers the whole state as the market...Bennett has said the team will be marketed to the whole state...the proven support for a temporary team (even after they announced they were returning back to N.O. the next season)...support for a permanent team should be exceptional as well (as the Mayor put it, "astronomical"). The Hornets had numerous sell outs and attendance was 18,000 (just under capacity for both years they were here). The owners used the "we'll be happy just to break even" as justification for the 100% taxpayer funding of the arena improvements (nearly ALL designed either specifically for the Team or to enhance revenue for the team).
Larry, Oklahoma City - May 27, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Let me see..the owners say that making a profit in OKC is going to be difficult, but the rabid fans who really really want the team say otherwise "cause of the overwhelming support OKC will show"....who do you think is more correct in their assessment??
paul, yukon - May 25, 2008 at 6:08 am
This statement shows that he never intended to make any profit and this is one major statement that will kill him in court.
It was McClendon who told an Oklahoma newspaper last August, "We didn't buy the team to keep it in Seattle, we hoped to come here. We know it's a little more difficult financially here in Oklahoma City, but we think it's great for the community and if we could break even we'd be thrilled."
He has so lost the team he has not ideal.
Darrell, Clear - May 24, 2008 at 8:07 pm
No chance Durant stays in OKC - he cried after the Sonics last home game and has told his friends and family he wants to stay in the NW. If ya'll do rustle our team, he's gone as soon as his contract his up. Seriously, OKC - you guys deserve a pro team but not like this. This will be a black eye...you guys should be protesting it and expressing opposition to Clay bennet and David Stern hijacking our team. Ill-gotten gains will never prosper...
nick, seattle - May 20, 2008 at 3:49 pm
No chance Durant stays in OKC - he cried after the Sonics last home game and has told his friends and family he wants to stay in the NW. If ya'll do rustle our team, he's gone as soon as his contract his up. Seriously, OKC - you guys deserve a pro team but not like this. This will be a black eye...you guys should be protesting it and expressing opposition to Clay bennet and David Stern hijacking our team. Ill-gotten gains will never prosper...
nick, seattle - May 20, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Stern/THE Bennett:Hey Seattle and WA, Bend over and grab the ankles.......Seattle:NO!!!!!....Stern/THE BENNETT: Good, now we can leave......Seattle:uh,,,NO!!!...JUDGE:NO!!!
Rick, Yakima - May 19, 2008 at 11:54 pm
"But you didn't answer the question as to why a remodel of the Ford was acceptable but not a remodel of the Key."...Alright then I will alter my original answer to I-91 AND Bennett wanted to move the team from the get go
ROGER, MOORE - May 19, 2008 at 8:45 pm
But you didn't answer the question as to why a remodel of the Ford was acceptable but not a remodel of the Key. As I understand it, I-91 doesn't prohibit public money from being used, only that the taxpayers are guaranteed a return (10%??) on their investment. Where the money comes from for the remodel is moot, isn't it (to the question of why a remodel there wasn't acceptable but a remodel here is (both costing about the same with the same end result)??
Larry, Oklahoma City - May 19, 2008 at 8:37 pm
"why is a remodel of the Ford acceptable to Bennett but a remodel of the Key was never an option?"...I-91 took a remodel completely off the table...True it was barely on the table in the first place but a $150 mil upgrade proposal probably would have been hard for Bennett to pass up....Way too much pressure from Stern to take a pass on that...I-91 left only the burbs and a new arena
ROGER, MOORE - May 19, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Roger wrote: "It's 1-0 Bennett as far as proposals go in my book" Need to add to your book..there were at least THREE remodel proposals offered by Seattle that were still on the table after Bennett bought the Sonics. True Seattle never had a NEW arena on the table, but there never was any reason (why spent $300 to $500 million on a new arena when a $100 million remodel--that would bring it up to current NBA standards--just as the Ford remodel is going to do)? Which still leaves the question unanswered...why is a remodel of the Ford acceptable to Bennett but a remodel of the Key was never an option? Both were gong to spend about the same amount of money with the same end result (an NBA arena that met current criteria)? In my book, it's Seattle 3 -- Bennett 1
Larry, Oklahoma City - May 19, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Oklahoma was picked by FORBES the most recession proof of all states. Lots of stats out there. But, Forbes? Pretty much the end all, yes?
D, Anadarko - May 19, 2008 at 7:56 am
This paper should pick up on that. Seattle is picked Oklahoma City is not also the state was rated A out of the entire U.S. This paper likes this sort of stuff.
Darrell, Clear - May 18, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Seattle has been named one of the top ten best cities to live in the U.S.
Darrell, Clear - May 18, 2008 at 7:46 pm
The only people that did not handle this properly were-City of Seattle, King County & State of Washington. Outside of that you are crying over sour grapes. Everything was laid out & at every turn all groups listed above failed & badly I might add. And I find interesting you think there is a huge buyout offer coming. I seriously doubt any request above the 26.5 million will be accepted. Seattle has dug its own grave let them climb out of the debt. And this continued thought that the Owners are not happy about the Seattle situation may be correct but they are very unhappy with Seattle not PBC. Every owner would have to put themselves in Bennett's shoes & then make a decision which will be the same in 09 & 10.
Bobby, Edmond - May 18, 2008 at 6:51 pm
The Ballmer proposal shows how disfuntional the WA Legislature is. They claimed they got the proposal at the last minute and did not have enough time to properly examine it. Lame excuse, but political in nature. However, it has NOTHING to do with THE BENNETT'S contractual breaches. In Jan the arena deal WILL get done, if not sooner, but doubtful. If Bennett had handled this properly, this team would be gone by now.
Rick, Yakima - May 18, 2008 at 3:43 pm
"mean DONE when he didn't get his half a billion dollar(I know they will never say yes to this)"..Well I guess it's good he didn't spend milions more trying something else since the folks in Olympia wouldn't even pony up $75 mil for Ballmer's proposal..."That means he was DONE BEFORE he even asked for it."...Where was Seattle's new arena proposal?...It's 1-0 Bennett as far as proposals go in my book
ROGER, MOORE - May 18, 2008 at 12:37 pm
I also think the NBA knows how badly they botched Seattle and don't want to dig themselves in any deeper with Sacramento(at least in the court of perception)
Rick, Yakima - May 18, 2008 at 11:54 am
Jill, our big worry now in the NW is that the big sweet buyout offer(and a huge one is coming within a few weeks) will be too tempting for the Mayor to pass up. If that happens, then who knows, we may have to settle for an expansion team up here, I would prefer no team if it is another cities team.
Rick, Yakima - May 18, 2008 at 11:46 am
Jill, Doesn't that speak well of the Maloofs if that is the case? THE BENNETT, was DONE..I mean DONE when he didn't get his half a billion dollar(I know they will never say yes to this) Palace well before the end of the year of good faith efforts expired. That means he was DONE BEFORE he even asked for it. He was NEVER interested in Seattle unless he could get a huge cash return, and he knew that was extremely unlikely based on his demands. He has helped make OKC look foolish. As good as you are at cherry picking "line items," I don't know how you continue to ignore that facts. It's probably because you really want a team, and if it's not this team you are unsure you will get ANY team. Keep up the fight.
Rick, Yakima - May 18, 2008 at 11:37 am
What Schultz wants now is of little importance. OKC jumped the gun. They were the ones foolish enough to enter into an agreement with Clay Clay to have a team here before the contractual obligations were fulfilled between the team and another city, making themselves look like fools in the national spotlight. It's hard to believe in this day and age that any organization could choose actions that would make them look completely stupid like this, and then to send letters to Seattle telling them that they're responsible for bringing a team to OKC makes this city look like some hick town who doesn't have a clue.
paul, yukon - May 18, 2008 at 5:36 am
"The threatened lawsuit from OKC if the Sonics stay to hold them to the agreements that Clay signed down there... are his agreements legally binding if he is found to have fraudulantly bought the team? It would seem to me that all the agreements he signed would not be valid given that he never officially owned the team if the transaction was rewound..." But Schultz isn't asking for true recission. He wants to create an entirely new entity with his trust that did not exist when he sold the team to Bennett or before. I think that perhaps creates a legal gray area that would certainly allow a lawsuit to be filed by OKC in federal court and perhaps end up with it being heard. So, any new owner would have to accept the fact that s/he will have a lawsuit to deal with once the team is sold and that the outcome of that lawsuit is uncertain. It might be a longshot,but it is possible that any new owner would have to accept the possibility of moving the team to OKC or paying a very expensive lease buyout, it being a 15 year lease.
Jill, www.okcthunderfans.com - May 18, 2008 at 12:17 am
"Bennett will still have to answer why he didn't take the Muckelshoot Tribe on its offer to build an arena on tribal land." Muckleshoots only offered free land, not an arena, and their independent analysis also came up with a $400+ million cost estimate. As far as Sacramento is concerned, I would think the only reason the NBA is working with Sacramento is because the Maloofs aren't asking to leave town, or perhaps don't want to leave town. If Las Vegas were a better option, things might be different. Schultz didn't want the team by the time he sold it, and Bennett only was willing to stay with a publicly funded arena, so it's a different situation.
Jill, www.okcthunderfans.com - May 18, 2008 at 12:12 am
I wonder why NO ONE is talking about the deal the NBA just made with the city of Sacramento. They have agreed in principal to work together to find a way to fund a new arena for the Kings. Why? Because the NBA doesn't want to leave Sacramento. Unlike Seattle...Sacramento has voted against public funding for a new arena TWICE. (seattle voted against funding an arena if they didn't receive "like" value from the tenant) Why did they announce this deal exactly one month BEFORE the City of Seattle vs. PBC lawsuit is to be heard? Here is another option that was not explored by the NBA or PBC. Bennett will still have to answer why he didn't take the Muckelshoot Tribe on its offer to build an arena on tribal land. This site was only about 15 minutes from the site Bennett wanted to build his super-temple. This may or may not have any bearing on either case (Seattle's or Schultz's). The one thing it does do is confuse things more. (what the heck is the NBA doing?)
reggie, portland - May 17, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Lester Munson(ESPN Legal Analyist) was on KJR AM again this morning. The actual link is too long for this space. Look for "Softy" on the right side of page.......
http://www.kjram.com/main.html
Rick, Yakima - May 16, 2008 at 10:16 pm
"I can't believe this is even an issue. What a rag of a newspaper."...Seattle Times ran it as well..**Please disregard my comeback if the Times is considered a rag up there**
ROGER, MOORE - May 16, 2008 at 9:37 pm
NEWSFLASH!!!! Mayor Mick only spotted on the "Ellen" show ONCE in past 6 months.....
paul, yukon - May 16, 2008 at 5:25 pm
This was worthy of an article?
What IS news is that the Mayor has attended more Sonics games than the current owner.
It also shows just how much of a loser this case is for Bennett. His lawyers are not asking questions about facts of law, flaws in the lease, or anything that could actually have an impact on the judges ruling. All they are doing is asking questions designed to try and spin their desire to move into a good thing for Seattle. The biggest laugh was when they asked if the Sonics leaving would improve traffic around Key Arena. Of course if no one were supporting the Sonics as Clay claims then there wouldn't be any change in traffic. OOPS.
Karma, OKC - May 16, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Agreed about this not being news... so question. The threatened lawsuit from OKC if the Sonics stay to hold them to the agreements that Clay signed down there... are his agreements legally binding if he is found to have fraudulantly bought the team? It would seem to me that all the agreements he signed would not be valid given that he never officially owned the team if the transaction was rewound... DEVIL's ADVOCATE : does that mean that the hiring of PJ and Presti would be called into question as well, as he signed them but never owned the team..? something to ponder...
Patrick, Bainbridge Island - May 16, 2008 at 2:36 pm
This isn't news... you guys are really reaching.
H, Norman - May 16, 2008 at 11:20 am
what no new investigative sports headline?like goevernor hardly seen at sonics games or behind the Seattle resistance or how about this the hidden oklahoma offensive meet jill and her 10 year old son phillip but I guess barry and jenni are probably busy braking their next big story.
Ron, Seattle - May 16, 2008 at 10:43 am
I just want to thank you all for giving me something to keep me busy at work....this has to be the most ridiculous thing I have ever read.
Nathan, Norman - May 16, 2008 at 9:59 am
John it looks like you just read the last few posts and missed my point I have been very clear that I dislike taxes altogether. But I can't waive my hand and make them go away so if my money is going somewhere I would prefer it go to something I can enjoy. I'm down for meeting you in Vegas and throwing some coin sorry for your confusion on my position.
Brent, Jenks - May 16, 2008 at 9:25 am
I cant wait doe all of you guys to grow up. This is the most imature lashing out, from both sides, i have ever seen. Stop acting like brat children.
Kevin, Oklahoma City - May 16, 2008 at 9:19 am
I can't wait for two years from now when people from Oklahoma City will think back and remember the time when they almost had an NBA team.
Jim, Issaquah - May 16, 2008 at 4:15 am
I can't believe this is even an issue. What a rag of a newspaper.
Jim, Issaquah - May 16, 2008 at 4:14 am
Jill wrote in another thread: "If not, we're only recirculating money that was going to be spent in OKC anyway." Does that mean you has FINALLY seen the light on the Sonics and the supposed economic impact they will have?
Larry, Oklahoma City - May 16, 2008 at 2:22 am
brent wrote: "8 year old data" true but wait it gets better (or is it worse). Recent article here showed that according to current study from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that Oklahoma has increased spending to just under $7,000 per student, but we have dropped down to #47. Of course we bring in $8,000 per student so there is $641 million a YEAR that is unaccounted for (article mentioned this)
Larry, Oklahoma City - May 16, 2008 at 2:17 am
Jill and Paul: the generic, vague list of improvements WERE released well in advance of the vote, however the breakdown of the COSTS of those improvements (what was needed to bring the Ford up to current NBA standards, if any) were supposed to be given to the City something like 4 days before the vote. Of course that is too short of a time for everything to be examined etc. Yet as Paul correctly pointed out we STILL haven't been given any specifics (about the COST).
Larry, Oklahoma City - May 16, 2008 at 2:07 am
david wrote: "I, personally, can remember every dream, phone number, and thing I did ever since I was two, but this dude cannot remember saying something shady 3 years ago?" WOW, that is impressive! LMAO I do agree with you that it is always interesting how politicians especially can forget what they said just hours before.
Larry, Oklahoma City - May 16, 2008 at 1:30 am
Cale wrote: "...are you seriously suggesting that no vote should count unless 100% of the eligible voters actually show up to vote?" Not exactly but what should happen is require that everyone be registered to vote (not required to vote, this isn't Cuba). Then for an election to be valid, 50% voter turnout must be achieved. If not, the election is null and void and they have to try again. If that suggestion is too much for you, then eliminate the 100% registration requirement and at least require at least 50% of the registered voters. The higher the "sampling" the higher the probability it reflects the group as a whole. i.e., 50% is going to be more accurate than 30% which is going to be more accurate than 10%
Larry, Oklahoma City - May 16, 2008 at 1:19 am
Michael, Oklahoma City...31% of the Greater Seattle population is more than the entire OKC/Tulsa Metroplex.............................................
SoonerPride, Yukon ...Seattle Times, Pulitzer Prize winning newspaper, Oklahoman, voted worst newspaper in the United States. Which one is the rag?..........
Steve, Oklahoma City....The poll was a Statewide Poll, not a City of Seattle wide poll. That would put the Sonic supporters at more than the entire population of Oklahoma by your figures..............
mickey, sumner - May 16, 2008 at 12:38 am
I have actually enjoyed all the differant views about this issue with everyone on this site. That includes both cities.
Darrell, Clear - May 15, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Brent- thanks for picking up on thev joke re Diceman and Michael in Norman. Remember America- we have more in common that differences. Go Celtics!!
Mike, Stanwood - May 15, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Regardless of what people think it will be fair that is exactly what the judge is about.
Darrell, Clear - May 15, 2008 at 10:45 pm
The judge will be the only person to make these choices. Regardless of what happens it's just a basketball team.
Darrell, Clear - May 15, 2008 at 10:43 pm
What a waste of time- garbage site!!!
Rick, Yakima - May 15, 2008 at 10:40 pm
http://www.seattlesupersellouts.com/
Rick, Yakima - May 15, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Hello Jill why don't you explain why we should use tax dollars on this project.
John, Lacrosse - May 15, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Brent we need so many things in this state and we are going to waste money on silly things. I would rather take the dollars I spend in taxes and actually spend it on the school system, transportation or something that tax dollars should be spent. Brent it's bucketheads like you that fail to understand what taxes should be used for. In fact why don't you provide me with a few thousands dollars so I can go to the casino. That's about the return on the dollar we will get with basketball buckethead.
John, Lacrosse - May 15, 2008 at 10:35 pm
People do not pay taxes for basketball.
John, Lacrosse - May 15, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Hey Brent you bullethead. Here is the answer it waste taxpayers money. Get that do you understand money can be better spent. Is this so difficult for your to understand. Should TAXPAYERS money be used for such crap...
John, Lacrosse - May 15, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Brent you are wasting your time with Paul. Wether he believes his own rants or is just a trouble maker you are not going to get through to him.
Bobby, Edmond - May 15, 2008 at 9:45 pm
If one ever saw the mayor in person, you would realize he at best rode the bench on his 6th grade softball team. So yea, him not attending Sonic games is a huge newsflash.
Steve, Danville, - May 15, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Listen are we going to go back to my city is better than your city becasue i'm pretty sure most who post here are tired of that nonesense. I am fortunate enough to have working knowledge of both regions and I really like both-- good people in each. You have to deal with some odd politics on the coast but it is what it is. Its beautiful there but I think most of you would be shocked at the number of Oklahomans who have homes both here in Oak Tree, Gallardia, etc and also reside in Palm Springs etc. When the golf season ends and it gets so hot they return here. Why do they return the answer I always get from them is the people. You can't discredit that they have the financial freedom to go anywhere and they come back. So as bad as you guys want to make it seem im sorry it doesn't fly and it doesnt change the issue so can we just communicate on the issue as equals. This situation is unique in its complexity and I am excited to see how it plays out.
Brent, Jenks - May 15, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Remember that the lease that was signed for here will be decided in oklahoma by a oklahoma judge and not seattle if it goes to court. In our back yard !!!
jeffery, mwc - May 15, 2008 at 6:43 pm
8 year old data John. But I'm all privitization of both prisons and schools. And what does Seattle spend if you remove the metal detectors form the equation and what does that have to do with basketball?
Brent, Jenks - May 15, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Oklahoma spends almost $16,000 per-year on a prison inmate ($15,789.90/year) (2)
Oklahoma spends about $5,000 per-year to educate a child ($5,394 1999-2000).
Among the states this ranks Oklahoma in 45th place. (3)
John, Lacrosse - May 15, 2008 at 6:32 pm
No idea about a Rib Crib. I have Oklahoma houses in Jenks and in Edmond.
Brent, Jenks - May 15, 2008 at 6:16 pm
I guess we'll see won't we ?? We'll see how the owners vote..if they even get the chance to....silly? Pot, once again meet kettle....Yes, I am from Yukon. Are you really from Jenks? How's the Rib Crib doing up in Sapulpa anyway??
paul, yukon - May 15, 2008 at 6:08 pm
My temper is something I will never lose. Man can it be any clearer I said you were right sort of. They would take notice but not in the way your simple little mind stated. If there is one thing that all sides can agree on in regards to this issue it is that the owners hate what is going on right now and do not want a city to set a standard that will put their fate in control of public opinion. The more freedom they have the more confortable they are. If Seattle wins it may well be a win for the common citizen but rest assured the owners wont see it as a win. So once again on the simplest isssue you make yourself look silly I really hope you are not from Yukon or are really leaving soon because you are an embarrassment to the issue.
Brent, Jenks - May 15, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Coming back you simpleton I never left. You say it will serve notice to them and they will think twice. You for once are right about something(sort of)they will think twice as hard on how to get out of their revenue losing city and never consider Seattle. They will protect their own like him or not out of self preservation. You make no sense. they want the million dollars each and a win for the Team versus a City in case they ever need out.
Brent, Jenks - May 15, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Perhaps the BOG just won't be so quick to "rubber stamp" like they did the last time and actually consider if all things done leading up to the request for the move were done on the up and up? Also, it just may serve notice to the remaining team owners to think twice about making deals and trying to wrangle their way out of other current legal obligations....thanks for coming back to play some more....
paul, yukon - May 15, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Paul I said I wouldn't even acknowledge you but I cant resist so here it goes. Why after seeing a city proclaim and attempt to bleed him of money would they reward that. In your mind, why would a business owner not fear that it would happen to them if they were ever unhappy and wanted to move?
Brent, Jenks - May 15, 2008 at 5:34 pm
I'll bet the BOG vote is different this next time around, if indeed they even have the need to vote, and the way it's looking, they might not...isn't that a shame??
paul, yukon - May 15, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Important Fact #1: As written, the OKC lease doesn't start until the Key Arena lease expires. Important Fact #2: As written, the OKC lease is between OKC and Bennett's PBC. Important Fact #3: As written, the OKC lease cannot "commence" without BoG approval. Subsequent Fact in Support of Important Fact #3: If the Sonics don't tip off the 2008-09 season in OKC, the BoG's recent "conditional" approval of their relocation request expires and they would have to reapply for relocation for either the 2009-10 season or the 2010-11 season depending on their circumstances. Logical Assumption that Follows the Subsequent Fact in Support of Important Fact #3: If someone other than Bennett owns the team and chooses NOT to apply for relocation to OKC...... It would seem as though the OKC/PBC lease could not "commence" were that to happen. Or NOT happen, as the case may be. My Opinion: Even if it reaches the point where this ends up in court and the OKC/PBC lease was determined to be enforceable against subsequent owners of the Sonics, the fine would ultimately be paid by Bennett since those subsequent owners would undoubtedly turn around and sue him to recoup their $$$ Bottom Line: Bennett was already treading water but now he has gone and jumped into the middle of the ocean without a lifevest. He's sunk unless someone (David Stern) steps in and saves his ####.
John, Lacrosse - May 15, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Leave me out of this, I'm busy.
Philip, Oklahoma City - May 15, 2008 at 4:21 pm
It is the basis for our countries laws I think those who developed the idea and those who die to protect it would not think acknowledging it is being sensitive. As to the cabana boy comment not going to stoop to your level so you lose ---will ignore you moving forward as you bring nothing to the table thanks.
Brent, Jenks - May 15, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Brent writes "Your rights Tom only extend untill they infringe on someone else's." In a publis forum, don't be so sensitive!
Philip, Oklahoma City - May 15, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Mike I might take a look thanks. Too much emotion involved I think for all to stay clear headed on the issue. Emotion causes cries of conspiracy and anger on both sides I guess. Nice catch on the slander I wonder what they would enter into evidence to prove it?
Brent, Jenks - May 15, 2008 at 3:34 pm
The following is all blather--The bottom line is that Seattle and Washington politicians either (in their mind) represented the will of the people in Seattle and Washington and failed to even consider or promote an arena proposal (with the exception of Margarita Prentice and perhaps a couple others) or perhaps even worked against it (the mayor allegedly). It is the lack of an arena that drives this whole discussion because if there were a new one, the Sonics would be staying in Seattle. Because they presumably are not, in the long run, the whole question is whether specific performance should be enfor
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