Sonics' TV broadcaster upset with city leaders
Sonics' TV broadcaster upset with city leaders
Published: July 11, 2008
Kevin Calabro, a Seattle SuperSonics broadcaster for 21 seasons, ripped city leaders for allowing the team to move to Oklahoma City during an interview Tuesday with Seattle Post-Intelligencer columnist Jim Moore.
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Calabro with the Shocker! Bless the man. If they hadn't already given the tag to Nate McMillan, Calabro would be called "Mr. Sonic". The man's as much a part of the history and legacy of the team as any of the players. He bleeds yellow and green, as evidenced by his speaking out on the raw deal of this whole thing on both sides of the ball. It's a pity OKC won't get to hear a pro like Calabro at work, but very fitting that he's staying here with the history. I just hope it's not long before he's calling more "Sonics" games again.
Matt, Seattle - Jul 16, 2008 at 1:45 am
Maybe your paper shoudl rpint the whole article instead of just part of it. Calabro also cited Bennett as dishonest and a liar. He also refused to resign and move to OKC to work for Bennett and co. Just think you should hear the whole story.
Robert, Seattle - Jul 14, 2008 at 8:04 am
Yet Lynyrd doesn't heed his own advise...LMAO
Larry, Oklahoma City - Jul 12, 2008 at 8:12 am
Leonard, people in oklahoma I've found have a HUGE insecurity complex! Lanez, it would be a long wait for the Hornets to return because of the new lease (until 2014) they signed with New Orleans at the end of this season and the fact that they are in talks for a longer lease hoped to be in place before this season. And we all know bennett tried to buy a majority share of the Hornets to move them here but unlike Seattle, Shinn knew what he was up to! The last sentence should tell us oklahomans that outside of oklahoma not many people care to know we wanted to be "A Big League City" till bennett showed up in Seattle and they still don't except now they know okc as the city that weaseled the Sonics from Seattle. Darryl, Bob Barry Sr. is known in this state...AS THE BEST...so if he stinks, what okie would be better than that dude from Seattle?
ALBERT, BETHANY - Jul 12, 2008 at 1:51 am
If Kevin Calabro did the radio side instead of only TV the last couple years-I would have listened to the team get clubbed on a nightly basis and been entertained...He is THAT good...ESPN radio uses him a ton..they may not now..too outspoken on his love for Seattle and distain for how this went down..on another topic,Jesse..you did not start out with Stern disclaring his LOVE for Key arena when it opened ten years before it needed to be redone, then not redone because THAT wouldn't be good enough- now back to being acceptable AGAIN. Stern is a real piece.
Rick, Yakima - Jul 11, 2008 at 6:19 pm
How did Stern disrespect the city and region? I know Oklahomans have a biased perspective, but it seems Stern was pretty matter-of-fact about what it would take. Seattle declined. Sonics left.
John, Ada - Jul 11, 2008 11:18 AM
Here's how "matter of fact" stern was about what it would take, first he lobbies for schultz in olympia for a keyarena renovation, then when bennett buys the team says that keyarena is not viable, and that a renovation will not work, then ok's a move to an arena that isn't up to NBA standards itself, and won't be till 2010, then after the team moves tells us that a keyarena renovation will be fine to get another team. Give me a break, he was never up front, and has changed his stance many times. So he ends up letting the team move to the same arena situation it is already in, but doesn't give us the same option as OKC. A keyarena renovation would of gone through, as it would of been part of a Seattle Center renovation, this would of gotten the arena plan around I-91, as it would of been viewed as a city improvement, this is why Bennett didn't want a key renovation, and turned down the $150 million gift from ballmer, because he knew it would get passed. Why is it ok now???
Jesse, Seattle - Jul 11, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Funny how the FULL article in the P-I states that all Sonics employees are under a press muzzle. This article's slant is that he is angry with the city, but obviously has serious issues with Bennett since he is choosing not to go to OKC even after being offered a substantial raise. Oddly, his roots are midwest, Indiana. His wife and kids refuse to go as well. Matt Pinto is a journeyman, happy just to have a job. Was in Seattle just one season...very average. Always sounded like a high school game announcer to my ear. He should be a big hit in OKC.
Chris, Seattle - Jul 11, 2008 at 2:05 pm
"If he doesn't want to be here, let him stay in Seattle." .. He is staying in Seattle. Another perceived afront to your beloved hometown? Geez, you guys have a insecurity complex!
Leonard, Houston - Jul 11, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Darryl from Concho, your remark was uncalled for about Bob Barry. He may past his prime, but he is a legend in the state and is owed a little respect for his work in Oklahoma. And no, that does not mean that I want him to do play by play for the OKC team.
danny, shawnee - Jul 11, 2008 at 12:25 pm
If he doesn't want to be here, let him stay in Seattle.
Jeff, Norman - Jul 11, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Actually not getting Calabro is your loss. He is considered one of the best in the business. He may not have been opposed to OKC personally either, he is a midwesterner from Indiana. He just could not do that to his family and is a an avid skier and water sports guy who loves living in that area. He no doubt loves Seattle more than alot of his local political leaders do.
Leonard, Houston - Jul 11, 2008 at 11:51 am
The Hornets didn't want to make the move either at first, but were pleasantly surprised about how well they liked OKC. It's Kevin Casbro's loss...glad that Matt Pinto is on board.
Jeff, Norman - Jul 11, 2008 at 11:25 am
How did Stern disrespect the city and region? I know Oklahomans have a biased perspective, but it seems Stern was pretty matter-of-fact about what it would take. Seattle declined. Sonics left.
John, Ada - Jul 11, 2008 at 11:18 am
Another parochial Seattle fan who thinks the city is entitled to social welfare.
Vickie, Norman - Jul 11, 2008 10:16 AM Another dolt who dosen't know what they're talking about.
Ron, Seattle - Jul 11, 2008 at 11:01 am
He will soon be covering espn broadcasts.
Ron, Seattle - Jul 11, 2008 at 10:58 am
Another parochial Seattle fan who thinks the city is entitled to social welfare.
Vickie, Norman - Jul 11, 2008 at 10:16 am
I say pass on both of the announcers. Fresh blood for the OKC NBA team. Let an Okie fill that position. Don't get Bob Barry Sr. either, he stinks.
DARRYL, CONCHO - Jul 11, 2008 at 9:10 am
Kevin Calabro's comments on the bumbling, fumbling politicos in Seattle are right on point.
Gaylord, seattle - Jul 11, 2008 at 8:36 am
That's understandable, Rick. A radio announcer in that capacity, is for all intents and purposes, part of the team. As a lifelong Okie (and I wear that badge proudly), and supporter of the NBA in OKC, I have to admit I feel this whole debacle has been handled poorly on both sides. I'm glad we have a team, but that joy is tempered by seeing how this all played out in Seattle and how the fans there have been cheated out of their tradition. I'd be fighting mad, too, if I were them. Frankly, I will be happy to support this team, but I would have preferred we had waited it out to see if the Hornets were to become available out of NO. Just my .02!
lanez, Edmond - Jul 11, 2008 at 8:11 am
Kevin is the best...loved him when he did both the radio and tv broadcast...I'm positive he has nothing against OKC. But his heart was crushed by this.
Rick, Yakima - Jul 11, 2008 at 7:07 am
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