okcblunder

New NBA Team for Seattle?

2022-06-27T08:39:00.001-07:00

Rumors are swirling that Seattle is nest in line for a team, or one of two expansion franchises. So many questions come to mind. Does the Seattle fanbase care about the NBA anymore? Is the NBA even worth following? If Seattle did acquire a franchise - how would they screw this up? Oh, I know how they'd screw it up out of the gate. The most obvious move in the history of sports would be to call 'em the Supersonics, duh. But you know whomever owned them would screw that up. It's Seattle. "Oh, canlt have a team wiht a carbon footprint!" Oh, we want a break from the past!" "No, this is a fresh start for the NBA in Seattle? Oh, they'll trot out all the lame excuses for not doing the obvious. It's comical when you think about it, because bringing back the Sonics is all anyone really cares about, so they will absolutely over think this and screw it up. You know they will. Would you watch the NBA if they returned to Seattle?

Kings Not Going to Seattle?

2013-04-30T11:29:00.001-07:00

There's an old adage - fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. The NBA has done it again to Seattle.

Ok, so the owners have voted the move to Seattle down. Time to look at this rom a different perspective - the true cost of this maneuver.

I've believed all along that this is less about the value of keeping the Kings in SacTown and more about KJ's personal political aspirations. Few truly understand what this has really been about, but some 'get it'. That is not to say he hasn't done a solid job rallying the troops to this cause – that’s unquestionable – the question is at what cost? What about Campbell's leaving town ending thousands of jobs? What about the school closures they endure because they can't even fund basic education? Yeah, those don’t reap big headlines, do they, Mr. Mayor?

This isn't about Seattle vs. Sacramento - that's what KJ is selling and it's easy (and shameful) to do. Both cities have great fans; that’s undeniable. KJ is playing the ‘us against them’ tactic as a hollow, predicable and successful rallying cry, in a blatant diversionary tactic to hide the fact that Sacramento's economic situation tells us they cannot afford this.

This isn't about the fans, this is basic economics. Those that can get past the emotional element that KJ has been exploiting have to be scratching their head at Sacramento's ability to actually finance this in a city that is basically broke - and the moral obligation to the betterment of Sacramento that has been tossed aside by KJ in his power play to further his political aspirations. Eventually, the faux arena plan will likely fall apart in SacTown because it will be revealed for what it really is; a smoke an mirror routine. But for now, he will trumpet this as a victory. I hope for SacTown’s sake they can pull it off – the fans deserve it – but what about the taxpayers?

The arena plan is not at all solid, they don't own the land, they are suggesting parking meter revenue will pay for it (how can you not laugh at that?) -and that in the end, after KJ has left the mayor's office for another one, the true cost for this, will be handed off to the taxpayers after he is gone from office.

It's the perfect crime - jump on an emotional issue - win that issue - reap all the glory - and after everything has calmed down, cooler heads prevail (after most importantly, after KJ is gone, the next administration will be left with the true cost.

Seattle had the perfect plan. They'll be fine with or without the NBA, but can the citizens of Sacramento really afford to be footing the bill for KJ's political aspirations? Too bad we'll finds out after it's too late.

Meanwhile in Seattle, they have a solid and approved arena plan, they land is owned by Hansen and they have the money to do all of this. Getting fooled twice by the NBA could be a blessing for the NHA - perhaps the NBA's latest debacle will turn Seattle into a hockey town.

New Offer for Kings Announced; Too Little, Too Late?

2013-03-03T08:29:00.002-08:00

The bid is in, but is it too little too late?

Kevin Johnson has announced an offer by a potential buyer for the Kings who would, theoretically anyway, keep the team in SacTown. Details of the offer were not announced but it is led by Ron Burkle of Oracle fame and Mark Mastrov of 24-Hour Fitness fame. I can see it now; the Kings new practice facility will be the local 24-Hour Fitness gym near you. Think of the money they'll save and the wonderful product placement opportunity for Mastrov! This deal is a no-brainer, right?

The offer is 'competitive' according to Johnson, but less than the offer from the Hansen/Ballmer group. It's odd that a ownership group stepping forward at the 11th hour would bid less then the existing offer, making it all the more baffling. If they wanted to really help their cause, wouldn't they bid more? Maybe KJ is gonna kick in some of that parking meter money.

The next step is the NBA BOG's approval voting in April - they'll either approve the Hansen/Ballmer offer and move forward with the relocation, or they'll reject it. Rejection seems highly unlikely. A $30 million dollar deposit has been paid out, thus making their sale legit and approval likely a mere formality. It would be unthinkable that the deal would get stuck on a contract formality that went unnoticed as these guys have all the legal resources in the world to ensure that doesn't happen.

It's my understanding that the 'right of first refusal' claim, that minority owners are suggesting could negate the sale, could be rendered null and void by an ownership of 65% or more of the team - which the Ballmer/Hansen group would have according to the terms of the deal. That could get tricky, or it could be crystal clear in the deal terms, which I am not privy to.

I cannot imagine a scenario where the BOG rejects the sale. If that happened I believe Ballmer/Hansen would sue the NBA and challenge their legal authority to veto a binding and legal sale. This then turns into an anti-trust lawsuit and the NBA cannot have that played out in court, as they likely cannot win. Like most major sports leagues, they basically are a monopoly. That's why every year when the leagues strike and it's the labor unions vs. the league, the labor union always threatens to disband and sue the leagues under anti-trust laws. The issues always miraculously get resolved when that card gets played.

Lastly, the Maloofs are under no obligation whatsoever to sell the team to anyone other than whom they want to. They own it, it's theirs to do with how they please, as long as it is law-abiding. I just don't see a situation where Sacramento keeps the Kings. It's all against them at this point, and anything can happen, we've all seen Laettner's shot that beat Kentucky, so it's possible, but that's pretty much what it's going to take now.

It's likely too little too late.

Sonics' Gary Payton Leads HOF Nominees

2013-02-16T09:17:00.001-08:00

Sonics point guard Gary Payton, "The Glove," heads the list of finalists named for selection to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The electees will be announced during the weekend of the NCAA Final Four.

"The Glove" is widely considered one of the best defensive players in NBA history and led the Sonics to The Finals in 1996, losing to Michael Jordan's Bulls. AFter being down 3-0 the Sonics, led by Payton, clsoed the gap to 3-2 before finally losing game 6, and the series.

The Glove is the only point guard tio ever win the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year Award, grabbing that honor in 1996, en route to their title title run that season. Payton was a nine-time all-star in his 17-year career. For his career, Payton averaged 16.3 ppg and 6.7 assists. He also led the league in trash talking, a record that may stand for a long time. At least he backed it up on the court.

one of the most popular players to ever wear a Sonics uniform, Payton was unceremoniously traded to Milwaukee when he clashed with owner Howard Schultz. The move was widely panned in Seattle. Schultz went on to sell the team to Clay Bennett who blew uop the team, alienated the Seattle fanbase, and ultimately moved it to Oklahoma City. Thanks, Schultz.

Look for Payton's jersey yo be retired in Seattle in the first season of the Sonics return.

Payton will be wearing the green and gold in the Hall of Fame.

Maloofs Detail Kings Sale to Bankruptcy Group

2013-02-12T08:00:00.002-08:00

In yet another delay that will not affect the sale, but just drag it out, the Maloofs have handed over documentation of the King's sale to the bankruptcy trustee who is tasked with maximizing the 7% stake in the team.

Here's the deal; The Maloofs agreed to sell their 65% stake to the Hansen/Ballmer group, leaving 35% in the hands of several minority owners. By minority owners, I don't mean ethnic minority. Got it? The 7% in question belongs to Bob Cook. Bob declared bankruptcy, cause that's what rich folks do. The trustee charged with liquidating this asset, David Flemmer, is trying to make a claim that the minority owners of the team have a 'right to match' any offer for the team. Naturally, this is where the lawyer, Don Fitzgerald gets involved, drags this out for as long as possible and, voila, has a ton of billable hours to show his boss. Isn't America fun?

The claim is that this would potentially position the minority owners to match Hansen/Ballmer's offer for the team, somehow they'll be able to come up with the $340 million and save the team for the SacTown fans. It's cute, and makes nice press for the SacBee, but is not the reality of the situation. They've had a chance to buy out the Maloofs for years and yet none have stepped forward. Suggesting now they're gonna, and go up against the wealthiest potential ownership group in sports, is laughable. Ballmer and Hansen have over $20 billion in resources. That's billion with a b.

This is a hollow attempt by Flemmer and Fitzgerald to artificially inflate the value of the 7% by potentially creating a bidding war and, realistically, an attempt to coerce the Hansen/Ballmer group to overpay for that 7%. They may just do it, but they don't have to. They already have a deal for the majority stake of the team and this won't change anything.

What's tragic about this move is the hope it stirs for Kings fans. The SacBee and it's ilk will ride this story into the ground in an attempt to drive readers to their site and exploit the ad-sales potential while Flemmer/Fitzgerald exploit the press coverage to monetize thier situation. It's smoke and mirrors. The Kings have been sold, Stern will approve with a smile, the BOG will follow in step, Clay Bennett (who thugged the Sonics, is the most hated man in Seattle and is now, brazenly, chairman of the relocation committee) will rubber stamp his approval and the Sonics will be filling Key Arena next season. Enough with the silly stalling tactics by the lawyers and Kevin Johnson.

Now, what to do about DeMarcus Cousins...

Hansen Group Files For Relocation - Kings Closer to Going to Seattle

2013-02-06T17:54:00.001-08:00

One step closer to the return of the Supersonics in Seattle. As much as Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson likes to have press conferences claiming to have 'buyers' lined up for the Kings, it just keeps getting clearer that it's a smoke and mirrors routine. The Hansen/Ballmer group have taken the next step in the process and there is nothing KJ can do about it. It's too little, too late, and yes, it's a shame for Kings fans. Welcome to the NBA; now say good bye.

According to the AP, NBA Commissioner David Stern said Wednesday night that the group that has reached agreement to purchase the Sacramento Kings has formally filed to relocate the franchise to Seattle.

Stern spoke in Minneapolis before the Timberwolves hosted San Antonio. He called the Seattle group, led by Chris Hansen and Steve Ballmer, "very strong," and said the appropriate committees have been convened to look over the proposed sale of the Kings and the prospective move to Seattle.

"We have had submitted a signed agreement to have the team sold to a very strong group from Seattle," Stern said.

The deadline for teams to file for relocation is March 1. It's been expected that the Hansen/Ballmer group would file to move the team, but Stern's comments were the first time that decision has been verified. The filing for relocation is ultimately a procedural step, but a big one in the efforts to bring professional basketball back to Seattle.

Hansen's group reached agreement with the Maloof family last month to buy 65 percent of the franchise, which is valued at $525 million, and move the team to Seattle and restore the SuperSonics name. The deal will cost the Hansen group a little more than $340 million.

The Kings' sale price of $525 million would surpass the NBA record $450 million the Golden State Warriors sold for in 2010.

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson has been making efforts to find investors with the financial means and could attempt to match the sale price, keep the Kings in Sacramento and help on the construction of a new arena in California's capital city.

Johnson said on Tuesday that he planned to attend the NBA All-Star Game in Houston and lobby anyone he could on the merits of keeping the Kings in Sacramento, but he has yet to reveal any of the large equity investors he's attempting to pull together. Johnson said Tuesday he hoped to be able to announce them next week.

Stern said Wednesday he didn't feel the situation between Seattle and Sacramento would turn into battle to see who can make the most lucrative bid.

"I don't think it's a bidding war," Stern continued. "There's a series of issues that are defined by our constitution that have to be considered. One of the things that our board is mandated to consider is the support for the team in the prior city. So there are real issues for the board to consider, about the buildings, about the likelihood they will be built, about the support from the cities."

Two committees would typically vet both the proposed sale and the move of the franchise to Seattle, but Stern said he has combined the committees into one. The committee will report to the Board of Governors, which is expected to vote on both the sale and the proposed move at its meeting in mid-April.

The sale of the franchise requires just a majority approval of the Board of Governors. The relocation of the franchise would require a three-fourths majority.

"So I did the sensible thing, I combined the committees and said, `You guys figure it out.' We'll see how that works," Stern said.

Sonics in Seattle in 2013 - Closer to Reality.

2013-01-24T08:55:00.001-08:00

The latest news out of Sacramento is the alleged emergence of their 'whale' who is going to ride (or swim) into town and rescue the Kings from the dastardly Hansen/Ballmer group who's intent is to take them to Seattle.

Apparently Ron Burkle is leading the charge, although, as is consistant with Kevin Johnson's tactics, there has been zero confirmation from Burkle about any interest in this. News reports continue to 'leak' out of Sacramento, conveniently feeding hope to the local fans and media. Reading between the lines, it's clear this is a Hail Mary, a half-court desperation shot by Johnson to minimize the political damage he's going to suffer when the Kings leave town on his watch. It's understandable. It's not even his fault. However, it's too late. Now this is merely face-saving stunt. Even if he could snare his whale, there still is no arena deal in place.

Kevin, you're down by 18 with 30 seconds to go. Is victory possible? Yes. Is it likely? Not very.

The smoking gun in all of this is the $30 million non-refundable deposit Hansen/Ballmer have agreed to. Make no mistake - these guys are smart and savvy and have the best legal teams in the world (arguably, anyway) at their disposal. Hansen is an investment wiz. These guys aren't gambling $30 million without assurances of a return. That money is likely a guarantee that the Maloofs will not negotiate or sell to any other parties, which makes it the smoking gun that this is probably already a done deal, sans some basic formalities. It's unlikely anyone can match the financial resources Hanson and Ballmer (who's worth a reported 17 billion) have, and even if they could, the Maloofs are not obligated to sell to them. That's what $30 million ensures.

As for the approval process, that too is as good as done. Stern wants this to happen, the NBA owners want this to happen, Clay Bennet HAS to move the process forward or get brutalized in the media. The Seattle market is more lucrative, the ownership group determined and hungry to field a winner, and Stern can finally erase the biggest black eye on his tenure; ushering the original Supersonics out of Seattle.

All the evidence points to a done deal in Sacramento.

If you are a fan in Sacramento, beleive me, you have all of Seattle's synmpathies. I went through this when the Sonics were thugged from us, and those were entirely different circumstances, and much more painful. Clay Bennett, now the chairman of the relocation committee (ironic, huh?) biought the team and announced many times he was keeping them in Seattle. Later, the evidence proved he was lying the whole time. Not only that, but Bennett systematicall destroyed the franchise and alienated the fan base to expedite the move. It's all documented in Sonicsgate the movie.

Hanson/Ballmer are transparent in their intent to buy and move the team

Sonics Return Now Just a Formality: ZombieSonics Celebrate by Losing to Nuggets

2013-01-22T08:22:00.004-08:00

It's basically over in Sacramento for the Kings. It's not the fan's fault but rather the result of a perfect storm. The Maloofs tainted the franchise and ran it into the ground and alienated the local fan base on the way down. It's sad, really.

This situation ran head-on into Chris Hansen and Steve Ballmer, two Seattleites who want an NBA team back in Seattle, and have the means to make it a reality. Hansen has set up the arena deal; he and Ballmer have (over) paid for the Kings, just to ensure their sale.

They'll have the support of the NBA owners, Stern and the City of Seattle. Make no mistake, this deal is done. There are some details to be cleaned up, but it's over. Kevin Johnson's Hail Mary's are not aimed at keeping the team, they are a PR stunt from a Mayor who doesn't want the stink of the City's loss of a franchise on his watch...come election time. Any opponent will try and use that against him, as unfair as that may be. This is KJ understanding that and wringing every 'option' from the situation.

The ZombieSonics of OKC went out and celebrated this announcement on Saturday by losing in overtime to the woeful Denver Nuggets. CLearly Durant was distracted at the wonderful news and was daydreaming about his inevitable return to the Jet City and the franchise that drafted him - the Seattle SuperSonics. Yes, Kevin, Seattle will welcome you back with open arms.

Rumors of a Done Deal Swirling

2013-01-11T12:08:00.004-08:00

And in yet another development, Matt Steinmetz, an NBA analyst for the CSN Bay Area is reporting via twitter that the deal has been closed, unofficially of course.

The sale is reportedly for $525 million with the Maloofs retaining no ownership stake whatsoever - walking away with the cash and nothing else.

Maloofs Making Desperate Cling to Power Play?

2013-01-11T11:32:00.000-08:00

The latest news out of Sacramento is that there's been a 'snag' in the negotiations between the Hansen/Ballmer group and the Maloofs. And by 'snag' I mean total idiocy.

The rumor is that the Maloofs want to keep a small percentage of the team, which is their right to bargain for, but they want to 'have input' in how the team will be run.

Wait, what?

The Maloofs have singlehandedly run the Kings into the ground. They have alienated the Sacramanto fans by threatening to leave, signing a deal to stay and backing out of the deal at the 11th hour. Now they have a bird in hand with this potential sale. They gave up control of the Palms casino in Vegas after losing a fortune there.

In summary; they lost the Palms, ruined the Kings, alienated the entire Sactown fan base and have been completely unprofessional in all thier dealings - and they want to 'have input'?

Yeah, don't see that happening, guys.

I'd be surprised if the Hansen/Ballmer group allowed the Maloofs to retain any ownership stake in the team. They've been bad for business an I can't imagine they want that circus up in Seattle. The Hansen/Ballmer group may be willing to over pay for a team, but they aren't going to be held hostage. That won't happen. They've waited this long, they'll wait it out until the right deal is done, sensible heads prevail, or they'll move on.

It's almost imperative this deal gets done - for the sake of the closing this chapter on the Maloofs and the Kings. It's becoming a Tebow-like circus. Somewhere behind closed doors, David Stern must be gnashing his teeth. Stern ushered the SuperSonics out of Seattle and publicly regrets it - this is his golden opportunity to right that wrong as his tenure as Commish is drawing to an end.

Until the next chapter...

All Signs Point North - Kings Moving to Seattle.

2013-01-09T15:54:00.004-08:00

Internet rumors are running rampant that the sale of the Sacrmento Kings to the Seattle group led by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and San Francisco hedge fund manager Steve Hanson could be imminent.

Premilinary details, via Yahoo sports and twitter, suggest the team will be sold for around $500 million, but with the intent and understanding they will move the team to Seattle in time for the 2013/14 season. The team, which will be renamed the Sonics, an homage to the team that was moved to Oklahoma City four miserable years ago.

The Sonics were formed in 1967 in Seattle and won the city's only modern era championship in 1979. In 2007, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, embittered by the difficulties of owning an NBA team, sold the team to an Oklahoma contingent who proceded to gut the team's players and Seattle personnel en route to moving the team to Oklahoms City, despite repeated insistance they boought the team to keep it in Seattle. It's arguably the darkest day in Seattle sports history as the Sonics were notoriously popular in Seattle, the Northwest and around the country.

Details are still emerging, and as of now the deal is not complete. The Maloofs have backed out of several deals at the 11th hour before, so while this is not a confirmed deal, all signs point to a deal being imminent. The Maloofs allegedly agreed to a deal for a new arena in Sacramanto last year, but famously backed out, thus alienating themselves in the city the Kings have called home since 1985. The Maloofs have fallen on hard times financially as their Las Vegas club The Palms is losing money.

The sale of the team seemed a forgoen conclusion to those follwing the story. It was just amatter of finding the right opportunity. That's when Ballmer and Hanson fell in their lap. The teams most often mentioned as a potential destination for the beleaguered Kings franchise were Anaheim, Virginia Beach and Kansas City. VB recently pulled out of the running, Anaheim has been considered too tricky due to having the Clippers and Lakers in that market already, and KC doesn't appear to have any momentum.

Steve Hanson emerged last year when he led the charge to build a multi-purpose area in the "South of Downtown" area of Seattle (aka SODO). The new arena, funded by a mix or private and public funding, will be built on the south end of where the Seahawks stadium is. Hanson bought the land with the intent to build an arena and bring the NBA, and possibly a n NHL team, to Seattle.

PAC-12 Power Rankings 10-14-12

2012-10-14T08:57:00.002-07:00

1. Oregon – Until proven otherwise – this is the team to beat in the PAC-12. We’ll see if Arizona State can knock ‘em off in Tempe this week. Ducks cannot have lackluster showing, as they’ve had lately against inferior teams, or they’ll get burned.

2. Oregon State – Lost Mannion? No biggie, as Beavs roll into Provo and punish the Mormons. Riley and Co now in the BCS picture. Are they National Championship caliber? Doubtful, but the state of Oregon clearly rules the PAC-12. Utah and Washington up next, Beavs could be 7-0 heading into ASU showdown.

3. USC – Did what good teams do sometimes – let their opponents implode and take the credit. That’s exactly what happened in Seattle. USC sleepwalked through this one. Trojans have CU, Arizona, then the showdown with Oregon. Will need a better effort to beat either one.

4. Arizona State – the 5-1 Sun Devils dismantled hapless Colorado en route to the clash with Oregon in the desert this Thursday. Biggest game for Sun Devils in a while, and they have the guns to pull the upset if Oregon doesn’t show up to play.

5. Stanford – Tough loss in South Bend. Is the Cardinal the team that took Notre Dame to the wire, or the team that bumbled against Washington? We’ll find out vs. Cal this week.

6. Arizona – Idle this week. At 3-3 and with their remaining schedule, they could go 4-2 the rest of the way and finish Rich Rod’s first season with a winning record. This week they feast on an imploding Washington team in Tucson. Wildcats getting positioned for a Bowl game.
7. UCLA – Didn’t exactly dominate Utah, but a win is a win and UCLA is 5-2. A week off before heading to Tempe – where we will find out what the Bruins are made of. A bowl in Mora’s first season looks realistic, but closing out the season with Arizona, ASU, USC and Stanford will make challenging. A “W” has already been pencilled in for the WSU game. Duh.

8. Cal – Can’t really puff out your chest by beating a hapless Wazzu team. They make anyone look good by comparison. Cal should’ve won in a blowout, but they only managed what WSU gave ‘em. Not impressive at all.

9. Utah – Kept the UCLA game competitive, but knowing UCLA it was them playing down to their opponent, a tradition in Westwood. Next loss; Oregon State. Utah does not belong in the PAC-10. At least Wazzu can claim tenure.

10. Washington – Continue to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Every opportunity to challenge USC was bumbled away. The play that encapsulated U-Dub perfectly; the kick catch interference penalty; 100% preventable, 100% moronic. I can’t remember the last time I saw that called, because teams are smarter than that. This team is reminiscent of the Neuheisel teams; undisciplined, only make an appearance for one half, and in serious trouble. Someone needs to file a missing person’s report on Keith Price, STAT. A text book clinic on how to lose a game in every way. The white helmets are a nice touch, too; they scream out ‘we surrender’. Now they get a very good Arizona team in the desert. Uh oh…..

11. Colorado – Blown out by ASU, what else did you expect? USC, Oregon, Stanford and Arizona coming up. Probably the worst CU team of all time. Can someone please explain why the PAC-10 wanted this disaster? Oh yeah, TV money. How thrilling for the fans.

12. Washington State – Watching the Wazzu game, two words came to mind; amateur hour. They used to play football on the Palouse, but not anymore. Every imaginable mistake was made, and that’s just Halliday. Looks like Leach is dumping his ‘sleep walking’ seniors to give under-classmen experience. It’ll pay off, but not this year. Bellevue High could challenge this inept group.

PAC 12 Weekend Primer - Sept 22

2012-09-19T18:32:00.000-07:00

OSU @ UCLA - UCLA is in for a fight in the Coliseum, but they will be prepared for the Beavers. Look for UCLA to continue to impress by playing fundamental, mistake free football – and continue to be the only undefeated PAC-12 team in Los Angeles. Sorry Beavs, UCLA is for real, not so sure about Wisconsin. UCLA 31, OSU 13.

COLO @ WSU – This is what I’d call the crummy game of the week; the impending disaster that is Colorado vs. the completely unpredictable WSU. Neither has any defense, but WSU does have two wins and some pride and there’s no way Leach lets them lose to Colorado – there is no quicker way to get on the hot seat. The only drama will be how long until CU fires the coach. WSU will play down to CU, making it tougher than it needs to be, but they prevail; 24-13.

CAL @ USC I would hate to be the team that has to face USC’s wrath after the Stanford debacle. They will punish Cal for scheduling this. Barkley will have a big day passing – look for 350 + yards passing as USC pads some stats - to get his name back into the Heisman race – not because he deserves it, but because he’s marketable and makes headlines and USC needs good press this week. Sucks to be Cal this week. USC 55, Cal 17

UTAH @ ASU – Perhaps the best game of the week – Utah is coming on, but lost Jordan Winn for the season. ASU is rising quickly and can’t afford to lose this game at home –ASU 29, Utah 17

ARIZ @ ORE Get ready for some scoring. There could be a hundred points scored in this game – unfortunately for Arizona most of it will be by the Ducks. Newbie Rich Rodriguez has to go in to Autzen and learn what all the fuss is about. ‘Cats will be on the wrong side of the equation –Rodriguez had speedster Denard Robinson during his short stay at Michigan- so he recognizes speed – and Oregon has at least four players on offense that fast. Expect a nightmare initiation for Rich - Oregon will hang 40 by halftime and then let off the gas; Oregon 58, Arizona 31.

Preview: Next Thursday Night – Stanford at Washington. Stanford is big, strong, fundamental, confident and healthy and coming off a huge win. UW is none of those. Stanford will pull an LSU on the undersized UW lines and pound them all day and pressure Price in hopes of wearing him out. With no running game for support, it could be a tough day for Price.

UW must create a smart and crafty game plan and resist predictable play-calling. Stanford coordinators are top notch and will make you pay. Hopefully they don’t give up in the 2nd quarter, like they did in Baton Rouge. Stanford is a winnable game for UW – but this team has to start with fundamental football – basic blocking and tackling and pass catching – and they really need to show some strength of character and good old-fashioned fight.

Another embarrassing loss on a nationally televised stage and Sarkisian job security will be an issue. This is a must-win for UW on many levels and Sarkisian knows it. A blow out loss here could be mentally devastating for this team. I’ll be at the game and I want to pick UW, but from what we’ve seen so far, it just doesn’t seem realistic. UW gets an emotional start and leads in the first half, but Stanford’s superiority takes over in the second half and simply pushes UW around – Stanford 34, UW 17.

Heat Scorch Zombies, Crush Championship Run

2012-06-22T06:59:00.002-07:00

In case you've been living under a rock - there's big news: LeBron James is finally hoisting an NBA championship trophy! The monkey is off his back. King James has justified himself and taking his talents to South Beach.

Even bigger news though, is that Seattle's most hated man, Clay Bennett, is NOT hoisting a trophy...and that brings a satisfying smile to my face. I'm not excited the Zombie Sonics lost, oh no, I am glad Bennett lost. I want him to savor the bitter taste of defeat for a long, long time time. The same bitter taste he left in Sonics fans mouths. It's called just desserts.

In what was to be an epic finals match-up, I was left with no one to root for, so I chose the lesser of the evils and wished a ring for LeBron. The thought of Bennett gaining satisfaction from his thugged team...is too much to bear. As long as he is the owner, I am motivated to root against that team.

After reading this, I feel even better that Presti is tasting defeat. He built a solid nucleus but really screwed Seattle intentionally. I still cannot understand why Presti would want out of Seattle.

Here's the link to the article - http://mynorthwest.com/384/689920/Tom-Savage-understands-Sonics-fans-pain

The greatest part about the Zombies championship run, for Seattle fans, is the media coverage of the loss of the Sonics and the shady way it went down has been played out across the country. With Sonicsgate airing nationally on CNBC fans across the country now understand the shady, deceitful way Bennett took the Sonics from Seattle. The 'Seattle didn't support the team' nonsense that was spouted by ignorant ilk has been proven to be utterly false, and the fans and media now know it. All of this pro-Seattle momentum is part of a wave that'll likely result in a Sonics team returning to Seattle soon. Thank Chris Hansen and the Sonicsgate guys for all their efforts.

The Zombies played well, but not well enough. They came up against a buzz-saw in The Heat, a team that knew they'd never be able to live with the fall out of another loss in the finals. This season was all about the ring, and now they can cross that task off their NBA bucket list. Ther Zombies were the sacrificial lambs....this time.

You could see it in game four; the Heat simply broke the Zombies will, making the game five blowout not so much a surprise, but a foregone conclusion. The Zombies hung around, but somehow you just knew this night was LeBron's night. That game face, that I-won't-be-denied will, that Jordon-esque desire.

Ironically, the Zombies lost four straight games - after the Sonics Rally took place in Seattle. Karma? Hmmmm....

Congratulations King James, today you are a champion and you've earned it, so savor it. As for Clay Bennett; enjoy the taste of defeat. You've earned that as well. Savor it.

OKC Owners: The True Bad Guys in 2012 NBA Finals

2012-06-19T06:25:00.001-07:00

This is a re-post of an excellent article By Mike McCall from The Advocate.

As sports fans, we like it when matchups break down along clearly drawn lines: good guys versus bad guys, David versus Goliath, our country versus their country.

At first glance, the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Miami Heat fit the bill.

There’s the Heat, aiming to take over the league behind LeBron James, who joined the evil empire after calling a live TV special to betray his home state and leave the Cleveland Cavaliers.

On the other side, you have the white knight Thunder led by Kevin Durant, an unassuming star who was still buying T-shirts at WalMart even after becoming a millionaire, and who announced his contract extension with the Thunder in anti-James fashion, through a simple, gracious tweet.

Essentially, James, Dwyane Wade & Co. are the Monstars from “Space Jam,” while Durant plays the Michael Jordan role as leader of the Tune Squad. As if that line between good and evil wasn’t clear enough, the Heat even suit up in classic bad-guy colors — black and red — and a logo emblazoned with fire.

But look beyond the on-court show, and it’s harder to tell who the good guys are.

After all, the Thunder’s feel-good story is built atop a lie.

If not for a deceitful purchase of the Seattle Sonics, the Thunder wouldn’t exist. In 2006, a group of Oklahoma City businessmen led by Clayton Bennett and backed by the wallet of Aubrey McClendon bought the Sonics. They immediately promised to fight to keep the team in the Pacific Northwest.

But they didn’t. They half-tried to build a new arena in Seattle, but they always planned to move the team. McClendon even said so in a 2007 interview, for which he was fined a whopping $250,000 by the NBA.

Then there was Bennett’s famous e-mail that he was a “man possessed” and would “do everything we can” to accomplish his goals for the franchise.

In court, Bennett made the laughable claim that his goal was to stay in Seattle, even though his e-mail was a response to his partners asking how soon they could move the team, and even though he contacted the NBA about relocation soon afterward.

Perhaps the Sonics never would have left if the city had provided a new arena, or if the mayor hadn’t chosen to settle a lawsuit just hours before a verdict that could have locked the team into its lease in Seattle.

But the bottom line is that Bennett and his gang are low-down, dirty rotten thieves who stole Seattle’s team.

That’s why the Thunder’s owners are the only true villains in the building during the NBA Finals.

Sure, James, Wade and Chris Bosh have done their best at times to be hated, but in reality, LeBron’s televised break-up with Cleveland raised millions for charity, and the trio opted for lower salaries for the chance to play together.

Maybe that doesn’t make them angels, but it shouldn’t make them demons either.

And maybe the Thunder’s owners pilfering a franchise so the NBA could thrive in their town doesn’t make them evil.

But it sure as heck doesn’t make them the good guys.

Epic Finals? Not for Sonics Fans

2012-06-12T11:23:00.003-07:00

It's a sad day to be a Super Sonics fan. This years NBA finals is an absolutely epic matchup and has all the makings of a classic series.
The young, hungry Zombie Sonics versus the veteran Heat. The team built around the quite Kevin Durant, the Sonics first-round pick and the face of humbleness, vs LeBron James who not-so-quietly 'took his talents to South Beach" and middle-fingered Cleveland in the process.

As a former Seattleite and permanent Sonics fan, this is an especially tough series. The promise of an instant classic, for which I cannot root for either team. I have no dog in this fight and it looks to be a classic fight. Both these teams are dripping with motivation and talent and it'll be wither Durant coyly raisint the trophy of LaBron finally getting the curse off his back. The winners in all of this will be the fans who will bear witness.

No outcome will be satisfying for us Seattleites. If the Zombies win it's that should be the Sonics celebrating and if the Heat win it'll be I can't root for the Heat. I can't pull for a team and a player that screwed over Cleveland - a place that is already the poster child for hard-luck sports fans. I know too many Clevelanders and I feel their pain: they were so close...just like Seattle should be.

There's no winning in this Finals for Sonics fans, sadly, but the rest of the country is about to be treated to one of the best match-ups in years. I imagine every Clevelander is pulling for a Zombie sweep - and they should. I certainly don't begrudge those that root for the Zombies; they have a great team and vocal fans (just like Seattle, which Charles Barkley called the toughest place to play in the NBA beause of it's notoriously rabid fanbase) and the Heat set themselves up to be perfect foil. They have the sunshine, the beaches, the all start roster and most of a county rooting against them.

As much as my interest in the NBA has waned, this is a Finals matchup that should make any apathetic fan sit up and cheer for someone. It makes it even worse for Sonics fans; we're forced to choose between what was wrongfully ripped away, or those clowns from South Beach, and that's really no choice at all. It's a shame, really.

Good luck to both teams, may the series be injury-free...although I would be fine if Clay Bennett pulled a groin.

What if the Zombie Sonics Win a Title?

2012-05-29T15:03:00.003-07:00

The sad reality is that if the Zombie Sonics win a title, no one outside of the Dust Bowl will care. Sure, everyone likes Durant and Westbrook, and the team is talented, for sure. The problem is that they have zero fans outside of the little outhouse on the prairie. Want proof? Go look in sports forums on CBSsports and ESPN where fans can contribute. Very little traffic compared to the popular teams, and this is a team contending for a conference title.

Seattle had an established national fan base - not on the scale of the Lakers or Celtics or other bandwagon teams, but they definitely were a visible team nation-wide. The Zombies - just aren't and may never be. Any title they would win would be tainted by the stink of the move. If the team had moved because of fan apathy in Seattle, that would be one thing and would justify the team moving to a better situation. But that was not the case at all. That's just the spin given to the gullible OKC fans by Bennett to appease their guilt. The attention starved folks of OKC will always try to spew that - and every time it only proves thier sad ignorance. Bennett worked the system in concert with Sterns guidance to screw Seattle over - that's why the issue will never die. It's an injustice. Anyone who says Seattle didn't support the team is flat-out ignorant - but in reality they'd prefer ignorance over the truth in order to justify having a team.

Let me simplify what Bennett did...

Bennett basically went to another town, followed a kid riding a bike. When the kid parked his bike to go into the store, Bennett stole it, brought it home, and gave it to his kid. To justify what he'd done, he said the other kid wasn't using it anyway. That's his logic. Anyone who embraces that kind of logic has much bigger problems, like being a textbook sociopath. It's also pretty damn creepy.

Ask Kevin Durant about the fans in Seattle in the last game there. He was leading the chant for Save Our Sonics. That move will always taint the franchise. If they win a championship - folks like Bill Simmons will talk about how Seattle deserved the team and title, not Bennett. It'll bring up other issues like the silly 'shared title' nonsense - again creating sympathy for Seattle and painting bennett and his ilk in a bad light.

No one cares about OKC outside thier borders, but the Sonics were loved all over the country - I know because I've met and worked with folks from all over the USA - not one person has supported Bennett. Those that are on the fence, I give them the Sonicsgate video and/or explained how it all really went down. That's enlightenment, folks

I met two guys from Norman a couple weeks back - we discussed the Sonics - they were big Zombie Sonics fans and said they thought Seattle didn't support the team. They don't feel that way anymore after seeing Sonicsgate. One guy emailed me saying how bad he felt and was gonna root for the Spurs now. He went on to say they believe the players are miserable in OKC and expects them to bail outta there. He said there is nothing for them to do there. That's not my opinion, just what an OK guy told me.

No matter what, OKC cannot win. They are a tainted franchise. Their fans persistant desire to remain ignorant about the facts will not ever change that. Denial ain't just a river in Egypt, kids.

Oh, and keep your bikes locked up. You never know when creepers like Bennett are lurking about. Go Spurs!

Let's Go Spurs!

2012-05-22T16:59:00.001-07:00

There's a great saying in sports; "act like you've been there before." It means show some class. Have some humility.

Being a loyal fan there is only one team I root for when it comes to playoff time: any team playing the Blunder.

So....GO SPURS! I don't hate the Blunder, I really don't. But as a Sonic loyalist, I cannot ever root for Clayton "The Douchbag" Bennett to win a trophy. Not after the garbage he pulled in Seattle. In a dream scenario, I want Bennett experience the heartbreak of a crushing game seven defeat - and then never making a serious run again. I want him to live to be 150 years old with that feeling in his fat gut. Then he'll know how Sonics fans feel.

Bennett tanked the team in Seattle to build a winner for OKC. Everyone knows it and the evidence is overwhelming. Blame Schultz all you want, he's certainly culpable as well. He made a huge profit while Bennett exploited a vulnerable situation to get a team to the dustbowl.

You always here the OKC ilk shouting "Seattle didn't support the team" which has been proven beyond any doubt to be completely false.

Then the OKC ilk shout "should've built an arena if you wanted them to stay." Well, Seattle did that too. A mere8 years prior to Bennett's purchase.

Then, once you've outmaneuvered them with reason and logic, they reach for the "get over it" routine. It's the same as "because I said so" or "just because." Anyone with an IQ greater than a tumbleweed knows you go there when you have no game, credibility or debating skills. Once you get to this point, any chance at reasonable banter is lost. Fine. OKC has the Zombies, so they've won that battle, but the hearts and minds of the public can still be won or lost. OKC may never win that battle - not with Sonicsgate out there. But they have the team.

So, why does Warpaint clothing of OKC print an inflammatory t-shirt aimed at a humiliating an already helpless fan base in Seattle? How is that cool or necessary? At first the printers defended the shirt. Eventually after enough justifiable outrage, the cowards backtracked quickly - taking the product off-line after receiving death threats...proof that Sonics fans are still a very passionate and dialed-in bunch.

Zombie Sonic fans dismiss any logical debate about the move of the team and always default to the demans tha we get over it - but then come right back begging for our attention. We argue, you want to stop; We stop, you want to argue. The Zombie's are in the playoffs, what do you want from the Seattle fans? Cheers? Acknowledgement? Not gonna happen. Not untilo you acknowledge that the team you're watching for was paid for by blood of the Sonics fanbase when Bennett tanked the team and tried to disguise it as 'rebuilding' when the benefits of rebuiilding would only be reaped in OKC while Seattle fans were left with the shell of a team and then no team at all.

Back to the shirt - why print inflammatory t-shirts? You have to know it's only going to paint Seattle in a sympathetic light while shining the spotlight on the injustice that was done to the City. Where's the common sense? This keeps the Sonics in the media and the further along the Zombies get, the more likely it is that the story of the Sonics move will gain more attention, and when all the facts are put on display, it'll look very bad for Bennett and Stern.

Should we print up a picture of Chesapeake Energy as a ship heading towards an iceberg? Nah. As much as Aubrey deserves that - it was his own professional shenanigans that destroyed the company. But, no thanks. We'll pass on making those t-shirts.

When your rooting for a team that's making a potential championship run, show some humility, show some class. Act like youv'e been there before.

Oh, wait....you haven't. But Seattle has.

Does Seattle Need the NBA?

2012-05-04T11:28:00.002-07:00

The Zombie Sonics.

The greatest nickname a team ever received, and it came straight from the media. I smile when I hear that because it shines the light on the wrong that Stern and Bennett did to Seattle and the unending support Seattle fans receive, and an acknowledgement of how they were jilted.

With the recent airing of Sonicsgate on CNBC and the drama unfolding in Sacramento with the Maloofs, Seattle is once again being targeted as a possible destination for an NBA’s Kings. Let’s face it, no one wants team relocation, a pain all too real for Sonics fans. With the Maloofs broke and the arena deal now allegedly dead, what’s next? Are the Kings Seattle bound?

Chris Hansen has offered up an arena plan for Seattle. Better yet, he owns the land for the proposed site, a major step forward when compared to Clay Bennett’s laughable, designed-to-fail plan. It’s reception has been warm by the city council and, even more so, by the Seattle media who are ravenously hungry for any sports news to report. If the arena plan pans out, and I believe the location is a perfect, this has all the potential for two new teams in Seattle; one from the NHL (Phoenix Coyotes?) and the return of the NBA, the Kings being offered as the most logical choice, given their vulnerability and tenuous situation in Sacramento. All of this suggests the stars are aligning for a return of the NBA to Seattle. Is this real? Is it another carrot-on-a-stick top leverage Sacramento into ‘playing ball?’ Who knows. If a team is truly destined for Seattle, I gotta ask the obvious question;

Is this really a good thing?

Having lost the Sonics, the NBA has faded in relevancy to me. I did not drift to the Blazers as Stern expected, I just...don’t really care anymore. The blame for that indifference falls squarely on David Stern and his ego. I miss the Sonics to this day, but somehow I am not at all excited about the prospect of a team relocating and then rebranding themselves as the Sonics. It rings hollow, like a bait-and-switch. “Hey, if we move a team and put ‘em in the green and gold, Sonic fans will be fooled into believing! And that leads to Seattleites, who were already burned once by the NBA, badly, handing more money over to the NBA.” I have a problem with that. Will we get used to it? Maybe. I am also used to $5 gas, the recession and never ending Tim Tebow drama. None of those are particularly enjoyable.

Will I feel bad for Sacramento? Sure, but the Kings relocating to Seattle is nothing like the blatant lying game Bennett played when he thugged Seattle’s beloved team of 41 years. With Sacramento, a buyer would buy them with the sole and publicly acknowledged intent to move them. No lies, no ruining the team and alienating the fan base to further the real agenda. No appalling deceit.

In a way, the NBA owes Seattle a team, and Clay Bennett, shamefully sitting on the relocation committee, should be doing everything in his power to right that wrong. The problem is that his involvement will immediately open those old wounds and shine the light back on his disgraceful actions with the Sonics. If he is like Stern, he’ll put his ego first. There will be no expansion teams. Not with the current state of the league. Some 18 teams are claiming to be losing money, adding another team to the league is not a practical reality.

If the Kings or any other team moves to Seattle, I am not sure I can embrace them. Not after what the league did to the City. Not after creating this void. Not after assuming the fans would just blindly return, like zombies.

I guess they’d have to be called the Zombie Sonics.

Seahawks Sign Matt Flynn: Still No Sign of the Sonics

2012-03-21T16:05:00.005-07:00

While everyone was waiting to see who would win the Peyton Manning sweepstakes, the Seahawks made a big splash in free agency by signing free agent quarterback Matt Flynn away from the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night. Flynn's deal, with incentives, will pay him up to $26 million over three season, with $10 million guaranteed.

What's not guaranteed is the starting job. Seahawk coack Pete Carroll refused to name Flynn the starter over the much-maligned Tarvaris Jackson, saying the starting job will be won in training camp. Reading between the lines, Carroll is saying "get used to riding pine, Tarvaris." It's safe to speculate that Flynn will be the starter and Seattle will likely look for another quarterback in the draft to bolster that position, the teams most glaring weakness following a 7-9 finish to the 2011 season.

As the season progressed, the Seahawks showed great strides all over the field, except at the QB position, which consistantly hurt the team down the stretch. Of course, no one really expected Tarvaris "Stop Gap" Jackson to be the teams savior, but rather a utilitarian rental car until the real replacement could be found. Tarvaris likely will replace the departed Charlie "Clipboard Jesus" Whitehurst as the designated clipboard holder. No word from Tarvaris camp on the status of his beard.

Through all of this, there is still no sign of the Seattle Supersonics in Seattle.

No New Teams? No Problem.

2012-02-29T10:42:00.004-08:00

It looks as though, at least for now, that Seattle will be without the NBA and the NHL for a bit longer. The Kings have allegedly figured out a way to stay in Sacramento by, among other things, giving up parking meter revenue for the next 50 years.

The Phoenix Coyotes have also apparently found a local buyer that wants to keep them in the area, even though they are floundering there and have been for some time. Last but not least, there are allegedly multiple buyers interested in buying the Hornets with designs on keeping them in New Orleans.

A couple of things to consider in these situations; first, no owner is going to come right out and say publicly that they want to move the franchise – something we learned from Clay Bennett who, with the help of David Stern, created the perfect blueprint for uprooting and removing of a franchise; say the right things publicly, but do the opposite privately. Stern will not publicly support or acknowledge the desire to move franchises. He will play them for all her can and then use the possible threat of relocation as the carrot on the stick to get what he wants.

Secondly, no smart exec is going to go public with their interest in selling or moving a local team to another market. That will only serve to piss off and alienate the local fan base and support will quickly erode. You can’t afford to do that if you want to maximize your current market’s resources. Do the Kings, Hornets or Coyotes really have interest in Seattle? Who knows. It appears not, but those that are really in the know aren’t going to go public with their intent while trying to close a deal close to home. Remember; Bennett pretended to go through the motions in Seattle, albeit clumsily. We all knew his intent was to move the team, so while commiserating about possible available franchises for the Seattle market – and even the reality of an arena deal – the real intentions will be known only by a very select few – not the general public.

So, in the meantime, sit back and let the chips fall where they may. Let Seattle’s opportunities arise organically. If cities like Sacramento want to keep a team by overpaying, leveraging their future, and over valuing the franchise – let them. That’s bad business. It certainly makes for feel-good headlines for Kevin Johnson in the short term. But the price will be paid for a long time after those feel good headlines are memories.

No teams? No problem. Wait for the right opportunity at the right price. This is not Seattle’s loss, it’s the NBA and the NHL’s loss. They need to earn their way into the marketplace, not be treated like they are a gift to the community. There are football, baseball and soccer to pin your hopes on.

Boycott Seattle Times' Steve Kelly

2012-02-12T16:38:00.002-08:00

In the latest article by Seattle Times columnist Steve Kelly, "It's Time to Forgive David Stern", Kelly urges Seattle fans 'to forgive NBA Commissioner David Stern', who's involvement was paramount to the theft and relocation of our Supersonics. Stern is not the only villain, there's plenty of blame to go around, but his involvement and influence were key factors in making it happen.

It's one thing to ask the average fan to forgive Stern because of his many failings; the bumbling CBA debacle, the failed business models, the meddling in a legitimate trade between the Lakers and Hornets, the revolving door of franchises under his watch, etc.

But to ask Seattleites, who supported the Sonics for 40 years only to have it ripped away because of his influence, to forgive Stern, is simply unconscionable. Steve Kelly is out of touch with the wants and needs of the Seattle sports audience and has been for some time. This piece of shameful, self-serving propaganda is too much.

In the comments section of the article the overwhelming sentiment against his position is staggering; I would conservatively guess it is north of 95% against his point of view. Stern neither warrants nor deserves 'forgiveness.'

Kelly does not represent the fans in Seattle, at least not when it comes to basketball. It's time for him to go. It's time to bring in someone who is in touch with the pulse of Seattle's sports wants and needs, someone who reflects the consensus, not someone who wants to make friends with the villain, and that is exactly what Kelly is doing. It serves his needs well as it leads to NBA coverage and a holiday card from the Commissioner. Well, there's an old saying, Steve; "The enemy of my enemy is my friend." Stern is public enemy #1 in Seattle.

Where is Kelly's column calling out Howard Schultz to pitch in for an arena? Hmmm?

Seattle does not need to extend an olive branch to David Stern. It’s the other way around, Kelly. Figure it out on your way out the door.

PLEASE LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS ON KELLY AND HIS COLUMN HERE! They will be forwarded to the Seattle Times.

A Possible New Arena in Seattle, but Does Anyone Want the NBA Back?

2012-02-08T10:23:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've posted. Since the Blunder are doing so well I can't goof on them anymore. But now there is movement in the Seattle arena situation and it's getting interesting.

There is a buzz around Seattle after confirmation that a new arena deal is being discussed, for real this time. Christopher Hanson, 44, a former Seattle native and current hedge fund manager, is behind the project. Hanson bought a piece of land in the SODO area (South of Downtown) and is targeting it for an arena location. This provides any proposed arena with a real location and gives this proposal a chance at success. Details of the financing are still being worked out, so there is a long way to go.

Hopefully, Hansen and his group will avoid asking for any public financing assistance, a topic that will roil the blood of Seattle residents, still bitter about the loss of the Sonics three years ago. In the grim economic reality of today, it's not a good time to be asking for public money for arenas that are used to lure professional sports franchises to town, especially the NBA, run by David Stern - public enemy number one to Sonics fans after his involvement in helping Clay Bennett take the team from it's home of 40 years.

Three years after our beloved Sonics were ripped from the city that supported them for 40 years, the NBA is now beginning the courting process. In Stern's arrogant fashion; he won't dare admit his huge mistake, nor will he acknowledge how the league desperately needs a city like Seattle back in the fold, not the other way around. No, instead he goes his usual route of arrogance by saying the league 'is open to discussions'.

What a douchebag.

Three years have gone by and I don't miss the NBA at all. I really don't. Without a team to root for I find myself seeing the league in a different light. It's really just a business. That's what they said as the team was leaving town. It's how they justified it. The message was loud and clear - don't get attached to your teams. Come and support them blindly, spend all your money to support them, but do not get emotionally attached.

Is there any other way to support them, other than emotionally? It's that exact passion that drives the fans - to connsume. The NBA wants it both ways; be passionate about spending your hard earned money, but don't complain when we want more and take your teams away. You can't have it both ways. This vaccuum the leagues (Mostly the NBA) are creating is alienating fans. Making the league's demand of 'come and spend more' expopnentially more obnoxious, is the perception that the NBA's product has become weak and uninteresting.

Supply and demand anyone?

Some fans may come back; many, like me, won't. Color me bitter, jaded and uninterested. I'm not the only one. If you read the fans' comments in the Seattle Times article, the vast majority had no interest in the NBA returning - and Seattle was a huge basketball town for many years. Could it ever return to it's glory days? It's possible, but it'll never be the same. We'll always be the city that lost the Sonics.

I get it. It's a business. But that business model took our team of 40 years away, alienating the fans, like me. I didn't look for another team to follow, or jump on the Heat bandwagon, or look for a way to get my basketball fix. I simply lost interest. Putting a team back in Seattle will make neat headlines, paint Stern as some kind of make-good icon and put Seattle back on the NBA map, as it should be. Sure it'd be nice, but it'd be false and hollow. The NBA needs Seattle, not the other way around.

Make no mistake, Seattle now becomes the threat and the leverage the NBA will use against other franchises that don't toe the NBA line by offering billion dollar palaces up to the commissioner. See Sacramanto as exhibit A. The only way Seattle gets a team is via location. There will be no expansion with the league already losing so much money.

Unfortunately, I don't have an NBA appetite anymore, and righting a wrong by bringing a league as messed up as the NBA to Seattle, won't erase the bitterness, create an appetite for the game, or heal the wounds it created. My interest in the league is long gone and I don't see it returning, even if it returns to Seattle. Too little, too late.

More to come.

SonicsGate at the OKC/Memphis game - GENIUS!

2011-05-03T16:04:00.000-07:00

Those who tuned in to game three of the Oklahoma City Thunder/Denver Nuggets NBA Playoff series on April 23 might have noticed a smattering of green behind the OKC bench, coupled with the sweet sound of cowbell. That would have been Jason Reid, Adam Brown, Colin White and Jeff Scoma, aka the Sonicsgate crew. And it's a scene that the league is only going to see more of, according to the rabble rousers.

Sonicsgate: Requiem for a Team--as every Pacific Northwest sports fan should know--is a film that chronicles how the Seattle SuperSonics ended up in Oklahoma City thanks to the shady dealings of ex-Sonics owner Howard Schultz, OKC-owner Clay Bennett, NBA Commissioner David Stern and a handful of other villains.

The folks behind the movie, however, have never been content with just telling people to watch their film or directing them to their website.

Sonicsgate producer Adam Brown most recently showed up at Howard Schultz's book signing event in Issaquah and captured another fan heckling him about selling the Sonics (before Brown himself was thrown out for simply wearing Soncis gear).

Anyhow, back to the playoff appearance. Here's the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nd_BRsXpgJw&feature=player_embedded

Seattle Weekly spoke with Sonicsgate Director Jason Reid today. He says the crew's appearance at the game was part of their "No Team Is Safe" campaign, which aims to remind teams across the league that, at any time, their team might be snatched away just like the Soncis were.

"With the Thunder in the playoffs we thought it was necessary to make an appearance and show everyone that we won't be silenced until we get an NBA team back in Seattle," says Reid. "It's really about letting national media know Seattle deserves a franchise back."

Brown also says that he and his supporters plan on shifting their efforts toward convincing local leaders to build a new stadium or to renovate Key Arena.

"Look, we can make all these appearances, but the bottom line is we need to build new arena," says Reid. "And we want to start moving toward realizing that goal. The Sonics army is more fired up and angry then ever. Seeing the Thunder in the playoffs, that should be our team playing at Key Arena."

CAN THE GRIZZ MAUL THE BLUNDER?

2011-05-01T10:30:00.000-07:00

Fresh off an upset of the top-seeded Spurs, can Memphis ride that momentum and take down the Zombie Sonics? We'll find out soon enough as the Western Conference semi-final match-up between 8th seeded Memphis and the fourth seeded Blunder tips off on Sunday. The biggest win in franchise history was also their first playoff series win for the team that originated in Vancouver before moving east. Ironically, they are matched up in the second round against the other team from the Northwest that was hijacked and hauled away, the Seattle Supersonics.

Memphis, which has come out of nowhere to suddenly become the hottest team in the playoffs, won the regular season series against the Blunder, 3-1. The teams match up fairly evenly; both are young and athletic. The Blunder made a great acquisition by picking up Kendrick Perkins from the Celtics to provide much-needed muscle in the paint. He’ll be tasked with minimizing Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph's offense down low. Both came up huge in the San Antonio series with Randolph making several clutch shots and free throws down the stretch, a remarkable feat for a big man.

The Blunder have two-time NBA scoring champ Kevin Durant leading the offense. He averaged 32 ppg vs. Denver and will likely be just as unstoppable in this series.

This is the second consecutive playoff appearance for the Blunder since the hijacking from Seattle (where they won their only world championship) and this gives them an edge in experience, which is ironic considering they are among the youngest, albeit most talented, teams in the league. That said, Memphis has momentum and is playing with no fear. Embracing the underdog role - the Grizz have nothing to lose and that can often trump talent in the playoffs. The pressure is now on the Blunder to perform - the first time they have had to face expectations since the move. This should be a great and very hard fought series.

I am taking the (former Vancouver)n Grizzlies to knock off the Zombie Sonics in 6 games and shock the world and advance to the Western Conference Finals...probably against the Lakers.