Looking Towards The Future...

Former Senator & Lawyer Slade Gorton

Life isn't fair. It isn't fair that my favorite sports team is moving to a state I have no intention of ever visiting. It isn't fair that our team was purchased by a coffee magnet under false pretenses. And it isn't fair that the NBA Commissioner is letting opinion influence his job. 

Slade Gorton, a former Senator and proud Seattle politician, is charged with defending the City of Seattle in its lawsuit against Clay Bennett. Stern has called Gorton's defending the city many things, claiming that the former Senator would like to "exact whatever pound of flesh is possible". To me, that doesn't sound like an unbiased committee leader. But then again, life isn't fair.

Looking towards the future, the Sonics won't be in Seattle. Will they be in Oklahoma? Maybe the name won't go with the roster and coaching staff, but when I watch games, I'll recognize the faces. Slade Gorton and Mayor Nickels both want to have professional basketball in Seattle. To do so will require Key Arena renovations, we've heard this time and time again. According the Gorton, had renovation plans been set "last week, in my view we'd either have kept the Sonics or gotten assurance of another team."

So I think you can see why Senators Murray & Cantwell are making us Sonics fans a little angry. Spend less time preaching on your soapbox and more time making changes that you talk about. I spent the majority of this blog hopeful that the Sonics would stay in their home. There is no longer any sense of hope, and the words "life isn't fair" have never sounded truer. Will Seattle get a new NBA team? Maybe. Will I love them like the Sonics? Well, I think you know that answer to that...

Our Fair-Weather Friends Repond...

Senator Maria Cantwell

Senator Patty Murray

Senator Maria Cantwell and Senator Patty Murray, fair-weather friends of this blog, issued an official response to the recent NBA relocation vote. Here is what their official releases said:

"I'm disappointed that NBA leadership has ignored calls for good-faith efforts to keep the Sonics in Seattle and rewarded the bad-faith behavior of Clay Bennett and his ownership group... Violating the public's trust with empty promises is unacceptable, and the NBA's decision today sets a poor precedent." - Murray

"For decades the Sonics have been part of the Seattle community and its culture... As an avid sports fan, I'm dismayed to see the NBA rewarding such unsportsmanlike donuct. The Sonics ownership misrepresented their true intentions to the community and yet the NBA gives them a bonus for this bad-faith effort." - Cantwell

Look, I'm just as livid at Clay Bennett and the NBA committee as anyone right now, but to be completely honest, these two press releases just about send me over the edge. Where were Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell when all that was needed to keep the team in Seattle was Key Arena renovations? Bennett may have had his motives, but I'm pretty sure we were conscious of them along the way. 

You want to talk about bad-faith efforts? How about releasing contrived statements about an issue you did nothing to stop but claim affects you deeply? That's what I call bad-faith efforts, and that's what I call misrepresenting true intentions to the community!

Mark Cuban: A Good Man

Mark Cuban, owner of Dallas Mavericks 

Mark Cuban has been criticized for being volatile and overly aggressive. But if there's one thing you can't accuse him of, it's not being a passionate businessman. And if the NBA relocation vote was any indication, he's a big fan of loyalty. Not necessarily of Bennett being loyal to a team he has little connection to, or even Cuban himself being loyal to Seattle fans. Ultimately, he felt it was disloyal of the NBA to move a team away from a place where it was wanted, and needed. And I respect the man greatly for it.

Cuban sees things the way I do. Sure, the Sonics were let down by various owners and politicians, all of whom could've stepped up and kept the franchise in the Jet City. But that doesn't mean that you have to punish the fans, the people who have picketed and protested the move day in and day out. Despite what is legal and what isn't, whether or not Schultz and Bennett were ethical, there is the unwritten rules or right and wrong. And Cuban recognized that this move was wrong. He didn't owe anything to Seattle, he just saw the situation for what it was and stood up for what he believed. I only wish the 27 other people in the room could have done the same thing.

You probably are wondering why I didn't say 28. Well, because Clay Bennett himself was one of the voters. If that doesn't strike you as unfair, I don't know what will...

28 - 2

Paul Allen. A true Seattle guy.

Only two people voted to keep the Sonics in Seattle. Those votes came from Mr. Paul Allen and Mr. Mark Cuban. These are two men who know a thing or two about making money, sure. But they also know quite a lot about owning a professional sports team, and doing so honorably where money isn't the bottom line to every question asked. It's almost bittersweet that Allen and Cuban were the only two people fighting to keep the Sonics where they belong. You see, they not only represent what NBA owners should be, but also the exact opposite of what Howard Schultz and Clay Bennett are. 

Paul Allen, who owns the Portland Trailblazers, stepped in to rescue the Seahawks franchise under similar circumstances a decade ago. He recognized how important professional sports were to Seattle folks, and dug his heels into the ground to make the team more profitable. It wasn't a victory that was won overnight. But what I can say is that Paul Allen fought the battle, and won. If you need any proof , look at the Seahawks record these past few seasons. Howard Schultz, on the other hand? He saw the fight, and ran from it. 

It almost makes sense. Howard Schultz isn't from Seattle, he's a New Yorker. But Paul Allen, he grew up with the Space Needle in the distance. He went to the same high school as I did. He's a Seattle guy, born and bred. That's why Allen saved the Seahawks. He probably spent Thanksgivings watching the team with his cousins, like I did. But Howard Schultz? He didn't grow up on Sonics basketball, and he didn't care to fight the good fight. 

And as the Sonics are poised to move, all I can really ask for is for Howard Schultz to move with them. He doesn't belong in Seattle, he proved that himself. 

NBA Votes. Bennett Wins.

NBA Commissioner David Stern

The NBA relocation committee met today, and held their official vote concerning the move of the historic Sonics franchise from its native Seattle to an undisclosed location in the state Oklahoma. The committee's decision wasn't a favorable one for Sonics fans. 28 members to 2 voted that Clay Bennett was within his grounds to move the franchise to his home state. 

So where do things stand? The NBA has given Bennett their blessing to move the team. Should Key Arena allow the Sonics out of their lease, they could be playing in Oklahoma as early as this fall. Nevermind the thousands of Sonics fans in Seattle left heartbroken. No, much better to please the non-existent fans in Oklahoma, a state that has not had a successful professional sports team in decades. 

Gov. Gregoire Gets Involved

Gov. Christine Gregoire

King County Executive Ron Sims

Gov. Christine Gregoire, who rose to prominence back in 2004 amid some controversy against opponent Dino Rossi, has decided to back Howard Schultz's lawsuit as well. This comes as a surprise to many, who assumed that Gregoire, like many Seattle politicians, wouldn't fight for the franchise said to have little "worth" in a liberal, outdoorsy city like Seattle. The past two days have witnessed many prominent Seattle politicians, including King County Executive Ron Sims, stepping forward in support of the team, all of them asking the NBA to halt their vote for the team's relocation. 

Here is my question to you: do you think the last minute support in earnest, or merely an attempt for local politicians to capitalize on a good PR opportunity? While I'm not upset at their support, and am certain it will only help our cause, I can't help but think that it might be too little too late. Had they opposed the relocation from the get-go, perhaps we would find ourselves with a new arena and happy fans.

Mayor Greg Nickels seems to agree with me. He responded, saying that "Words are one thing, action is another", in reference to the lack of support Gregoire showed in renovating Key Arena in the fall. 

Senator Patty Murray Goes to Bat

Senator Patty Murray, who has enjoyed a pretty consistent level of popularity with the voters throughout her tenure in office, really fought hard for the Sonics today. Murray wrote a letter to David Stern, the current NBA Commissioner. Her argument is essentially the same as Howard Schultz's, that Clay Bennett was misleading and manipulative in his motives to purchase the franchise. She also brings up another point, one which might resonate more with the NBA: allowing Bennett to move the team on false grounds will "set a damaging precedent for the NBA". With comparisons already being drawn between the Sonics and other franchises moved against the will of the people (think Sacramento Kings from Kansas), Murray brings up a valid point.

In all honesty, though, is it really fair to start pointing the finger at Clay Bennett. Sure, I'm just as upset as any other Sonics fan, but I think we were all well aware that his intent was to move the team. This isn't a sudden revelation, and while the recent emails may give us the factual proof that Bennett is in breach of his contract, I think in our heart of hearts, we know that Bennett never mislead us the way Howard Schultz did. 

Interesting Poll

Percy Allen wrote a wonderful article outlining Seattle fans' feelings on Sunday night. You see, the team closed its 2007-2008 season. While many fans would usually retreat to warmer pastures, or Mariners games at Safeco Field, this season is an extremely important one for Seattle basketball fans. You see, it represents what could be the Sonics's final season in Seattle. While both the City of Seattle and Howard Schultz are seeking legal action against the team's move, as it stands, the Sonics may never play in Seattle again. Here is how Sonics fans responded with that news:

4% with BARGAINING

6% with DENIAL

10% with DEPRESSION

33% with ACCEPTANCE/HOPE

47% with ANGER

We'll see if attitudes shift after hearing news of Schultz's lawsuit, but here is a question that I feel hasn't been asked enough:

If the Sonics moved to Oklahoma or Las Vegas, would you remain a loyal fan?

Schultz Steps Up to the Plate!

Front page news this morning on The Seattle Times. It's pretty hard to believe, but Howard Schultz (yes, the selfish CEO of Starbucks) is now in talks with his legal team to sue Clay Bennett, current owner of the Sonics, in the next two weeks. The lawsuit alleges that when the team was sold, it was on the unofficial grounds that the team would remain in Seattle. According to Schultz's lawyer, the "damages that are being sought is to rescind, unwind the transaction". While I'm not sure if that is necessarily true, it's nice to see Schultz, or at least his PR team, is listening to his publics.

Schultz does have some possible ammunition in reserve for the case. In the lawsuit that the City of Seattle has brought against Bennett, really damaging emails have been made public knowledge. The emails demonstrate the intent the move the the team away after Seattle immediately its sale. While I'm sure Schultz must have had some idea this would happen, it appears to be in violation of the sale agreement. Will it be enough to keep the Sonics in Seattle? We will see. Until then, for the time being, keep enjoying Starbucks products.

Yakima Nation Closes Doors for CBA Team

Folks, it's a sad day for not just Yakima basketball fans, but all sports fans who call Washington state their home. The CBA (Continental Basketball Association) team based in Yakima, The Sun Kings, shut down operations yesterday. The team was purchased by the Yakama Indian Nation a few years back for the relatively low price of $140,000. And it's not like the team hasn't been successful. The Sun Kings won back to back league championships in 2005 and 2006, and set the record for highest season win percentage this past year. That said, the team still wasn't making money.

The situation in Yakima parallels the Sonics for a variety of reason. First, it reflects the increasingly popular attitude that professional sports are not welcome in the liberal, outdoorsy communities in the North West. Second, the Sun Kings are in breach of their three year commitment to the city of Yakima, much the same the Sonics would be should they leave Key Arena. Lastly, it is another situation where money is the ultimate bottom line, regardless what is best for the community.

Virgil Lewis was one of the members of the tribe council who was in support of purchasing the team. By refusing the support the closing, he was voted off the council. He had this to team: "This is a real slap in the face to the Yakima community". Let's hope this isn't foreshadowing to Seattle's future...

Beautiful Yakima River

Running Out of Time

The state isn't backing up the wishes of its largest city. A caption under a recent Seattle Times article picturing Governor Christine Gregoire reads "Gov. Gregoire wants more time to ponder proposal". More time is something that Seattle fans just don't have. With an NBA meeting with Clay Bennett right around the corner, the proposed move of the Sonics is more imminent and possible than ever before. At this time, I can't help but think...

I can't help but think that all of this was avoidable had Schultz given the Sonics the same level of commitment he gave his coffee. I can't help but think that Schultz could have taken the time to solicit Seattle-based buyers when selling the time, as he clearly expressed a desire for the Sonics to remain a Seattle franchise. I can't help but think that Bennett isn't really looking out for the team or its fans, but his pocketbook. That said, he never represented himself as anything but a cunning businessman. Schultz did. Schultz was someone that Seattle fans were told to trust, told to put our faith in. After all, he gave us his word. The NBA will meet, the Sonics may be granted the opportunity to leave our city, and someone will be at fault. The city could have done more, Bennett could have done more, but ultimately, this mess really started with Howard Schultz. I hope all Sonics fans remember that the next time they go to Starbucks.

Gregoire Drops The Ball...

Gov. Christine Gregoire, who rose to the office of Governor with some scrutiny in her race against Dino Rossi, really dropped the ball this week. She had the chance to win over a lot of her skeptics, to win over the people who felt she hadn't deserved to win her 2oo4 election. Instead, she choose to not act on the deal proposed to hear, a dream deal in which 4 men would step up and prove $150 million for a renovation. It'd be one thing if she was merely the voice for all of Washington's governmental figures, but that simply is not the case.

Steve Kelley, a writer over at The Seattle Times, has always written in support of keeping the Sonics in Seattle. Today is no different. But while the past weeks have been somewhat optimistic, his column today is almost morose. He writes about Deputy Mayor Tom Ceis' disappointment over the failure to act on such a fantastic proposal. And while Ceis is adamant that the issue isn't dead, and that the City of Seattle will try to re-negotiate with the investment group as far as deadlines for their offer, he is aware that it's an uphill battle. "It's going to be hard. There's no rabbit out of the hat yet". It's only going to get harder.

Ballmer & Co. to Gregoire...

Here is a link to a PDF copy of Steve Ballmer, John Stanton, Matt Griffin and Jim Sinegal's letter to Gov. Christine Gregoire. 

Ballmer & Co to Gregoire 

The letter details Ballmer's opinion on the need for professional sports in Seattle. Additionally, he discusses how Key Arena renovations would help revitalize all of downtown Seattle, not solely the Sonics. He also gives the reasoning behind the April 10th expiration date the investment group has imposed, which I have to say makes sense. Here's a summary...

The group is willing to come up with $150 million, while the state Legislature needs to only front $75 million. This group is being incredibly generous, and even propose that another NBA franchise could be secured if Bennett indeed relocates the Sonics. That said, they make it clear that they want the Sonics to stay in Seattle. With the NBA meeting right around the corner, the expiration date gives the state something to truly consider, not sweep under the rug. Let's hope they give it some thought...

The Shot Clock Is Ticking!

Mayor Greg Nickels

Jim Brunner and Ralph Thomas, reporters for the Seattle Times, are reporting today that Steve Ballmer's generous offer may have a time limit. The bad news for Seattle fans is that state Legislature will close the book for its present session on Thursday, so any change on a state level will have to happen pretty damn quick. Gov. Christine Gregoire doesn't really seem to understand the urgency...

She was quoted as saying that this issue has been presented too late for consideration at this time, and if such a time limit has indeed been placed on the offer, the City of Seattle will have to step up and "front" the remaining funds needed for renovation.

The official statement from Ballmer and friends reads that if their offer isn't accepted by April 10th, they "will need to go back to our other responsibilities and our offer will expire". I sincerely hope that Seattle leaders will recognize the immediacy to such a situation, especially after Mayor Nickels recent announcement. Even if Bennett is unwilling to sell the franchise, Key Arena renovations will be needed for any other franchise to move to Seattle anyway. The renovations are needed for professional sports to thrive in Seattle, Sonics or not.

Information on New Investors

Jim Sinegal, CEO of Costco

A True Seattleite, Matt Griffin

The Seattle Times has revealed the identities of the prospective Key Arena renovation investors. In addition to Steve Ballmer (Microsoft) and John Stanton (Western Wireless), Matt Griffin and Jim Sinegal have been named as the final two members of the 4-person investment group.

Seattle residents may recognize Matt Griffin's name as the managing partner for the Pine Street Group, LLC. Simply put, he is a real estate developer responsible for transforming downtown Seattle into what was recently ranked one of the world's best skylines. Some buildings in particular that he had a role in developing include the Washington Mutual Tower, a favorite of many residents for its unique architecture, and the Wells Fargo Center. Developing real estate for big corporations equals big bucks, money that Griffin sees as a potential life saver for the Sonics.

Jim Sinegal's name might not be quite so familiar, but he is the very successful CEO behind Costco. He was ranked in the Top 100 most influential people in the 2006 list published by Time Magazine. Sinegal has also been praised for his relatively low salary as a corporate CEO, making around $550,000 as his base salary (not including long term incentives, etc.). In any case, it's good to see a CEO taking a more responsible salary for the benefit of his company and employees. If Sinegal, who makes only reportedly $550,000 per year, can afford to contribute to the $150 million dollar effort, why was Schultz unable to commit more than $10 million? That's a question I'd really like you to answer Howie. Please feel free to comment at your earliest convenience.

- Joe Sonics

Ballmer & Stanton Confirmed by Mayor!

John Stanton & Steve Ballmer

Sonics fans can really start getting excited, as today Mayor Greg Nickels confirmed that a prospective deal is in the works for Steve Ballmer and John Stanton to provide the bulk of renovation funds for Key Arena. Their generosity is a huge step towards keeping the team in Seattle. That said, current owner Clay Bennett has made it clear that he is not planning on selling the team, regardless of interest and sizable offers from other investors. Here is where the problem could lie.

Bennett could come out on top, with Ballmer and Stanton providing the renovation funds, but Bennett retaining ownership of the team. This is unlikely, as Ballmer and Stanton are really only interested in renovating Key Arena if they have a financial stake in the team that plays there. If Bennett is unwilling to contribute financially, it's understandable why Ballmer and Stanton wouldn't want his team to play in their arena. That understood, there are really two options that I can foresee happening with the current deal on the table.

1) Bennett decides to sell the Sonics to Stanton and Ballmer, and Seattle fans are happy campers.

2) Bennett retains ownership of the Sonics, moving the team out of state. As a result, Stanton and Ballmer move to acquire another franchise.

I think I'm with most Seattle fans when I say that option 2 is less than ideal, because this issue is less about having a professional sports franchise, and more about having the Sonics stay where they belong.

Sonics Fans Show Big Turn Out at State Capital!

One of the primary reasons why there is even the push for the Sonics to find a new home is that many think the current home is not up to part. In another words, Key Arena either needs renovations, or a new arena must be built from scratch to house the Sonics. When Howard Schultz only offered to put up $10 million of the needed $300 + million, the City of Seattle said no. Don't get me wrong. I can't blame them.

The Sonics are a privately owned sports team, and while they do benefit the city in a variety of ways, they are ultimately not community property. And despite many fans desire to make the team publicly owned like the Green Bay Packers, it's really not likely to happen. I think it is unrealistic for Schultz to expect the City of Seattle to tax residents $290 million in order to renovate a stadium. What is currently being proposed is much more realistic, and is the best chance of keeping the Sonics in Seattle.

Here is what is being proposed, and how you can help. Steve Ballmer and John Stanton, who have made fortunes in software and Wireless technologies, have offered to fund the renovations for $150 million each out of their pockets. This provides $300 million dollars out of the projected $375 million budget for the renovation. I personally feel like $75 million is a lot more reasonable request of the city council's contribution than $290 million, and they seem to be in agreement.

Representative Roger Goodman, a Democrat from Kirkland, WA, announced to a large crowd of fans rallying outside of the state capital that "multimillions of dollars" is the likely contribution the city is willing to make for the renovations. The money would come from taxes targeting only Seattle, and not Washington state as a whole, likely from restaurant and car rental taxes. What can you do? Support the proposal when the deal is on the table. The bad news? Nothing is likely to be proposed until next year, and Bennett has his meeting with the NBA right around the corner. Stay tuned!

For More Information:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sonics/2004270313_sonics09m.html

Exciting News Folks!

Big news this week for all Sonics fans out there. While I'm not sure if my blog played any role in the one week that we've been active, one of our initial goals may be coming true already. The Seattle Times is reporting that Steve Ballmer and John Stanton are possibly in the works of buying the team. Not only is this a huge step towards keeping the franchise Seattle-owned, but the new owners have already laid out their proposition of providing half the renovation of Key Arena, which is projected at $300 million. 

Ballmer, in case people are not already familiar with his YouTube rants, is the eccentric an excitable CEO of Microsoft, based just outside of Seattle in Redmond. He is an avid sports fan and has expressed an interest in the past about owning a franchise. It seems he's taking a listen to fans and citizens of Seattle by stepping up to the plate and saving the team. Which brings me to this question:

Why is Microsoft criticized for being unethical, when its CEO and owners have a long history of philanthropy and doing the "right thing", often at their financial expense. Last week, I posed a question to Howard Schultz. Simply, how am I supposed to trust your word when you've abused our trust in the past? Say what you want about Ballmer and his antics, but there is a man that I would trust. 

Oh To Be A Public Figure...

Howard, you really like to appear larger than life don't you? I've taken the following quote from Schultz's "Transformation Agenda Communication #8". This information is available freely on the Starbucks website. It's basically Shultz's opportunity to hop onto the soapbox and become the rockstar frontman for his company. It's not a bad idea for Schultz to address his consumers directly, and I would never attack him for only that. In fact, I'm a huge fan of his "Agendas" because they provide me with ample material by which I can disprove Shultz as the infallible leader he wants us to buy into. I quote:

"We are Starbucks. We should be incredibly proud of what we have built... Believe me when I tell you, we are just getting started. We will overcome the difficult and humbling challenges we fact, and will be stronger for it. You have my word on that."

Now, let us compare Schultz's recent Starbucks post with some choice words he gave during a fan interview after purchasing the team in 2001.

"I'd like to speak to our Seattle-based fans and our community... From my heart, we believe very strongly that we have to earn our fans' love and respect... You have to do that by playing hard and giving back to the community. I think we've made significant leaps, and we've brought back great Sonics basketball to Seattle. And I think we'll make Seattle fans very proud."

Schultz's decision to sell the team not only contradicts his attempt to lure Sonics fans into his web in 2001, but also his recent Starbucks Agenda. Selling the team isn't in line with overcoming "the difficult and humbling challenges", and it certainly isn't going to earn the love and respect of Seattle Sonics fans. In my opinion, you care little about the Sonics, or even great coffee. You have one love, and that is money. Money is at the root of all your decisions, and when it didn't make perfect financial sense to keep the team, you jumped ship. You didn't overcome the challenges, you ran away from them. How do you explain the disparity between what you say you'll do, and what you actually follow through on? I'd love to hear from your side, because as of right now, I'm having trouble taking your "word". Feel free to post a comment below, Howard.

This Is Our Team.

For those unfamiliar with Seattle sports news, the Seattle Sonics are in jeopardy of leaving the city that supported them through national championships and disastrous seasons alike. As you can imagine, this has Seattle sports fans upset and angry, not only because there is a solid chance the team will leave the Jet City, but because of the various lies and misleadings surrounding the sale and pending move. As this is my first blog post, I want to clearly state what I am trying to accomplish with this blog. My mission is two-fold. First, expose Howard Schultz as the disloyal and greedy Seattleite and businessman that he is. Second, keep the Sonics in Seattle.

While the latter seems simple, the first task should prove easier as Schultz has made himself an easy target with his misleading press releases and hypercritical actions. The latter task, on the other hand, requires that I convince Clay Bennett, current majority owner of the Sonics, to sell the team, while simultaneously motivating Seattle area businessmen and moguls to purchase the team. It seems preposterous given Bennett's candid desire to move the team, but the mission is not without precedent. In 1997 Seattle native Paul Allen purchased the Seattle Seahawks, the local NFL organization, when the previous owner threatened to move the team out of state.

Seattle has many reputations. Liberal, outdoorsy, rainy and suicidal are all words I've heard quite often when discussing my hometown. One word, however, is usually left out of the conversation, although I find it to be the best descriptor of Seattleites: loyal. This is our team, our city, and we don't intend on going down without a fight. Stay tuned for Round 2, when the gloves come off.

- Joe Sonics