FOX Sports on MSN - NBA - Report: Sonics would leave name in Seattle
Quote:
You can take the Sonics out of Seattle, but if you do, they won't be the Sonics anymore.
Sonics chairman Clay Bennett told team sponsors at a function in Santa Monica, Calif. on Friday that he wants to negotiate a deal where the city retains everything about the franchise except it's players and coaches, according to a report Tuesday in the Seattle Times.
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Anyone got some recommendations for the team in Oklahoma City?
How 'bout the "Whogivesa[censored]s"?
I must admit that I hear a fair amount about this since I live in the PNW. The whole gamut of emotions has been evident on radio shows. I do have to admit though that I don't understand the rationale on the part of David Stern in supporting this change of venue. Yes, I realize that OKC was quite hospitable to the Hornets and such; however, there are two major differences (among others) between Seattle and OKC:
1) 6,000,000 people in Seattle v. 500,000 in OKC.
2) Seattle is a top 15 media market in the nation whereas I don't think OKC registers.
The facilities are going to have sales tax ties, and I just don't see how a city of such a small populace is going to afford it.
I would reckon that if moving the Sonics out of Seattle gets Bennett out of there; then maybe there will be a chance for a management group to come in, use the name, and field a competitive team that wants to be there.
