Sonics owner also asshole to players

[Bob Lanier]

As part of the deposition for the upcoming trial between the city of Seattle and the Sonics' ownership group over the team's KeyArena lease, it has come to light that Sonics owner Clay Bennett has little sympathy for the players who do not want to leave Seattle, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer is reporting.

In an e-mail to Oklahoma-based public relations consultant Brent Gooden after hearing some of the Sonics players were upset about the prospect of moving the franchise to Oklahoma City, Bennett responded by writing, "Boo hoo (http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/basketball/364678_arena27.html?source=rss)," according to a line of questioning by city of Seattle attorney Jeff Johnson.
Then there's an e-mail from minority partner Aubrey McClendon to Bennett after McClendon was quoted in the Oklahoma Journal Record as saying the group never intended to keep the team in Seattle.

"Oh no. Just read this," McClendon wrote. "Have I caused a problem for you. I am so sorry. The truth is we did buy it with the hope of moving to Oklahoma City."

Not that anyone would actually want to play in Oklahoma City to begin with, but this can't help his reputation as a negotiator.

[PacerFan]

Maybe not, but again, the reason there will not be an NBA team in Seattle is because of Seattle, not Bennett. This all seems like semantics.

[Bob Lanier]

I must have missed where Seattle banned professional basketball from the city.

An attempt at extortion does not confer agency on the extortee.

This all seems like semantics.
What does this mean, really?

[PacerFan]

Bullshit. If the Seattle took care of the Sonics like they did the Mariners or Seahawks they would be there. Their arena deal is BY FAR the worst in the NBA and their are very few luxury suites. With that combo they are hurt big time with their revenue potential. Bills for a new Arena and better deal (similar to Seahawks and Mariners) were on the ballot several times, and each time the votes said no. Like I said, this is on Seattle, not Clay Bennett.

Oh, and any time you need help with the meaning of the word dictionary.com is a powerful tool.

[Bob Lanier]

took care of
Extortion. Cities should NEVER pay for sports teams; it is ALWAYS a drain financially.

The Sonics ownership groups both had a choice; it is not incumbent upon them to maximise their profit.

Oh, and any time you need help with the meaning of the word dictionary.com is a powerful tool.
Doesn't do much for a meaningless sentence; sorry.

[PacerFan]

Extortion. Cities should NEVER pay for sports teams; it is ALWAYS a drain financially.

The Sonics ownership groups both had a choice; it is not incumbent upon them to maximise their profit.


Call it whatever you like. It happens all over the place and the city had a decision to make. They made their bead now they have to sleep in it. Whether or not Clay Bennett is an asshole or not doesn't change the fact it is Seattle's own fault they will not have an NBA team.

Doesn't do much for a meaningless sentence; sorry.


Then why ask? Is using rhetorical questions on a message board cool now? I must have missed that memo.

[ChumpDumper]

Seattle will end up paying more to get another team. The new owner will get everything Bennett wanted and more.

[PacerFan]

Call it whatever you like. It happens all over the place and the city had a decision to make. They made their bead now they have to sleep in it. Whether or not Clay Bennett is an asshole or not doesn't change the fact it is Seattle's own fault they will not have an NBA team.

[TDMVPDPOY]

i like what clay bennett is doing, his putting himself in the position of what a real owner does when there backs are up against the wall....fuck the employees and sonicsfans, i take my business somewhere else where its appreciated, my money

[Bob Lanier]

Then why ask? Is using rhetorical questions on a message board cool now? I must have missed that memo.
What are you talking about?

[ancestron]

people who live in seattle are dicks. Its kinda like the price you pay for living with such great scenery.

[greenroom]

Extortion. Cities should NEVER pay for sports teams; it is ALWAYS a drain financially.

The Sonics ownership groups both had a choice; it is not incumbent upon them to maximise their profit.

You have no idea on what you are saying. If a City has a sports team, you do not think that they make any $$$ off of it??? You are crazy if you think that they do not. That is why every league team trips over it self to get the All Star games, to be in the playoffs. SO since the City is also making $$ then yes they should also help pay for the stadium.

And once the staduim is built let me see that City will have concerts, expos possibly other minor league sports teams move into that building. So the City of Seattle should be expected to help pay for that stadium.

And lets be honest the previous owner was having issues getting it built. Everyone knew that when Bennett and his ownership took over Seattle that the team would be moving to OKC. Who does deserve a shot to have a NBA team after the way they supported the Hornets.