Thanx for your support but what you need to understand is its not base on what the fans wants. If its up to the fans, we would still have the Sonics. We lost the team not because we don't have enough fan support but because the city, the owners, and the commissioner all decided for the fans that its time to relocate the team. Its proven in this case that the fans don't have a say in this matter, but once again, thanx for your support.
Seattle fans may deserve a team, but Oklahoma City proved that their fans are worthy of a team too. Since the city of Seattle wasn't really cooperating with the stadium and everything, I think its fair.
Paolo, if you don't know, don't speak! Ignorance will always come out.
Facts are facts. The owner wanted upgrades to the arena in order to keep the Sonics there. The city didn't want to do it with taxpayer money. They never budged and the owner never budged. Hence the team is leaving for another city who's willing to put up the funds to bring them.
Guess what? Once in OKC, the team will develop new fans who will actually pay to attend games and support the team. If Seattle fans were so gung ho about keeping their team, they would have done something about it. Can't cry after the facts are in... This didn't happen overnight... it's been a lengthy process.
Fans always get the shaft because owners know there will always be new fans somewhere else.
Boltnut, as you would say if you don't know, don't speak!
Your facts you gave don't really tell the tale....The owner didn't want upgrades to the arena, he wanted a new 500 million dollar arena....Clay Bennett offered to pay about a thousand dollars of that and wanted the city to pay for the rest. I could go on and on giving you facts and talking about the situation, but as I've learned in talking with other OKC fans their is no point. It's good to know that you can still spit B.S. under oath now and days though....Roger Clemens and Clay Bennett should hang out.
You know, the guy who tried (and failed) to get the city and state to build him a new arena or renovate Key. The guy who announced he would have to sell the team (and still the city, state and taxpayers said no.) The guy who sold the team to a group of millionaires from Oklahoma City (by the way, a city KNOWN ACROSS THE COUNTRY as a city looking for a pro franchise.) The guy who now claims he had no idea that Clay would want to move the team. The guy who didn't/couldn't find local Seattle ownership until AFTER the team was sold and moving.
Thanks Sooner. That guy you described, but also...
Having a team is not a right... it's a priveledge. Taxpayers do foot the bill for arenas and stadiums. It's not uncommon so I don't get it when fans clammor about owners asking for it. Either say "yes" or "no" but after you say no, don't cry when the owner goes to plan B.
The good people of San Diego relunctantly paid up for my Padres when other cities came a calling. we're in a fight to keep the Chargers. I know how you feel... the Clippers left town 2 decades ago.