Seattle files lawsuit against SuperSonics'

[HOOT]

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baske...t_N.htm?csp=34

The lawsuit was filed in King County Superior Court just a few days after new Sonics chairman Clay Bennett issued a demand for arbitration, seeking to buy out the remainder of the team's lease unless an agreement on a new arena is reached by the end of next month. The complaint asks that a judge force the Sonics to stay through the end of the lease, in 2010.

This would just prolong the move if Seattle wins this case and the team does stay til 2010 you would have to assume the Owner would be out 2011.

[604flames]

This has been a really up-and-down story..

Even though Clay Bennett reminds me a LOT of the Mike Heisley episode here in Vancouver, by which I mean he is allegedly saying one thing and intending another, I don't think Seattle will let this team go without a fight.

Also, there had been talk of the Sonics trying to set up an arena in one of the suburbs, Renton and Bellevue being the two names I've heard, but with Seattle taxpayers having paid for both Safeco and Qwest Fields in the last ten years one has to wonder how reluctant they might be to having to fund another new building. That said, the Golden State Warriors still play in the old (albeit completely re-done) Oakland Coliseum, where the California Seals used to play.

Long story short, the Sonics have a rich history in Seattle, they celebrated their 40th anniversary last season, and it would really suck if they went to a town like OKC, who, despite supporting the Hornets for two years, have significant long-term support concerns. Plus, then I'd have to drive all the way to Portland to see the Jazz play..

[Flames in 07]

I would like to see a stadium be figured out in Seattle, that would also be the day that they would move to the number 1 or 2 hole for a new or relocated NHL team.

[HOOT]

Originally Posted by 604flames

This has been a really up-and-down story..

Even though Clay Bennett reminds me a LOT of the Mike Heisley episode here in Vancouver, by which I mean he is allegedly saying one thing and intending another, I don't think Seattle will let this team go without a fight.

Also, there had been talk of the Sonics trying to set up an arena in one of the suburbs, Renton and Bellevue being the two names I've heard, but with Seattle taxpayers having paid for both Safeco and Qwest Fields in the last ten years one has to wonder how reluctant they might be to having to fund another new building. That said, the Golden State Warriors still play in the old (albeit completely re-done) Oakland Coliseum, where the California Seals used to play.

Long story short, the Sonics have a rich history in Seattle, they celebrated their 40th anniversary last season, and it would really suck if they went to a town like OKC, who, despite supporting the Hornets for two years, have significant long-term support concerns. Plus, then I'd have to drive all the way to Portland to see the Jazz play..

I have heard many of the Indian Tribes down there are bidding to get an arena attached to their casinos to help fund it. The same people that own the Emerald Down Casino and Horse Track were the last I heard that want to foot the bill, but of course only if people can gamble in there!

[604flames]

That article also talks about the team's lack of success over the past few years.. Even though the Supes play in the second-worst division in basketball (sorry Raptors fans, but the Atlantic Division is WEEEAK), they've only had one 50-win season since their run to the Finals in '96 (albeit for the first half of that run they had to deal with the Lakers, Kings and Blazers in their division). One has to wonder whether things will get any better this year, with the departure of both Rashard Lewis (bad signing by Orlando however) and Ray Allen..

EDIT: read their season-by season record wrong.. only 1 50-win season since '98.