Gov. Chris Gregoires office just released a letter being sent today to the National Basketball Association and the owners of all of its member teams asking that a vote on moving the Seattle SuperSonics be removed from their meeting agenda Friday.
The letter was signed by Gregoire, House Speaker Frank Chopp, D-Seattle, Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, D-Spokane, King County Executive Ron Sims and Seattle City Council President Richard Conlin.
The letter argues moving the Sonics would hurt the league.
Besides being a gateway to Asia, we are convinced that the Seattle market is much stronger and more beneficial to the league than the proposed Oklahoma City market or several markets that are currently in the league, it read.
It also mentioned the Sonics' current and unexpired lease to play at KeyArena and the disclosure of e-mail between members of the Sonics ownership group that cast doubts on their interest in ever keeping the team in Seattle to begin with.
These factors lead to the very strong conclusion that any move of the team away from Seattle would be a breach of faith with the fans, breach of contract with the previous owners, a violation of he lease with the city and contrary to the leagues stated intentions regarding franchise relocation, the letter read.
Similar stories:
It's time for Seattle to forgive David Stern
It's time for Seattle to forgive David Stern
Commissioner David Stern says he is open to returning the NBA to Seattle.
City of Seattle works to bring NBA back
City of Seattle works to bring NBA back
SEATTLE -- The city of Seattle has been working behind the scenes the past eight months with a hedge-fund manager to bring an NBA team back to town -- possibly as early as next fall if the Sacramento Kings fail to get a satisfactory deal for a new arena, newly released documents show.
The city turned over the documents to The Seattle Times on Friday under a public records request (http://is.gd/PyQ06N ).
The documents included the agenda for a meeting between the parties on Dec. 13, with topics including "Review of Basic Deal Structure," "City Debt Capacity" and "Financing Issues."
Documents: Seattle working to bring NBA back
Documents: Seattle working to bring NBA back
The city of Seattle has been working behind the scenes for the past eight months with a wealthy hedge-fund manager to bring an NBA team back to town - possibly as early as next fall if the Sacramento Kings fail to get a satisfactory deal for a new arena, newly released documents show.
Can Puget Sound marry both NHL and NBA?
Can Puget Sound marry both NHL and NBA?
TACOMA -- Traction is gaining for an arena that will ensure the return of the NBA to Seattle.
It's possible an NHL team could serve as a co-tenant.
As somebody who writes about sports for a living -- and is really, really tired of Peyton Manning, whose health issues have become a pain in the neck for both of us -- I believe the influx of two winter-sports franchises into the region is very good news. But I also understand if you're skeptical.
With Super Bowl over, NFL's focus returns to that other Manning
With Super Bowl over, NFL's focus returns to that other Manning
Next to his senior picture at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, a young Peyton Manning listed the typical cryptic acknowledgments and farewell shout-outs to friends, teachers, coaches and family. He also included this tidbit:
Print
Email Story
