Yeah, this is getting pretty ugly...
Not that the HQ is surprised...
Embattled Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling has apparently hired four private investigator firms for the next 30 days to dig up dirt on his currently-fellow owners. They have six-figure budgets to dig up as much stuff as they can find on the owners, David Stern, and current commissioner Adam Silver.
It's all part of the billion-dollar case Sterling has against the NBA since they didn't pull back on their $2.5-million fine and lifetime ban around NBA events.
Los Angeles Local News | FOX 11 LA KTTV
The next 30 days are a test for the four firms to see if any of them get to hang around after their first round of dirt-digging to keep digging dirt once Sterling gets to see what they got.
Showing posts with label David Stern. Show all posts
Showing posts with label David Stern. Show all posts
Friday, June 13, 2014
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Donald Sterling's Past Is Condensed
((HT: ESPN))
It started when Donald Sterling tried channeling his inner Al Davis when he bought the San Diego Clippers and wanted to move them to Los Angeles. He did and didn't care what the NBA thought then or now...
He had a history of not investing, openly expressed the desire to tank to improve his draft position, and apparently fawning over his athletes. And that's just on the court...
The businessman and his wife, Shelly, were just as ruthless off the court with the business dealings- lawsuits and public perceptions be damned...
Here's John Barr's short version of "Outside The Lines" accumulation of the Sterlings transgressions that were either unchecked, ignored, or both by the league that enabled his behavior- until just recently...
The Mike Fish story is a good read as to how when someone is allowed to run unfettered in hos thought patters and values, the 2014 version of Donald Sterling is allowed to happen...
It started when Donald Sterling tried channeling his inner Al Davis when he bought the San Diego Clippers and wanted to move them to Los Angeles. He did and didn't care what the NBA thought then or now...
He had a history of not investing, openly expressed the desire to tank to improve his draft position, and apparently fawning over his athletes. And that's just on the court...
The businessman and his wife, Shelly, were just as ruthless off the court with the business dealings- lawsuits and public perceptions be damned...
Here's John Barr's short version of "Outside The Lines" accumulation of the Sterlings transgressions that were either unchecked, ignored, or both by the league that enabled his behavior- until just recently...
The Mike Fish story is a good read as to how when someone is allowed to run unfettered in hos thought patters and values, the 2014 version of Donald Sterling is allowed to happen...
Thursday, January 30, 2014
David Stern Gives One Last "Top 10" List
((HT: NBA/Worldwide Pants))
David Stern retires after 30 years as NBA Commissioner Saturday, so as is the want of David Letterman occasionally, Stern is a guest for "Top Ten" segments...
Last night, it was one more for the road...
David Stern retires after 30 years as NBA Commissioner Saturday, so as is the want of David Letterman occasionally, Stern is a guest for "Top Ten" segments...
Last night, it was one more for the road...
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Dennnis Rodman > Fran McCaffrey On The Nutty Scale
((HT: CNN))
And we have Chris Cuomo to "thank..." (?)
Rodman and a handful of NBA'ers are over in North Korea playing some exhibitions to further his idea of basketball diplomacy...
But Cuomo went there...
Asking Rodman about North Korean policy- which is like asking the HQ about nuclear physics- and Rodman went off to the googleplexed degree on live television...
Just watch his fellow players look at Dennis as he explodes...
Safe to say, the HQ thinks they all want to go home...
But, to continue the riff, Wolf Blitzer actually interviewed NBA Commissioner David Stern- which is a tremendous follow-up notion...
"Dennis will be Dennis, but I think there is a lot at stake here in terms of a ... a very dangerous country..."
There's that...
And we have Chris Cuomo to "thank..." (?)
Rodman and a handful of NBA'ers are over in North Korea playing some exhibitions to further his idea of basketball diplomacy...
But Cuomo went there...
Asking Rodman about North Korean policy- which is like asking the HQ about nuclear physics- and Rodman went off to the googleplexed degree on live television...
Just watch his fellow players look at Dennis as he explodes...
Safe to say, the HQ thinks they all want to go home...
But, to continue the riff, Wolf Blitzer actually interviewed NBA Commissioner David Stern- which is a tremendous follow-up notion...
"Dennis will be Dennis, but I think there is a lot at stake here in terms of a ... a very dangerous country..."
There's that...
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Report: Celtics/Clippers Trade for Doc Rivers is on (UPDATED)
((ht: espn.com))
**UPDATED**--Monday afternoon. It appears the league is giving their blessing to the deal. So it appears you will have a Doc on the sideline at Clipper games. Now the question is "Will this keep Chris Paul in the fold?"
ESPN is reporting the on again/off again trade between the Boson Celtics and LA Clippers is apparently about to be consummated.
Details are still being ironed out, but reports this afternoon say the Clips were offering 2 draft picks.
Update---The compensation appears to be a 2015 1st Round pick. In addition, the Clippers will match the 3-year, $21 million contract Rivers has with Boston.
The interesting part is yet to come: Will David Stern allow it? Stay tuned reader...
Boston discusses...
((HT: CSNNE.com))
There was talk that either Kevin Garnett and/or Paul Pierce would join Rivers in Los Angeles, but any deal involving Garnett is dead. Pierce could be easily amnestied and picked up as an outside, veteran shooter that the Clips could always use...
**UPDATED**--Monday afternoon. It appears the league is giving their blessing to the deal. So it appears you will have a Doc on the sideline at Clipper games. Now the question is "Will this keep Chris Paul in the fold?"
ESPN is reporting the on again/off again trade between the Boson Celtics and LA Clippers is apparently about to be consummated.
Details are still being ironed out, but reports this afternoon say the Clips were offering 2 draft picks.
Update---The compensation appears to be a 2015 1st Round pick. In addition, the Clippers will match the 3-year, $21 million contract Rivers has with Boston.
The interesting part is yet to come: Will David Stern allow it? Stay tuned reader...
Boston discusses...
((HT: CSNNE.com))
There was talk that either Kevin Garnett and/or Paul Pierce would join Rivers in Los Angeles, but any deal involving Garnett is dead. Pierce could be easily amnestied and picked up as an outside, veteran shooter that the Clips could always use...
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Roy Hibbert Docked $75K For Post Game Gay Slur
Nobody will ever really know what possessed Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert to say what he did during a post-game interview after the Pacers Game 6 win over the Miami Heat Saturday night.
But he said it.
For some reason, he responded to a question about defending Heat star LeBron James by saying "No Homo".
And though Hibbert has apologized for saying it, it's not something you can really take back. Even by reaching out to Jason Collins, wasn't going to cut it.
With that in mind, the NBA announced Sunday afternoon Hibbert would get a $75,000 fine.
Yes, NBA Commish David Stern has said he believes Hibbert is sincere in his apologies, he still had to fine him. And he's right.
Hibbert is not the first NBA player...or athlete to say things such as this and whether you like it or not, you just can't say stuff like that.
At some point, homophobic comments are going to cost athletes a game. Quite honestly, Hibbert is somewhat fortunate this one didn't cost him one. With the Heat and Pacers going to a game 7 in their hard-fought East Division finals, there's no way something like this would cost a starter for either team a game.
But eventually it will....
And before you say it, we haven't reported on this up until now. That's why we are posting the video of Saturday nights presser:
But he said it.
For some reason, he responded to a question about defending Heat star LeBron James by saying "No Homo".
And though Hibbert has apologized for saying it, it's not something you can really take back. Even by reaching out to Jason Collins, wasn't going to cut it.
With that in mind, the NBA announced Sunday afternoon Hibbert would get a $75,000 fine.
Yes, NBA Commish David Stern has said he believes Hibbert is sincere in his apologies, he still had to fine him. And he's right.
Hibbert is not the first NBA player...or athlete to say things such as this and whether you like it or not, you just can't say stuff like that.
At some point, homophobic comments are going to cost athletes a game. Quite honestly, Hibbert is somewhat fortunate this one didn't cost him one. With the Heat and Pacers going to a game 7 in their hard-fought East Division finals, there's no way something like this would cost a starter for either team a game.
But eventually it will....
And before you say it, we haven't reported on this up until now. That's why we are posting the video of Saturday nights presser:
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Kings Stay In SacTown, Now What...???
((HT: KING-TV))
Well, if you're Kevin Calabro, the former voice of the Seattle SuperSonics, you think that the town will get a team back by the time the new television contract comes around...
“The Sonics will be coming back, I believe, as an expansion team and I think it will be coming back when the new TV contract is in full swing, which will be the ’15-’16 season,” he said. “It would fall in line with the framework of the MOU, so I’m optimistic.”
Chris Hansen's memorandum of understanding runs for five years... and the vote for moving was 22-8, which included Portland owner Paul Allen in the affirmative...
And, oh... the whole selling to SacTown thing...???
"There is no pressure on us... zero,” George Maloof said.
Here's KING-TV's early returns...
Chris Hansen said on his SonicsArena.com website, obviously, was disappointed, but he's not done:
While we are obviously extremely disappointed with today's relocation vote and truly believe we put forth both a significantly better offer and Arena plan, we do thank the league and the owners for their time and consideration and look forward to hearing back on our agreement to join the Maloofs as Limited Partners in the Kings.
But most of all I would like to thank everyone in Seattle who has been a part of our effort and supported our cause. Words simply can't express how much your support has meant to me personally and to our City. I truly believe we did everything possible to put our best foot forward in this process and you all should be proud and hold your heads high today.
Our day will come...and when it does it will just be that much sweeter for the struggle.
I love you Seattle!
And the SacTown version...
((HT: News10.net))
Mayor KJ says that negotiations will start in earnest around the clock. He thinks a deal could be done in the next two or three days- despite what George Maloof maintains above... Remember, the fans aren't big on the "backdoor" plan that the family had with the Hansen-Ballmer group...
So, we'll see just what direction this goes...
The HQ knows we're far from done...
Well, if you're Kevin Calabro, the former voice of the Seattle SuperSonics, you think that the town will get a team back by the time the new television contract comes around...
“The Sonics will be coming back, I believe, as an expansion team and I think it will be coming back when the new TV contract is in full swing, which will be the ’15-’16 season,” he said. “It would fall in line with the framework of the MOU, so I’m optimistic.”
Chris Hansen's memorandum of understanding runs for five years... and the vote for moving was 22-8, which included Portland owner Paul Allen in the affirmative...
And, oh... the whole selling to SacTown thing...???
"There is no pressure on us... zero,” George Maloof said.
Here's KING-TV's early returns...
Chris Hansen said on his SonicsArena.com website, obviously, was disappointed, but he's not done:
While we are obviously extremely disappointed with today's relocation vote and truly believe we put forth both a significantly better offer and Arena plan, we do thank the league and the owners for their time and consideration and look forward to hearing back on our agreement to join the Maloofs as Limited Partners in the Kings.
But most of all I would like to thank everyone in Seattle who has been a part of our effort and supported our cause. Words simply can't express how much your support has meant to me personally and to our City. I truly believe we did everything possible to put our best foot forward in this process and you all should be proud and hold your heads high today.
Our day will come...and when it does it will just be that much sweeter for the struggle.
I love you Seattle!
And the SacTown version...
((HT: News10.net))
Mayor KJ says that negotiations will start in earnest around the clock. He thinks a deal could be done in the next two or three days- despite what George Maloof maintains above... Remember, the fans aren't big on the "backdoor" plan that the family had with the Hansen-Ballmer group...
So, we'll see just what direction this goes...
The HQ knows we're far from done...
And The Winner Is...Sacramento...Kings Are Staying...
((HT: News10.net/USAToday Sports))
After voting and going behind closed doors at the Hilton Anatole hotel in Dallas, the NBA relocation committee and owners have decided to stay in town with the future with the Sacramento Kings, according to USA Today Sports and their Twitter. The more interesting reaction will be from the Hansen-Ballmer group now as the league and its members move forward.
Will they pack up or will they stay in the fight to bring another team/expansion franchise to the Hansen-Ballmer project...???
There were some other ideas on the table going into their closed door sessions after 4:00 eastern time. Outgoing commissioner David Stern was animated in some talks, even removing his jacket while talking things out with Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, and Wyc Grousbeck of the Boston Celtics in the hall outside the conference room assigned to the league.
Last week, the board's relocation committee voted unanimously, 7-0, to recommend not to approve the relocation of the SacKings to Seattle. The board of governors is expected to vote along the committee's recommendation. And the owners themselves need only a majority to keep the SacKings in town...
The vote for ownership changing is 60-percent approval...
Here's the early morning ideas from Sacramento...
On Tuesday, current owner George Maloof claimed if a minority share of the team was sold to the Chris Hansen-Steve Ballmer group in Seattle, the new partners would work in good faith to try to build a new arena in Sacramento. But, at the same time, a lot of people thought that idea was only a backdoor approach to get a team in Seattle. Hansen-Ballmer would, then, leverage their dollars and be in place if and when the current Sacramento arena idea/talks would not come to fruition. Maloof said Tuesday he has only met prospective SacKings Lead owner Vivek Ranadive once, and still hasn't talked to Sacramento ownership group that Mayor Kevin Johnson has assembled. "If it's only a matter of a few million, that's one thing," Maloof said to News 10. "But if the offers are far apart, it's a different story." Perhaps, that's another reason that Hansen-Ballmer raised their kitty as high as they did and put the whole amount in escrow immediately to show the NBA that they were serious- regardless of dollar figure. But there is a prevailing thought that the lack of interaction between the Hansen-Ballmer group and the league itself is a negative while the city of Sacramento has kept everyone abreast of the situation WITH league interaction... And the HQ knows just how much the league likes to have people jump through their hoops and not go rogue... More when we know more... 1800 UPDATE: Sources, including one owner, are telling the Sacramento Bee's Ailene Voisin and the Seattle Times Bob Condotta
After voting and going behind closed doors at the Hilton Anatole hotel in Dallas, the NBA relocation committee and owners have decided to stay in town with the future with the Sacramento Kings, according to USA Today Sports and their Twitter. The more interesting reaction will be from the Hansen-Ballmer group now as the league and its members move forward.
Will they pack up or will they stay in the fight to bring another team/expansion franchise to the Hansen-Ballmer project...???
There were some other ideas on the table going into their closed door sessions after 4:00 eastern time. Outgoing commissioner David Stern was animated in some talks, even removing his jacket while talking things out with Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, and Wyc Grousbeck of the Boston Celtics in the hall outside the conference room assigned to the league.
Last week, the board's relocation committee voted unanimously, 7-0, to recommend not to approve the relocation of the SacKings to Seattle. The board of governors is expected to vote along the committee's recommendation. And the owners themselves need only a majority to keep the SacKings in town...
The vote for ownership changing is 60-percent approval...
Here's the early morning ideas from Sacramento...
On Tuesday, current owner George Maloof claimed if a minority share of the team was sold to the Chris Hansen-Steve Ballmer group in Seattle, the new partners would work in good faith to try to build a new arena in Sacramento. But, at the same time, a lot of people thought that idea was only a backdoor approach to get a team in Seattle. Hansen-Ballmer would, then, leverage their dollars and be in place if and when the current Sacramento arena idea/talks would not come to fruition. Maloof said Tuesday he has only met prospective SacKings Lead owner Vivek Ranadive once, and still hasn't talked to Sacramento ownership group that Mayor Kevin Johnson has assembled. "If it's only a matter of a few million, that's one thing," Maloof said to News 10. "But if the offers are far apart, it's a different story." Perhaps, that's another reason that Hansen-Ballmer raised their kitty as high as they did and put the whole amount in escrow immediately to show the NBA that they were serious- regardless of dollar figure. But there is a prevailing thought that the lack of interaction between the Hansen-Ballmer group and the league itself is a negative while the city of Sacramento has kept everyone abreast of the situation WITH league interaction... And the HQ knows just how much the league likes to have people jump through their hoops and not go rogue... More when we know more... 1800 UPDATE: Sources, including one owner, are telling the Sacramento Bee's Ailene Voisin and the Seattle Times Bob Condotta
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
SacTown Group Would Forego Revenue Sharing If Kings Stay
((HT: News10.net))
Here's a twist for you... giving up money to keep a team in town...
That's what Vivek Ranadive, one of the lead owners in the proposed Sacramento Kings group that would keep the team in town, is saying they'll do if the Kings get to stay.
The group will turn down revenue sharing dollars from the larger-market groups in exchange for the team's staying- a huge concession...to the tune of $15-million or more... as much as $18-million this season alone.
The idea currently under discussion is that while the Kings play at their current arena, the new owners would take less and less. But when the team moves into their new arena, the revenue sharing moneys would go away completely.
From the Sacramento Bee article with Dale Kasler and Tony Bizjak: The Ranadive group's refusal to take revenue-sharing money is "a bold position on their part," said Irwin Raij, a sports attorney in New York. He said he isn't aware of a team in any pro sports league that has rejected revenue sharing. "They are without a doubt sending a message to everyone (about) their supreme confidence in the market," said Raij, who served on Sacramento's arena task force in 2009. Larry Coon, a University of California, Irvine, economist and expert on the business of the NBA, said the pledge weakens Hansen and Ballmer's case. "It would directly counter one of the main incentives for having a team in Seattle," he said.
Bold... sure...
Folly...??? Maybe, by the time this whole thing is done...
Construction schedules and environmental impacts are set to be discussed over the summer- so construction can, optimistically, begin...
Here's a twist for you... giving up money to keep a team in town...
That's what Vivek Ranadive, one of the lead owners in the proposed Sacramento Kings group that would keep the team in town, is saying they'll do if the Kings get to stay.
The group will turn down revenue sharing dollars from the larger-market groups in exchange for the team's staying- a huge concession...to the tune of $15-million or more... as much as $18-million this season alone.
The idea currently under discussion is that while the Kings play at their current arena, the new owners would take less and less. But when the team moves into their new arena, the revenue sharing moneys would go away completely.
From the Sacramento Bee article with Dale Kasler and Tony Bizjak: The Ranadive group's refusal to take revenue-sharing money is "a bold position on their part," said Irwin Raij, a sports attorney in New York. He said he isn't aware of a team in any pro sports league that has rejected revenue sharing. "They are without a doubt sending a message to everyone (about) their supreme confidence in the market," said Raij, who served on Sacramento's arena task force in 2009. Larry Coon, a University of California, Irvine, economist and expert on the business of the NBA, said the pledge weakens Hansen and Ballmer's case. "It would directly counter one of the main incentives for having a team in Seattle," he said.
Bold... sure...
Folly...??? Maybe, by the time this whole thing is done...
Construction schedules and environmental impacts are set to be discussed over the summer- so construction can, optimistically, begin...
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
DEVELOPING: Chris Hansen Comments, Not Giving Up...
((HT: Sonicsarena.com))
The morning after for some gives them the chance to bask in the glow of what happened the night before- and for others, it gives them the chance to do the walk of shame...
Chris Hansen, the man who wants to spearhead the return of basketball (and other sports) to Seattle came out with this statement last night after the NBA Relocation Committee recommended the SacKings stay the SacKings...
While we are disappointed with the relocation committee’s recommendation, we just wanted to let you all know that we remain fully committed to seeing this transaction through. As you are all well aware, we have a binding transaction to purchase the Kings for what would be a record price for an NBA franchise, have one of the best ownership groups ever assembled to purchase a professional sports team in the US, have clearly demonstrated that we have a much more solid Arena plan, have offered a much higher price than the yet to be finalized Sacramento Group, and have placed all of the funds to close the transaction into escrow. As such, we plan to unequivocally state our case for both relocation and our plan to move forward with the transaction to the league and owners at the upcoming Board of Governor’s Meeting in Mid-May.
When we started this process everyone thought it was impossible. While this represents yet another obstacle to achieving our goal, I just wanted to reassure all of you that we have numerous options at our disposal and have absolutely no plans to give up. Impossible is nothing but a state of mind.
Reaction in SacTown was what was expected:
"It is not over yet," Mayor KJ told everyone in Sacramento last night. "I feel like we have won a round in the playoffs. … There is still work to be done. We do not want to dance in the end zone."
Commissioner David Stern told NBA TV at the Hawks-Pacers game last night that he was surprised the vote was unanimous, but also said, "They decided as strong as the Seattle bid was, and it was very strong, there's some benefit that should be given to a city that has supported us for so long and has stepped up to contribute to build a new building as well."
Here's KIRO-TV's coverage:
The board will convene during the week of May 13th to vote on whether the team should move.
The Seattle group needs 23 of 30 owners' votes to get control of the team. The league could respond then, or more likely, they'll delay the decision even further.
The morning after for some gives them the chance to bask in the glow of what happened the night before- and for others, it gives them the chance to do the walk of shame...
Chris Hansen, the man who wants to spearhead the return of basketball (and other sports) to Seattle came out with this statement last night after the NBA Relocation Committee recommended the SacKings stay the SacKings...
While we are disappointed with the relocation committee’s recommendation, we just wanted to let you all know that we remain fully committed to seeing this transaction through. As you are all well aware, we have a binding transaction to purchase the Kings for what would be a record price for an NBA franchise, have one of the best ownership groups ever assembled to purchase a professional sports team in the US, have clearly demonstrated that we have a much more solid Arena plan, have offered a much higher price than the yet to be finalized Sacramento Group, and have placed all of the funds to close the transaction into escrow. As such, we plan to unequivocally state our case for both relocation and our plan to move forward with the transaction to the league and owners at the upcoming Board of Governor’s Meeting in Mid-May.
When we started this process everyone thought it was impossible. While this represents yet another obstacle to achieving our goal, I just wanted to reassure all of you that we have numerous options at our disposal and have absolutely no plans to give up. Impossible is nothing but a state of mind.
Reaction in SacTown was what was expected:
"It is not over yet," Mayor KJ told everyone in Sacramento last night. "I feel like we have won a round in the playoffs. … There is still work to be done. We do not want to dance in the end zone."
Commissioner David Stern told NBA TV at the Hawks-Pacers game last night that he was surprised the vote was unanimous, but also said, "They decided as strong as the Seattle bid was, and it was very strong, there's some benefit that should be given to a city that has supported us for so long and has stepped up to contribute to build a new building as well."
Here's KIRO-TV's coverage:
The board will convene during the week of May 13th to vote on whether the team should move.
The Seattle group needs 23 of 30 owners' votes to get control of the team. The league could respond then, or more likely, they'll delay the decision even further.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Maloof Brothers Prefer Seattle Bid
((HT: Sacramento Bee))
The Maloof brothers are making it known that, as the NBA Board of Governors and Relocation Committee decides the Sacramento Kings fate, "sources" close to their plight are claiming that they like the Hansen-Ballmer bid better than the Sacramento bid led by Rivek Vanadive and endorsed by mayor Kevin Johnson.
"The Maloofs have a binding agreement with the Seattle group and would prefer that that agreement be approved by the league," a source told some combination of Lilis, Bizjak, and Kasler for this piece.
From the article:
Yet a source close to the situation told The Bee on Wednesday that Sacramento's counteroffer calls on the Maloofs to scrap the Hansen deal before it comes to a vote.
Another possible sticking point is that Sacramento's bid isn't a binding offer, according to this source.
A legal expert, Michael McCann of NBA TV, said it would be difficult for the Sacramento group to submit a binding offer as long as the Maloofs have a contract with Seattle's investors.
"Legally, you can't have two contracts at one time when they have contradictory outcomes," McCann said.
And while the NBA sat in a room and talked it out, the timetable for a decision will be a while...
Here's the commish discussing it...
((HT: News10.net))
The Maloof brothers are making it known that, as the NBA Board of Governors and Relocation Committee decides the Sacramento Kings fate, "sources" close to their plight are claiming that they like the Hansen-Ballmer bid better than the Sacramento bid led by Rivek Vanadive and endorsed by mayor Kevin Johnson.
"The Maloofs have a binding agreement with the Seattle group and would prefer that that agreement be approved by the league," a source told some combination of Lilis, Bizjak, and Kasler for this piece.
From the article:
Yet a source close to the situation told The Bee on Wednesday that Sacramento's counteroffer calls on the Maloofs to scrap the Hansen deal before it comes to a vote.
Another possible sticking point is that Sacramento's bid isn't a binding offer, according to this source.
A legal expert, Michael McCann of NBA TV, said it would be difficult for the Sacramento group to submit a binding offer as long as the Maloofs have a contract with Seattle's investors.
"Legally, you can't have two contracts at one time when they have contradictory outcomes," McCann said.
And while the NBA sat in a room and talked it out, the timetable for a decision will be a while...
Here's the commish discussing it...
((HT: News10.net))
Thursday, April 18, 2013
DEVELOPING: SacKings Decision A Few Weeks Out
((HT: News10.net))
They're in New York City awaiting the decision of the Relocation Committee to figure out whether or not the Sacramento Kings are staying or moving to Seattle...
Here's proof...
Sports Business Daily is reporting that the NBA has asked the Sacramento group to reimburse the Seattle group for their $30 million nonrefundable deposit if the Relocation Committee votes in favor of the home town group. The 5PM Friday deadline set by the Maloof family was now, according to USA Today, "deliberately missed" by the Sacramento group. And the Sacramento group also will not put in a bid for Bob Cook's 7-percent minority stake that is currently held up in bankruptcy proceedings. The Hansen-Ballmer group put in a bid for those shares that could raise their stake to 72-percent of the Kings assets.
They're in New York City awaiting the decision of the Relocation Committee to figure out whether or not the Sacramento Kings are staying or moving to Seattle...
Here's proof...
Sports Business Daily is reporting that the NBA has asked the Sacramento group to reimburse the Seattle group for their $30 million nonrefundable deposit if the Relocation Committee votes in favor of the home town group. The 5PM Friday deadline set by the Maloof family was now, according to USA Today, "deliberately missed" by the Sacramento group. And the Sacramento group also will not put in a bid for Bob Cook's 7-percent minority stake that is currently held up in bankruptcy proceedings. The Hansen-Ballmer group put in a bid for those shares that could raise their stake to 72-percent of the Kings assets.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Sacramento And Seattle Square Off For Kings
((HT: News10.net Sacramento))
It's time for the square off in New York City to determine the future of the Sacramento Kings...
Both city groups, the Sacramento Kings led by Mayor KJ, along with the Seattle group of Hansen-Ballmer are getting their time in front of the Commissioner and the Relocation Committee...
Johnson outlined the city's plan to build the new arena complex...
Seattle's group included the mayor and the ownership group...
The Board of Governors meet in two weeks and can block the Maloof's from selling to Hansen-Ballmer. They cannot, however, force them to sell to the Sacramento group. If the NBA blocks the sale to Hansen-Ballmer, the Maloofs can hold onto the Kings, look for another ownership as a buyer, or sell the team to the Sacramento ownership group.
Here's the Sacramento version...
Commissioner David Stern said the stereotypic things he would say: "Both sides made -- in my view -- very, very strong presentations." Stern also intimated that the final decision might not happen at the Board of Governors meeting. However, he did say that expansion is not an option for Seattle. Which means that the number of franchises is solid now and won't change- only locations... And here's Chris Hansen with his optimism... ((HT: KING5 Seattle))
It's time for the square off in New York City to determine the future of the Sacramento Kings...
Both city groups, the Sacramento Kings led by Mayor KJ, along with the Seattle group of Hansen-Ballmer are getting their time in front of the Commissioner and the Relocation Committee...
Johnson outlined the city's plan to build the new arena complex...
Seattle's group included the mayor and the ownership group...
The Board of Governors meet in two weeks and can block the Maloof's from selling to Hansen-Ballmer. They cannot, however, force them to sell to the Sacramento group. If the NBA blocks the sale to Hansen-Ballmer, the Maloofs can hold onto the Kings, look for another ownership as a buyer, or sell the team to the Sacramento ownership group.
Here's the Sacramento version...
Commissioner David Stern said the stereotypic things he would say: "Both sides made -- in my view -- very, very strong presentations." Stern also intimated that the final decision might not happen at the Board of Governors meeting. However, he did say that expansion is not an option for Seattle. Which means that the number of franchises is solid now and won't change- only locations... And here's Chris Hansen with his optimism... ((HT: KING5 Seattle))
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Mayor KJ Tries To Keep His Kings
((HT: CBS Sacramento/News 10))
Pick whatever sports cliche you want, but Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson is trying to make his last case for keeping his team and not having the group out of Seattle take them over and move them out of town...
It was the major topic of Commissioner David Stern's last press conference as commissioner at the All-Star Game in Houston...
The full press conference of Stern talking about everything in the NBA is hyah...
Here's the local spin...the first take...
And here's the one-on-one in Houston...
Pick whatever sports cliche you want, but Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson is trying to make his last case for keeping his team and not having the group out of Seattle take them over and move them out of town...
It was the major topic of Commissioner David Stern's last press conference as commissioner at the All-Star Game in Houston...
The full press conference of Stern talking about everything in the NBA is hyah...
Here's the local spin...the first take...
And here's the one-on-one in Houston...
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Stern Says Seattle Group Files For Kings Relocation
((HT: KING-TV))
The date for filing NBA relocations is March 1...
The group interested in moving the Sacramento Kings to Seattle (aka the Ballmer/Hansen group) once they buy the franchise has gotten one of those conditional okay-dokeys from Commissioner David Stern.
Stern was speaking before the Minnesota-San Antonio game and let the assembled media in on something we all knew- just didn't officially know...
Hansen/Ballmer has agreed to pick up 65-percent of the Kings from the Maloof brothers for US$340-million. It would take two separate committees for the sale and relocation- the sale is a simple majority of the Board of Governors while the relocation is a three-fourths approval.
Here's a good reason as to why the NBA owners could approve the move...
A lot of zeroes...
The date for filing NBA relocations is March 1...
The group interested in moving the Sacramento Kings to Seattle (aka the Ballmer/Hansen group) once they buy the franchise has gotten one of those conditional okay-dokeys from Commissioner David Stern.
Stern was speaking before the Minnesota-San Antonio game and let the assembled media in on something we all knew- just didn't officially know...
Hansen/Ballmer has agreed to pick up 65-percent of the Kings from the Maloof brothers for US$340-million. It would take two separate committees for the sale and relocation- the sale is a simple majority of the Board of Governors while the relocation is a three-fourths approval.
Here's a good reason as to why the NBA owners could approve the move...
A lot of zeroes...
Monday, January 21, 2013
DEVELOPING: Sac Kings Reportedly Sold To Seattle Group. Supersonics Reborn?
For the good folks of Seattle, Washington it looks like your long NBA drought might be over.
Numerous outlets are reporting that the Sacramento Kings have been sold to a group that intends to move the team to Seattle appears to be done.The price tag for 65 percent of the Kings comes to roughly $340 million.
Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson though is not giving up the fight to keep the Kings. Johnson released a statement Sunday night.“When it comes to keeping the team in our community, Sacramento is playing to win, In particular, we have been focused like a laser on identifying an ownership group that will both have the financial resources desired by the NBA and the vision to make the Kings the NBA equivalent of what the Green Bay Packers have been in the NFL.”
According to the Sacramento Bee the city is willing to put up money to build and downtown arena but the current owners, the Maloof brothers passed on that.That arena deal would be in play for any potential buyer who wants to keep the team in Sacramento.
This might be a tough sell to keep the Kings in Sacramento. A source has told The Sacramento Bee the team is $200 million in debt and on track to lose $7 million this year.Quoting an anonymous source Yahoo Sports reported Sunday night that the NBA's influential relocation committee would recommend that the larger board of governors approve the Seattle deal.
So it appears Seattle is going to get the Supersonics back.
Here's the early morning buzz out of Seattle... ((HT: KING-TV)) The NBA has issued the following statement on the matter, for now: "The NBA received an executed Purchase and Sale Agreement for the transfer of a controlling interest in the Sacramento Kings from the Maloof family to an investor group led by Christopher Hansen. The proposed transaction is subject to the approval of the NBA Board of Governors and has been referred to the Board's committee process for review."
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Mayor KJ Gets Meeting With NBA Board of Governors Over Sac Kings
For the second year in a row...
Kevin Johnson had to do this last year to keep the Sacramento Kings from going to Anaheim and be owned by the Samueli family. Now, he's having to defend his town and arena against the Maloof brothers desire to take the Kings north to Seattle.
This morning, at the State of Downtown Breakfast, Johnson admitted that he's in a "six-week sprint" to keep the team around and not have them move and leave the only downtown arena devoid of a client.
The league deadline for relocation for any franchise is March 1...
Here's the breakfast...
((HT: KOVR-TV/CBS Sacramento))
Remember, the brokered deal between the city and the Maloofs – negotiated by Stern and league lawyers – fell apart last year. So, all three sides are on borrowed time.
The price tag, right now, for the Kings is in the $500 million to $525 million range, and Johnson said the Maloofs would still have to repay a $77 million loan to the city and other lenders if they leave.
Kevin Johnson had to do this last year to keep the Sacramento Kings from going to Anaheim and be owned by the Samueli family. Now, he's having to defend his town and arena against the Maloof brothers desire to take the Kings north to Seattle.
This morning, at the State of Downtown Breakfast, Johnson admitted that he's in a "six-week sprint" to keep the team around and not have them move and leave the only downtown arena devoid of a client.
The league deadline for relocation for any franchise is March 1...
Here's the breakfast...
((HT: KOVR-TV/CBS Sacramento))
Remember, the brokered deal between the city and the Maloofs – negotiated by Stern and league lawyers – fell apart last year. So, all three sides are on borrowed time.
The price tag, right now, for the Kings is in the $500 million to $525 million range, and Johnson said the Maloofs would still have to repay a $77 million loan to the city and other lenders if they leave.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Popovich Looking Out For His Team, NBA Mad... (UPDATE: Spurs Fined $250k)
((HT: WOAI-TV))
Everyone, including the Commissioner of the NBA David Stern, seems to be getting bent out of shape about the idea of San Antonio Spurs head coach looking out for his team come June...
Except here at the HQ...
We were listening to the very sly, sports talk radio network late last night when their overnight host was throwing "bricks" at the Spurs for not being there for the fans...
Which we thought was absolutely ludicrous...
And if the late night host actually believed that, then he's there for entertainment purposes only and has no journalistic integrity whatsoever...
This host was throwing his bricks at the Spurs telling them that if any of their fans thought that holding out four starters and sending them home early- for a game that was far more important this weekend- actually approved of the move, then they're not "real fans."
Which is a laughable argument...
As coach and GM, Popovich was looking out for his veteran squad come the playoffs against Western Conference opponents- which Miami is not...
The league is promising hell to pay... which we'd like to see, personally... since it's the league's fault for scheduling this mess in the first place...
Here's Barkley's interview with Coach Pop about his decision...
((HT: NBA on TNT))
Let's see...
Which would you choose...??? Getting ready for Memphis in a game that matters in a seven game-10 day stretch, or sitting stars for a TV game against Miami...???
Thought so...
The league should fine the schedule maker and not the Spurs...
SATURDAY UPDATE: But, they didn't...
The league fined the Spurs $250,000...
NBA Commissioner David Stern came out with a statement: "The result here is dictated by the totality of the facts in this case. The Spurs decided to make four of their top players unavailable for an early-season game that was the team's only regular-season visit to Miami. The team also did this without informing the Heat, the media, or the league office in a timely way. Under these circumstances, I have concluded that the Spurs did a disservice to the league and our fans."
San Antonio folks and fans are understandably disagreeing...
((HT: WOAI-TV))
Everyone, including the Commissioner of the NBA David Stern, seems to be getting bent out of shape about the idea of San Antonio Spurs head coach looking out for his team come June...
Except here at the HQ...
We were listening to the very sly, sports talk radio network late last night when their overnight host was throwing "bricks" at the Spurs for not being there for the fans...
Which we thought was absolutely ludicrous...
And if the late night host actually believed that, then he's there for entertainment purposes only and has no journalistic integrity whatsoever...
This host was throwing his bricks at the Spurs telling them that if any of their fans thought that holding out four starters and sending them home early- for a game that was far more important this weekend- actually approved of the move, then they're not "real fans."
Which is a laughable argument...
As coach and GM, Popovich was looking out for his veteran squad come the playoffs against Western Conference opponents- which Miami is not...
The league is promising hell to pay... which we'd like to see, personally... since it's the league's fault for scheduling this mess in the first place...
Here's Barkley's interview with Coach Pop about his decision...
((HT: NBA on TNT))
Let's see...
Which would you choose...??? Getting ready for Memphis in a game that matters in a seven game-10 day stretch, or sitting stars for a TV game against Miami...???
Thought so...
The league should fine the schedule maker and not the Spurs...
SATURDAY UPDATE: But, they didn't...
The league fined the Spurs $250,000...
NBA Commissioner David Stern came out with a statement: "The result here is dictated by the totality of the facts in this case. The Spurs decided to make four of their top players unavailable for an early-season game that was the team's only regular-season visit to Miami. The team also did this without informing the Heat, the media, or the league office in a timely way. Under these circumstances, I have concluded that the Spurs did a disservice to the league and our fans."
San Antonio folks and fans are understandably disagreeing...
((HT: WOAI-TV))
Friday, October 26, 2012
So, Do The Kings Go To Seattle Now...???
((HT: KING5 TV, Seattle))
David Stern admits that he is going to retire on the 30th anniversary of his initial hiring by the NBA, and there is talk that one of his final acts may be restoring pro basketball to Seattle.
And the team to do it might just be the Sacramento Kings...
An arena deal falls through...
The current barn has a mattress company as its main sponsor...
The owners are a thorn in the side of the league office...
The owners wanted to relocate to Anaheim and were forced to keep their deal to stay in Sacramento...
"Seattle is very much in the mix," Stern said at the first of (now) one of his exit pressers. "My guess is that all of that gets decided when Commissioner Silver [takes over. He] will have a really interesting issue on his plate."
Stern admitted that Seattle and Vancouver were two of his regrets in a 2001 interview with the Seattle Post-Intelligencer
. So whaddya wanna bet that Clay Bennett, the head of the Relocation Committee, gets the "satisfaction" of returning basketball to the town he took it from...???
Here's the double-speak from the meetings...
David Stern admits that he is going to retire on the 30th anniversary of his initial hiring by the NBA, and there is talk that one of his final acts may be restoring pro basketball to Seattle.
And the team to do it might just be the Sacramento Kings...
An arena deal falls through...
The current barn has a mattress company as its main sponsor...
The owners are a thorn in the side of the league office...
The owners wanted to relocate to Anaheim and were forced to keep their deal to stay in Sacramento...
"Seattle is very much in the mix," Stern said at the first of (now) one of his exit pressers. "My guess is that all of that gets decided when Commissioner Silver [takes over. He] will have a really interesting issue on his plate."
Stern admitted that Seattle and Vancouver were two of his regrets in a 2001 interview with the Seattle Post-Intelligencer
. So whaddya wanna bet that Clay Bennett, the head of the Relocation Committee, gets the "satisfaction" of returning basketball to the town he took it from...???
Here's the double-speak from the meetings...
Thursday, October 25, 2012
DEVELOPING: Stern Stepping Down In 2014
NBA Commissioner David Stern will announce his retirement sometime in the near future- the date is set for February of 2014.
Adam Silver is next in line as Deputy Commissioner to take over for Stern and the Board of Governors has picked him to replace Stern who has been working with the NBA since 1966. First as one of the league's counsels and then, 18 years later, he became commissioner, replacing Larry O'Brien.
"The Board has selected Adam Silver to succeed me as NBA Commissioner, and I am very pleased with their choice," Stern said in an e-mail sent to some NBA executives. "As you know, Adam is a world-class business executive who has influenced so many areas of our business during his 20-year tenure with the league, from television, to digital, to international, to merchandising, to sponsorships, to team business, to, of course, labor negotiations. I know that the organization will be in very good hands when Adam becomes Commissioner.
"What we have achieved together and will continue to achieve is extraordinary – and we will have 15 months to talk about it."
More when we know more...
Adam Silver is next in line as Deputy Commissioner to take over for Stern and the Board of Governors has picked him to replace Stern who has been working with the NBA since 1966. First as one of the league's counsels and then, 18 years later, he became commissioner, replacing Larry O'Brien.
"The Board has selected Adam Silver to succeed me as NBA Commissioner, and I am very pleased with their choice," Stern said in an e-mail sent to some NBA executives. "As you know, Adam is a world-class business executive who has influenced so many areas of our business during his 20-year tenure with the league, from television, to digital, to international, to merchandising, to sponsorships, to team business, to, of course, labor negotiations. I know that the organization will be in very good hands when Adam becomes Commissioner.
"What we have achieved together and will continue to achieve is extraordinary – and we will have 15 months to talk about it."
More when we know more...
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