OT: Sonics heading to OKC

Post #1 » by **dockingsched** » Wed Jul 2, 2008 11:42 pm

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/l ... ial02.html

A settlement has been reached in the Sonics lawsuit, U.S. District Court Judge Marsha Pechman announced today.

Pechman left it to the parties to disclose the terms but a source said the two sides have been discussing a deal that would involve the Sonics leaving town for Oklahoma City in exchange for up to a $75 million payment to the city. But Sonics owner Clay Bennett would pay much less — $45 million — if the city gets another team, the source said. Seattle Deputy Mayor Tim Ceis and City Attorney Tom Carr briefed City Council members today, according to sources.

The news comes just hours before Pechman was to issue her ruling in the lawsuit between the city and the Sonics over the KeyArena lease.Press conferences are planned in Oklahoma City and Seattle at 5 p.m. today to discuss developments in the lawsuit.

Post #2 » by **kno** » Thu Jul 3, 2008 12:02 am

Good for the NBA, but I feel for Seattle.

Most (if not all) fans ive come across were desperately pushing to keep their Sonics in Seattle. They seemed passionate about keeping em.

But on the other hand, OKC is a great basketball city. Great temp home for NO, and a sold out All Star Game. NBA should profit from this.

BTW, does this also mean new uniforms and whatnot?

Post #3 » by **Danny Darko** » Thu Jul 3, 2008 12:13 am

Seattle is my second city. I hate the decsion, I hate Bennet, and Screw Stern's whole attitude on this. He just wanted them to go to OK and didn't care or try to work with Seattle at all. He even said they wouldn't get another team from him if he has his way. My family will be very sad for a long time. This is much worse then losing football in LA for Washington.

Post #4 » by **LLcoleJ** » Thu Jul 3, 2008 12:15 am

thats unfortunate

Post #5 » by **LLcoleJ** » Thu Jul 3, 2008 12:16 am

Corvus Crow wrote:Seattle is my second city. I hate the decsion, I hate Bennet, and Screw Stern's whole attitude on this. He just wanted them to go to OK and didn't care or try to work with Seattle at all. He even said they wouldn't get another team from him if he has his way. My family will be very sad for a long time. This is much worse then losing football in LA for Washington.

I am still in pain -- after my Rams left.

Post #6 » by **dockingsched** » Thu Jul 3, 2008 12:16 am

Kno wrote:Good for the NBA, but I feel for Seattle.

Most (if not all) fans ive come across were desperately pushing to keep their Sonics in Seattle. They seemed passionate about keeping em.

But on the other hand, OKC is a great basketball city. Great temp home for NO, and a sold out All Star Game. NBA should profit from this.

BTW, does this also mean new uniforms and whatnot?

i believe the final four possibilties are the Barons, Thunderbirds, Thunder, and Outlaws. i'm not sure if it was official or just a local contest.

Sashobe · Post #7 » by **Sashobe** » Thu Jul 3, 2008 12:29 am

If only they picked a real city like Las Vegas, Nevada.

Post #8 » by **semi-sentient** » Thu Jul 3, 2008 12:31 am

Good luck to the Sonics picking up good FA's. No one is going to want to live/work in OKC. It's shocking that that city can even support an NBA team, but then again there isn't anything else to do, so maybe not.

hermes · Post #9 » by **hermes** » Thu Jul 3, 2008 12:32 am

that sucks for seattle, and the fans there

cashflo · Post #10 » by **cashflo** » Thu Jul 3, 2008 2:00 am

Having lived in the Seattle area 3 years i feel bad for the fans. Great city and it just does'nt seem right.I hope they are able to keep the name and colors for a future team.

RJM · Post #11 » by **RJM** » Thu Jul 3, 2008 2:01 am

Damn shame. Oklahoma City Barons is the official name. F-U Clay Bennett!

Post #12 » by **snaquille oatmeal** » Thu Jul 3, 2008 2:35 am

I really don't understand why everybody seems to blame Bennet or Stern on this. I actually took the time to find out what was going on with this. if anybody is to blame is the city politicians in Seattle. sucks big time for the fans, but I don't see why cityhall gets a free pass ala Shaq.

Post #13 » by **kno** » Thu Jul 3, 2008 3:00 am

Iceburg Slim wrote:Damn shame. Oklahoma City Barons is the official name. F-U Clay Bennett!

Are you serious?

Theyre even changing the name?

I thought it was just a location change?

Damn, this sucks...

Post #14 » by **snaquille oatmeal** » Thu Jul 3, 2008 3:05 am

Kno wrote:
Iceburg Slim wrote:Damn shame. Oklahoma City Barons is the official name. F-U Clay Bennett!

Are you serious?

Theyre even changing the name?

I thought it was just a location change?

Damn, this sucks...

change of name and change of colors. Seattle retains the name and colors for a future team, but I doubt the city will persue that avenue because they effed up so badly financially.

hermes · Post #15 » by **hermes** » Thu Jul 3, 2008 3:32 am

man changing the name too, jeez

and seattle probably won't get another team for a while, i doubt the nba will be expanding any time soon

Post #16 » by **dockingsched** » Thu Jul 3, 2008 3:35 am

i haven't heard anything about barons being the "official" team name.

Luxury · Post #17 » by **Luxury** » Thu Jul 3, 2008 4:48 am

Maybe the Clippers should move to Seattle? lol jk, kinda?

Post #18 » by **snaquille oatmeal** » Thu Jul 3, 2008 5:11 am

LOL at GP for not getting his jersey retired on time because the history of the Sonics stays in Seattle as well.

bobobolas1 · Post #19 » by **bobobolas1** » Thu Jul 3, 2008 9:21 am

Iceburg Slim wrote:Damn shame. Oklahoma City Barons is the official name. F-U Clay Bennett!