Sonics future 'lies' in e-mail
Posted: Wednesday April 23, 2008 07:41AM ET
Even if the Oklahoma-based owners managed to work an arena deal to keep the Sonics in Seattle, they were ready to do a "sweet flip" and leave town, according to an owner's e-mail cited in a lawsuit filed Tuesday by previous owner Howard Schultz. The Starbucks mogul said Sonics chairman Clay Bennett lied to him, "never intended to own a team that would continue playing in Seattle" and "fraudulently induced" the sale, according to a 12-page lawsuit asking that the sale be rescinded so Schultz could do what he said he intended to do all along: Sell to someone who would keep the team in Seattle.
Sonics fans, AP
Comments (15)
Whatever helps you sell more coffee Schultz. This team will be in OKC sooner( no pun intended) or later.
jj730 | 04/23/08, 08:45 AM
Report Offensive CommentDoesn't the owner of the team get to do what he wants with his team?
BrSee | 04/23/08, 09:33 AM
Report Offensive CommentLove that photo ... misspellings on your protest banners increase the effectiveness.
jburning | 04/23/08, 11:11 AM
Report Offensive Commenti before e, except in Seattle
Thugmeister | 04/23/08, 12:40 PM
Report Offensive CommentSince this suit asserts fraud in executing the purchase agreement it might actually have some teeth. It has nothing to do with arena's or anything AFTER the contract was signed. This suit is about lying to obtain the team. Could get very interesting if more emails are uncovered during discovery.
Pink Panther | 04/23/08, 02:45 PM
Report Offensive CommentOklahoma Super Sonics, Oklahoma had a good attendance when they baby sat the HAWNETS!!
domepatrol | 04/23/08, 03:08 PM
Report Offensive CommentI've yet to see anyone from OKC embarassed by the behavior of OKC finest businessmen. Ya'll appear to be blinded in your effort to get a team that your willing to accept lying and actiing with no integrity.
The suit has merit and as it plays out Bennett and his bed buddy Stern will start getting real nervous that they might actually lose the team.
My bet is a settlement coming that keeps the Sonics in Seattle and a promise of the next available team to OKC.
darthjimmy | 04/23/08, 07:00 PM
Report Offensive CommentWell put Darthjimmy! At last, some good perspective on this. Sorry OKC!
underdawg | 04/23/08, 11:20 PM
Report Offensive CommentTotally against owners just deciding to move teams. Cities don't owe billionaires new stadiums. The league can kick in if need be. Anyone who thinks OKC is amore important market than Seattle for the NBA is a fool. The novelty will be short lived. The NBA will suffer from a variety of foolish moves over the last couple years. Just ridiculous behavior by all of the owners.
355mike | 04/24/08, 03:03 AM
Report Offensive CommentNBA doesn't care if it's the #1 Market or the #151 Market. They'll move it if the citie is stupid enough to build a stadium. With that being said. Here's the league in 2020:
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division
Barcelona Celtics
Instanbul Nets
London Raptors
Milan Knicks
Paris 76ers
Central Division
Canton Cavaliers
Edmonton Pacers
Kentucky Bulls
Sryacuse Bucks
Ypsilanti Pistons
Southeast Division
Guantanimo Bay Magic
Macon Hawks
Ft Walton Beach Heat
South Carolina Bobcats
West Virgina Wizards
Western Conference
Northwest Division
Boise Trail Blazers
Casper Nuggets
Utah Jazz (no need to change)
Victoria Timberwolves
Wichita SuperSonics
Pacific Division
Bejing Suns
Hawaii Kings
LA Clippers (no other city has courted them)
Osaka Lakers
Seoul Warriors
Mark Cuban Division
Dallas Cubans (Expansion Team)
Dallas Grizzlies
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Rockets
Dallas Spurs
Seattle Hornets
ffldccheater | 04/24/08, 01:14 PM
Report Offensive CommentFocusing the case on fraud at time of sale rather than trying to determine whether Bennett's actions can be considered 'good faith efforts' or not has greatly increased Schutlz's chances for success. Bennett and co-horts have left a nice paper trial for the attorneys to follow. I would not be surprised if they uncover even more damaging emails in the weeks come.
SoxNHawks | 04/24/08, 03:24 PM
Report Offensive CommentThe trail simply goes to show a group of wealthy businessmen who were willing to lie, cheat and eventually steal a playtoy for their own enjoyment and the hopeful application as "savior" for an entire region.
So satisfying to see it backfire in their smug faces..
miislander | 04/24/08, 09:06 PM
Report Offensive CommentWhat ever I mean he has enough damn money ha
N.O. | 04/25/08, 09:45 AM
Report Offensive CommentI think lies are just what they need. Now that that's done, who thinks the Spurs looked a little old last night? You can see the age catching up with them, I mean when Tim dunked on Amare the second time, I thought wow he's so old. Let's not even begin to talk about Parker, I mean where is his head at? He needs to get in the game, only 41 points. Man he's probably just thinking of which island he'll take Eva to after the season's over. They are done. I think the Suns will roll off 4 straight. You can just see it in their eyes, the hunger, the longing, the focus. Suns in 7 baby. (HA!)
jpd | 04/26/08, 11:15 AM
Report Offensive CommentSuns in 7...no.
ffldccheater | 04/28/08, 08:23 AM
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