OK C YA Seattle; Sonics Will Move For 2008-2009 Campaign

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Off The Court Issues, SDC COMMENTARY

The “Associated Press” reported Wednesday that the end of an era took place in the city of Seattle as the team formerly known as the SuperSonics will be moving to Oklahoma City for the 2008-2009 season. A settlement was reached that will pay the city of Seattle possibly as much $75 million will allow the team to terminate it’s lease immediately. The deal will allow the Sonics Team Owner Clay Bennett and the other members of the ownership group Professional Basketball Club LLC to take the team to Oklahoma City for the upcoming campaign.

Unfortunately the only real losers here are the fans and the ancillary buisnesses. I lived in Cleveland in 1995 when the real Browns went to Baltimore. It was a crushing blow for the area, in some ways it has never recovered. Covering sports in Cleveland during that era, I have spoken with many former Browns fans who do not feel the same way about Cleveland Browns “The Sequel“. Seattle may one day get a NBA team back, but this was the franchise that brought professional sports to the area. They are also the only pro team to win a Championship, yet the Seahawks and Mariners have new homes, and the Sonics are leaving.

This is not to say that Bennett and his ownership group are saints, far from it. There is reason to believe that Bennett had every intention of moving the team even before he bought it. Seattle will keep the name and the colors, there has been no name announced for the relocated team. I suggested in an earlier column the “Oklahoma Cow Pie Kickers” but have not received any response from the team or the Association.

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