Today I'd like to share a statement I read online earlier this week by Chris Hansen. Honestly, this guy is a true class act and I can't believe how gracefully he has handled an incredibly frustrating, unfair, and downright crappy situation. I don't want to bore any of my readers who aren't Seattleites or sports fans, but for those of you who
Basically, in 2008 a 41-year-old NBA franchise was stolen from us, and investor Chris Hansen has been working diligently, fairly, and honestly to build a new arena and return the SuperSonics to Seattle. But it was recently announced that despite his best efforts, the NBA Board of Governors Relocation Committee unanimously recommended against relocating the Sacramento Kings to Seattle.
Of course we didn't want to "steal" a team from another city, basically doing exactly what was done to us in 2008 (except not quite, because when our team was purchased, it was with a broken promise that the Sonics would not be moved from Seattle). In this case, Chris Hansen was totally transparent in his intentions to move the Kings to Seattle. Unfortunately, his honesty was rewarded with a kick in the teeth by NBA Commissioner David Stern (ironically the same dude who supported the ownership group that moved the Sonics to Oklahoma City in 2008).
Honestly, as I've followed the whole situation as it's unfolded, a lot of the time I've wanted to stamp my feet, pout my lips, and scream like a 2-year-old about the unfairness of it all. Except for the moments when I was jumping up and down and singing at the top of my lungs with Macklemore and the rest of the hopeful basketball fans, of course.
If anyone has a reason for fit-throwing, it's Chris Hansen, but his statement this week was incredibly humble and mature, and I'm super proud to be in his court.
"Most of all I would like to thank all of the fans and community groups that rallied behind our efforts. You have shown beyond a shadow of a doubt that Seattle has great fans and deserves to have an NBA team back. Keep the Green and Gold alive… and just know that we remain as dedicated as ever to seeing Sonics Basketball return to the Emerald City."
Chris Hansen
Chris, thank YOU for fighting for our city, and our Sonics. With your continued help, we can still bring 'em back!
Seattle sonics were ROBBED! We need an NBA team back so badly... I love that Chris Hansen is so devoted to bringing the sonics back to where they belong.
ReplyDeleteI'm a little bummed that a team didn't pan out also. If I'm being honest though I should tell you and my boyfriend and I do enjoy watching the thunder but I, of course, do not agree with the stealing of a team-that's no good. He likes the team because Kevin Durant went to the University of Texas (where Walker went) for 1 year and he's been following him ever since. :) I hope you don't think any less of me...hehe
ReplyDeleteOh no! You can't support OKC! ;-)
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