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July 2009
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| April 2008Plenty of Seahawks news today. First, there is a report circulating that former Seahawk Shaun Alexander may be heading to the Bengals. The story is here. Makes sense, with Shaun growing up in the area.
The Storm's Fan Fest is scheduled for Sunday 1-4pm at KeyArena. Fans can get player autographs, watch practice and more. It's definitely a kid-friendly event. Check out the details after the jump. ...It seemed a little weired that catcher Jeff Clement & Wladimir Balentien missed Tacoma's game last night against New Orleans. The club said don't read anything into it. But today, it's a different story. Nick Lachey's team will miss two of its stars. Balentien and Clement are headed to big club. The official release is after the jump. The surprise comes in the form of who had to go. Seattle designated RF Brad Wilkerson & INF Greg Norton for assignment. The M's have 10 days to trade, release, option or assign Norton and Wilkerson outright to Tacoma. I kind of wonder if Wilkerson regrets coming to Seattle over Boston. ...By now, you've probably seen all the reports saying Kevin Durant will be the 1st Sonic to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award. And if it's not unanimous, that person's right to vote should be pulled. Just for fun, I thought I'd pull KD's numbers and compare them to LeBron James' rookie season.
Field goal % - 43 vs. 41.7 3-point % - 28.8 vs. 29 Free throw % - 87.3 vs. 75.4 Steals - .96 vs. 1.6 Blocks - .94 vs. .7 Rebounds - 4.4 vs. 5.9 Points per game - 20.3 vs. 20.9
Ok, so Durant wins Rookie of the Year (rightly so), tickles Seattle Sonics fans with his potential (I still think the NBA will have to rethink the charge rule for KD, he picks up his dribble at the three point line and can freaking dunk--that's how good he may be). Up next? How about two R.O.Y.s for the Sonics, back-to-back? Wait. Don't cringe.
Seattle has a 20 percent chance of getting the No. 1 pick, 19 percent of No. 2, 17 percent for No. 3 and 32 for No. 4 and 12 percent for No. 5 The Sonics cannot pick lower than fifth. What? Fans want more reason to hope the team stays in Seattle? The SuperSonics also pick No. 24 (from the Suns) as well as picks 32, 43, 50 and 56. ...As rumored, soccer powerhouse Brazil will face Canada at the Qwest on May 31st. The last time that the Brazilian National Team played in Seattle? 1976. Here is the release: NEW YORK (Tuesday, April 29, 2008) - Soccer United Marketing today announced that five-time world champion Brazil will play two matches in the United States in 2008. On Saturday, May 31, Brazil will face Canada at Qwest Field in Seattle, Wash., and will then travel to the East Coast to face Venezuela in Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. on Friday, June 6, in a doubleheader with the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer in its regular season match versus FC Dallas. Brazil is expected to call up its world-renown superstars such as Kaka, Robinho, Ronaldinho and Alexandre Pato given its 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier match versus Paraguay on June 14, in Paraguay at Defensores del Chaco, a week after the U.S. tour. May 31 - Brazil vs. Canada (Qwest Field, Seattle, WA) In partnership with Seattle Sounders FC, SUM will organize the first match of the Brazilian National Team on Saturday, May 31 at Qwest Field. Kick off is set for 7:30 p.m. PT. The last time that the Brazilian National Team played in Seattle was in May 1976 when they faced the USA League XI in a 2-0 win in the USA Bicentenary Cup. The last time that Canadian National Team played in Seattle was on July 9, 2005 in a 2-0 loss to the United States during the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Brazil's all-time record against Canada is 1-1-0. Canada, led by Houston Dynamo star Dwayne De Rosario and Deportivo la Coruña's Julian de Guzmán, is currently preparing for the start of its 2010 World Cup Qualifying campaign against Saint Vincent and Grenadines on June 15 in Kingston, Jamaica before the return leg five days later in Montreal. Tickets will go on sale Monday, May 5 at 10 a.m. Ticket prices range from $35-$125 and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 206.628.0888, visiting www.soundersfc.com or www.ticketmaster.com, and in person at all ticketmaster outlets or the Qwest Field Box Office: Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. -2 p.m. Groups of 20 or more should call 1-877-MLS-GOAL. Tickets will be available in advance of the general public on-sale for all Sounders FC season ticket holders. For information on Sounders FC season tickets please visit www.soundersfc.com or call 1-877-MLS-GOAL. ...West Virginia alum Tim Lindsey signed an off-season deal with the Seahawks to be their long snapper (that's assuming last season's savior Jeff Robinson is retiring). Lindsey could have been a part of a Super Bowl contender. But last Sunday, the Hawks did something they've never done in team history. They drafted a long snapper (Tyler Schmitt from San Diego State). Can you imagine Lindsey's response? An NFL team drafted a LONG SNAPPER. I've never heard of a team doing that. Then a day later, the Seahawks cut Lindsey. Well at least it's not all bad news. The former Seahawk is getting married in June. Hopefully, for his wife's sake, he finds another job...and hopefully in the NFL. ...The Presidential candidate takes the hardcourt at a pick up game of basketball with the winners of the 3-on-3 Challenge for the Change voter registration drive in Kokomo, IN. Guy can actually play. Here's a look at the Seahawks' new players, TE John Carlson and DE Lawrence Jackson, introduced at a press conference today in Kirkland.
Say what you will about U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska rejecting most of the requests from lawyers for the city of Seattle. The federal judge still ruled that the NBA has to turn over internal documents about the Sonics relocation to Oklahoma City. Not all bad.
"I would characterize it as a success. Our basic goal was to get the documents pertaining to the move and we got them. We're also going to get a deposition, so we're happy about that." No comment from the NBA. ...A quick selection of YouTube clips of the top four draft picks taken by the Seahawks, for perusal on this cloudy Monday morning.
You've likely heard again and again over the last week how it takes three years to adequately grade a draft, so I'll simply say I like the picks. Barring injury, Jackson and Carlson could push to start. And Bryant looks like a legit run stopper.
The Seahawks traded two picks to move up and draft Notre Dame tight end John Carlson with the 38th pick. You can read more about Carlson here. Here's a older ND blurb: One of the top tight ends in the nation and a bona fide All-America candidate ... approved for a fifth year by Notre Dame's Faculty Board on Athletics since he did not play as a freshman ... named a second-team All-American by SI.com and one of three finalists for the Mackey Award (nation's top tight end) in 2006 ... only 2006 Mackey Award finalist who returns in 2007 ... named a first-team preseason All-American by Athlon Sports and Phil Steele ... selected as second-team preseason All-American by Street & Smith's and Lindy's ... rated as the No. 1 tight end in the nation by Phil Steele, the No. 2 tight end by Lindy's and the third-best tight end by The Sporting News ... ranked the top tight end by Mel Kiper ... one of the three tight ends named to the Maxwell Award Watch List ... became 49th Notre Dame football player and 181st student-athlete at the school to be named an ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-American ... recorded 60 career receptions for 721 yards and five touchdowns ... ranks fifth all-time at Notre Dame for career catches by a tight end and needs three to move into third, 33 to move into second and 69 to become the all-time leader ... joins Maurice Crum Jr., Travis Thomas and Tom Zbikowski as 2007 captains.... Seattle traded its No. 25 pick to Dallas for pick No. 28, a fifth-round pick (No. 163) and a seventh-round pick (No. 235). At 28, the Seahawks took DE Lawrence Jackson from USC. You can read more about Jackson at his USC profile, here. Here's a blurb: The quick Jackson started for his fourth season at defensive end as a senior in 2007. Overall in 2007 while starting all 13 games, he had 60 tackles, including a team-best 17 for losses of 83 yards (with a team-high 10.5 sacks for minus 64 yards), plus 1 fumble recovery, 2 forced fumbles and 3 deflections. He was tied for 18th nationally in sacks (0.8, tied for third in Pac-10) and tied for 24th in tackles for a loss (1.3, third in Pac-10). He was named to the 2007 AP All-American second team, Phil Steele's All-American second team, Collegefootballnews.com All-American third team, All-Pac-10 first team (making it for the second time after being so honored in 2005), ESPN.com All-Pac-10 first team, Collegefootballnews.com All-Pac-10 first team, Rivals.com All-Pac-10 first team and Phil Steele's All-Pac-10 first team. Right now, the Seahawks next pick is in round two. No. 55 overall. ...As much as I strongly dislike Brett Favre, I figured I should pass along this story Favre tells about Matt Hasselbeck. You can watch the video here. It's Favre and Hasselbeck on NFL.com. It's 2:15 long and it's actually pretty funny. Even Hasselbeck had to laugh. ...I saw this Steve Kelley Vlog on our partner's website and thought Sonics fans would want to see it. The Seattle Times columnist puts it, in no uncertain terms, why the governor needs to call a special session or be known as the "The Governor Who Lost the Sonics." Mike Holmgren and the Seahawks public relations staff both garnered awards today by the Pro Football Writers of American. Holmgren won the Horrigan Award, given to the person who assisted the media the best (can't be a player or team PR staff). The Seahawks PR staff won the Rozelle Award, given to the media relations staff which best assisted the PFWA. You can find out more about each award over at the PI. ...
Someone from Sammamish has sold the right to curse the Sonics, if they move to Oklahoma City. Apparently, it was up for auction on ebay. The auction ended on Wednesday. The winning bid was a whopping $17.03. Pretty cheap for those who may want to wish the worst for Clay Bennett's team if they go to OKC. An ornate certificate with the selected curse will be dated and shipped to the auction winner and a notice detailing the event will be sent to the Seattle PI, Seattle Times, KJR950, KIRO, KOMO, KING, ESPN, HeraldNet, The Olympian, and Fox Sports Northwest. No guarantee of course it will be covered or discussed, but I believe increased participation and creative entries will significantly increase the likelihood. My auction of Howard Lincoln in 2004 was visited by more than 10,000 visitors and was covered by 8 of the 10 above mentioned media outlets. You can see what the winner will receive right here. The seller gives the winner a few ideas or names for a curse.
Bid now to purchase what is left of David Stern's soul. Most anything of value in his soul has already been bought and paid for by billionaire NBA franchise owners. Recently, what little redeeming value was left was picked through and acquired by Clay Bennett in exchange for a man-on-man ego massage. Warning: Bidders to purchase David Stern's soul at their own risk. Direct exposure may result in symptoms such as delusions of grandeur, tunnel vision, short-mans complex, loss of perspective, diarrhea of the mouth, shortsightedness, and an overwhelming napoleonic disorder.
Who should the Seahawks pick? It's that time of the year where everyone loves to play armchair GM for the NFL Draft. Some want a RB, TE or DT. But the Hawks don't care what they get, they just want the best player available. Thursday, they gave us their general strategies for Saturday's NFL Draft. President Tim Ruskell and VP of Player Personnel Ruston Webster talked about their philosophies. Here are the cliff note:
...with a Seahawks draft day baseball cap (does anyone out there really buy these? I mean, sure, if you're picking in the top five -- but 25?).
I thought any of you interested in the Sonics lawsuit brought by Howard Schultz may want to see the side letter that was drawn up by Bennett's group at Schultz's request, prior to the sale. You can find the PDF file, on page three right here. ...It sounds like OF/INF Mike Morse will have to wait until next year. Doctors performed surgery to fix a separation in his left shoulder. The M's say he'll be out for 6 months. That's pretty much the whole season. Too bad for a guy who set the Mariners spring training record for batting average. Keep reading, if you want to see the official press release. ...According to the New York Daily News, the Seahawks are interested in Giants' tight end Jeremy Shockey. Word has it that the 27-year-old isn't too keen of the idea the Giants won the Super Bowl because he was injured. Boy, wouldn't it be interesting if the TE taken in the draft before Jerramy Stevens ends up in a Seahawks uniform?
The Seattle Weekly met the Sonics team as they arrived at Boeing Field after their last game. Remember how huge the group of fans was during the Payton-Kemp days? Not so much anymore. Here's the YouTube video: I thought I'd just post Shaun's entire press release for the fans. It comes from Firmani Public Relations. From No.37, to the 12th Man. "We received the news from the Seahawks' front office today that I have been released. While it really isn't a surprise, this news marks a major transition in my life. I started my NFL career in Seattle and hoped I could remain with the team through the rest of my days as a player. That said, things change. I will be playing for another NFL team this fall, and doing everything I can to contribute. I am healthy, energized and looking forward to beginning the next chapter of my NFL career. I want to thank the Seahawks and Coach Holmgren for all they have done for me and my family over the years. I have nothing but respect and affection for the Seahawks staff, my teammates and the organization. I wish them the best. I especially want to thank the Seahawks fans. You made me feel proud every time I stepped on the field as a Seahawk. I look forward to hopefully returning to Qwest Field one day to play against the Seahawks, and the daunting task of facing the 12th Man --Seahawks fans are among the best. Finally, Valerie and I want everyone to know that Seattle is home for us, and it will remain so no matter where I play next. We have made far too many wonderful friends to say goodbye. My family will remain in the Seattle area, and when my days in the NFL do eventually come to an end, I plan to retire here. Our hearts are woven into the fabric of this community, we are blessed to be part of it, and we enjoy contributing to it in every way we can. Thank you, Seattle. You have become a part of me and you will forever remain in my heart."... The Seahawks sent over the official press release this afternoon saying they've released RB Shaun Alexander. Click here for Hawks President Tim Ruskell's take on the Shaun. Or click on the jump for the official press release. ...Busy day behind closed doors for the SuperSonics. Numero uno: Schultz's lawsuit was filed today. It seems, on the outset, to have some teeth. The new e-mail revealed in the Seattle Times was mailed two days before the purchase. Bennett reportedly tells his partners he could sell the Sonics in a "sweet flip" if an arena deal was actually negotiated and the Sonics were forced to remain in the Pacific Northwest. How zillionaires don't know e-mail is traceable in this day and age is beyond me.
"The last we checked, the votes aren't there, so why would we bring people down here to vote no on something?...The governor is not going to waste the taxpayer dollars to have a debate in Olympia when the votes aren't there." On behalf of all Sonics fans dreaming of a $300 million remodel of KeyArena, with $75 million from the city and $75 million from existing county taxes, sigh.
The Seahawks have confirmed, Shaun Alexander has been released from the team after eight years and an NFL MVP trophy. So, did the Hawks do the right thing? Leave your comments below... ...No announcement yet, but look for one from the Seahawks today (or maybe even tomorrow). Here's the deal: Shaun underwent a physical this week. The RB was still recovering from surgery on his wrist. If the team was going to release him, they had to wait until he was recovered. With the signing of T.J. Duckett and Julius Jones, Alexander's release had dangled. Now both KJR radio and the Seattle Times are citing sources that Shaun will be let go. KJR's Mahler says his source is a family member of Shaun's.
Alexander, who is scheduled to make $4.475 million this season, is signed through the 2010 season. The Seahawks have two possible ways of releasing him. They could simply terminate his contract. If they do that, they would have a cap loss of $125,000. The Seahawks could also release him under a June 2 designation in which they would save the $4.475 million salary on the 2008 cap and then be responsible for $4.6 million on their 2009 cap. With more than $12 million of cap room remaining, the Seahawks may just simply give him his outright release and take the cap hits this season. On a side note (I snagged this off the PI), in an interview on SIRIUS Radio, Oregon RB Jonathan Stewart is saying he is receiving interest from the Seahawks. Now if he'd only fall that far... ...KJR Radio is reporting that Shaun Alexander will be released from the team today. The team says Alexander is still a Seahawk, at least at this moment. Stay tuned... ...Saw in interesting fact in a NY Times article: If the Seahawks don't select a quarterback this draft, it'll be the first time in Holmgren's career that his team has gone three drafts without doing so. Holmgren's practice of selecting late round QBs was taken from his former boss in GB, GM Ron Wolf, who thought a late pick QB could prove to be a low-cost diamond in the rough. Seattle selected QB's in 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2005 (David Greene).
In case you didn't see this clip making the rounds, here's an old interview with NBA commish David Stern slathering over KeyArena. It was shot back when the building was re-opened in 1995 after a $75 million revamp. According to the TNT, since Rocky Bernard was arrested and booked this morning on suspicion of domestic violence, he won't be arraigned until Tuesday a.m.(bail was reportedly denied) -- which leaves Rocky in jail until that time. Thanks to the Tribnet, here is part of the police report: The victim and her friend (XX) were standing next to the exit and noticed (XX) in an altercation with an unknown female. The suspect walked toward the victim and punched her one time with a closed fist, striking her forehead, causing her forehead to hit the glass divider. The victim and the witness were concerned about their safety so they left the club quickly and ran towards a friend's car. Once they got inside the car they closed the doors (XX) was outside the car and was hitting the windows as they drove away. The victim didn't know if the suspect was following her, so they drove to a safe location (XX) and called 911 to report the assault. The Seattle Times is reporting that the victim is Bernard's 21-year-old ex-girlfriend and mother of his child. ...After a week of local sports fans feeling like they've been kicked in the shins by Oklahoma zillionaires, some good news -- the Seahawks draft is this weekend. And GM Ruskell has deftly positioned the organization to be able to pick the best player available. The Seahawks pick 25th in the first round on Saturday and tight end, defensive tackle, offensive lineman, wide receiver and back-up linebackers are all positions the team may address.
The NBA owners have approved the Sonics' relocation bid to Oklahoma City "pending the outcome of a federal lawsuit filed by the city of Seattle." It passed by a 28-2 vote today by the NBA's Board of Governors. Paul Allen and Mark Cuban were the dissenting votes. Stern blamed KeyArena and the city of Seattle and thanked Sonics fans for 41 years of support. Up next: Lawsuits one, two and three. If you need to vent, do so in the comments below. ...KING 5 Photographer Mike Bachety and I were walking back from dinner through Manhattan, when we randomly came across Sonics Star Kevin Durant at a street corner waiting for a cab. I caught his attention, and Mike and I ended up breaking the news to him, that the NBA Board of Governors has voted for the relocation of the Sonics to Oklahoma City. I asked Kevin what he thought about moving. The young star told Mike and me that he was surprised, and I can't speak for him, but I can tell you, to me, he didn't sound excited about the prospect of moving to Oklahoma. He's in NYC for the Jordan Brand Classic, which is tomorrow at Madison Square Garden. He's a darn good player, and I think he'd love it if he stayed in Seattle. ...Just heard that the announcement from NY will likely come down in the next hour. Presumably as they shuffle all the owners to airplanes to get them as far away from reporters as the NBA can. Paul Allen was a no show. Also, one of the Maloof brothers, owners of the Kings, told Save Our Sonics as he was leaving he "wished he had good news." Ouch. Stay tuned for more of Chris' live blogging from NY. ...There are no elected leaders, no one here making a last minute pitch... Word just came down, it's gonna be at least another hour before we get an announcement. Tim Frank from the NBA just told me "they're still going, alot of issues, it's gonna be a while." Right now, it's like a social mixer here of NBA beat writers, and reporters from Seattle and Oklahoma City. Some people who follow this story seem to think they later the announcement, the better the news could be for the City of Seattle. A quick rubber stamp job by the owners would mean we would probably have known by now. More to come. Feel free to chime in. We're now at the St. Regis. It's quite a setup. Someone from the Governor Gregoire's Office is already here, presumably to give a response to the vote. The announcement should come down within the next couple hours. For now, here are a couple photos: ...Hey All - I have just a few minutes to let you know how crazy it has been here, covering the Sonics on the first day of the Board of Governors meetings. We've been dealing with broken equipment, navigating New York as the city prepares for the arrival of the Pope, running in and out of "30 Rock," and jumping through hoops to tell the story on the air. Thankfully, we have our NY native photographer Mike Bachety with me. It's been a slow day out of the meetings. In fact, they won't even let media in the hotel where the meetings are being held. Clay Bennett was seen entering about 6 o'clock tonight, leading me to believe these "meetings" about relocation consist of dinner and an oral presentation tomorrow. The Save Our Sonics folks seem to think, through their lobbying efforts, that there are Owners who are willing to postpone their vote, or reject the Sonics' relocation altogether. You've gotta admire their resolve and efforts to save the team. Brian Robinson, who is the co-founder, flew in at the last minute to show his support. They continue to lobby to this hour to keep the interest level up of our elected leaders. However, I'm inclined to think, based on the conversations and comforting voices I hear from people, that this thing is a done deal. Sonics fans have to hope Mark Cuban, Paul Allen, Larry Miller, and others band together and raise enough of a stink to change the minds of others. But I'm just doing the math. 7 Owners on the Relocation Committee approve of the move. That's 11 Owners, and only 16 are needed to approve the move. What do you think will happen tomorrow? ...Hopefully, for Sonics fans, this isn't a true exit interview for the team. The Supes talked to reporters about the season. I'll try to post the interviews throughout the day. After the first question, coach P.J. Carlesimo was pretty good, open and honest. He wouldn't call this season a success because of the losses, but he feels they're headed in the right direction. Plus, he thinks the Sonics should be in Seattle. I'm not sure if that's a "coached" response, but the optimist in me hopes he truly means it.
Kevin Durant - On Rookie of the year award, likes Seattle, the future of the Sonics.
A huge success last night as the fourth-largest soccer crowd in Seattle history filled the Qwest to watch Mexico beat China in a friendly, 1-0. Sure seems to spell good things for the Sounders FC. Said Senior VP Gary Wright to the TNT: "I think what it does is it shows the atmosphere of the international game. It shows what the sport is about. And, of course so many of our fans already know that. But to the non-soccer aficionado, this shows what it is."
For those who aren't an ESPN insider, or didn't catch the Mike and Mike in the Morning radio show (broadcast locally, too) here is the transcript of what NBA commish said just this morning when asked about the e-mail chain between Bennett and ownership: "Believe it or not, I haven't reviewed the e-mails. But as far as I recall, Clay Bennett was talking to the mayor and trying to arrange meetings virtually to the end with respect to see whether there was a seperate opportunity for the team to find a way to stay under the right circumstances in Seattle. That doesn't mean that everyone of his partners that lived in Oklahoma City was wishing him well in that pursuit but he was pretty determined to play out the string in a positive way." (Asked if he believed Clay was acting on the up-and-up) "In fairness, even under different circumstances this past month the state legislature is still and was still unwilling to extend the tax by which these stadiums for football and baseball were funded, to basketball. I understand that decision and I respect the ability of the legislature to say "enough, we're not going to spend any more money on these things." But they've declined to do that, I guess at least four times and the most recent one was back last April when they finally shot it down and said they weren't even going to report it out of committee. So I think that there is a futility here talking about getting a building built that has been there from day one even when the team was owned by the group that sold it to Clay." (Asked specifically about the e-mails) "You can piece it together and I'm sure somebody will, but the reality is that the -- as of two weeks ago the same impossibility of performance was upon us because of an absence of funding for the building. (Asked again about the I-am-a-man-possessed e-mails between Clay, Audrey and Ward). Well, you'll have to wait upon's Clay's testimony explaining that e-mail chain. But my dealings with him have been such that I have confidence in him and believe him."... The Mariners just recalled pitcher Brandon Morrow. He'll take Erik Bedard's spot on the roster. Bedard went on the 15-day DL yesterday. Apparently, no claimed Charlton Jimerson. So he's headed to AAA Tacoma. The Morrow & Jimerson press releases are after the jump. ...In case you missed it, NBA Commish David Stern was on ESPN's Mike and Mike in the Morning show today. He says he still hasn't seen the e-mails by Clay and his cronies. Are you kidding me? He's a lawyer. Is he trying to tell me that a day before the NBA Board of Governors begin their meetings, he still hasn't looked at facts of the relocation case? They're expected to vote on relocation on Friday. Would he go into a murder case without looking at all the court documents? Would Stern just ignore part of the evidence that could get his client off with murder? Wait a minute, maybe that's what he's doing.
Most Sonics fans know Pearl Jam's bassist Jeff Ament is a Sonic's season ticket holder. ESPN.com sat down with Ament and spoke to him about the Sonics situation. Here's part of what the rocker had to say: In fact, if the deal goes through, I would bet that a lot of Sonic fans will pay very little attention to the NBA. I'm not sure what sort of spit-swapping was going on between (Clay) Bennett and (David) Stern, but the whole thing stinks of conspiracy. I know it happens everyday, but I can't believe these sorts of deals are allowed to happen in this country. The fact that the Key Arena is the main issue is a joke. They just completely remodeled the place in 1995. Have any of these critics been to the Palace in Auburn Hills, or Oakland Arena, or Continental Arena...New Orleans, Charlotte, the Target Center, the Bradley Center or Arco? All are worse than the Key...and the new arenas like Staples, Boston and MCI Center have such mellow slope in the seating that unless you're in the first 20 rows, you might as well be at home. I mean, they're great if you like hanging out at the mall, but does it capture the energy of a live sporting event? I think not. I know this because we've either played in these arenas or I've watched hoops in all of them. Well said. Read the entire ESPN.com article for Ament's fav Sonics memory, and how he'll feel if the Sonics leave the Emerald City. ...Schultz's suit felt like the first counterpunch for Seattle SuperSonics fans. Like fans are no longer stuck in the corner of the ring, getting sucker-punched with their arms tied behind their back. Yeah, Gregoire's letter came out flat. More face-saving than Howard's lawsuit. But at least Seattle is swinging now.
Don't forget about the season finale for KD and the Sonics tonight in Golden State. Coverage is at 7:30 p.m., on FSN. Also, KING 5 will be live in NY for Friday's Board of Governors meeting. Catch the 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts on Thursday and Friday for live reports. ...The Mariners announced they've moved Erik Bedard to the 15-day DL with inflamation in the hip. The official press release is after the jump. They won't fill his spot on the roster until tomorrow (Wednesday). ...The NFL has announced the Seahawks schedule. A couple of items of note: while the team has no Monday night game, the Seahawks will play in Dallas on Thanksgiving day. There are also two Sunday evening games, one at Tampa and the Patriots come to Seattle on Dec. 7th. Here is the schedule:
The NFL is set to announce it's 2008 regular season schedule, in just a little over an hour at 11 PST. The schedule will be revealed on the NFL network (surprise, surprise). We'll post the Seahawks schedule here shortly after it's announced. ...Hot off the press: Former owner of the Sonics, Howard Schultz, has told the Seattle Times he has hired a lawyer and is preparing to file suit in the next two weeks against Clay Bennett to rescind the July 2006 sale of the team. Wow.
You can read the entire article here. Who knew? When NBA commish David Stern was asked in a conference call today with reporters about Bennett I-am-a-man-possessed's e-mails that seem to show Clay failed to stick to his good faith promise, Stern replied: "I haven't studied them (the e-mails) but my sense of it was that Clay, as the managing partner and the driving force of the group, was operating in good faith under the agreement that had been made with Howard Schultz. His straight and narrow path may not have been shared by all of his partners in their views, but Clay was the one that was making policy for the partnership."
Bless you. Onto other news, ESPN's Page 2 is going off on the Sonics situation today. From Sonicless in Seattle, to What's Your Price, to It's Bennett's Right. I'm not a jersey owner. Some sports fans are. In fact, the only jersey I own sits in the closet where it went the day I got it. The day Gary Payton was traded away, my wife was covering the story. Between her live shots, I talked her into rushing into the KeyArena store and snagging me one of the last GP Jerseys. It doesn't fit. It's huge. Size 52 or something. I'm a 44. Never mattered to me how big it was. In my mind, Payton deserved to end his career a Sonic.
In the article, Gary talks about retirement and life-after-basketball. Of trash talking in the backyard with his kids because, as only GP can say, they have good "mouthpieces." The analogy is too fitting, that GP and the city of Seattle are possibly at the same point in their NBA careers. And we've got our own backyard trash talking going on, between Bennett, Stern and the city. Yet what GP told the PI makes me think that he, like many Sonics fans, is still in denial. "It's not gone yet. Everybody has to try and buckle down in the next couple months and see what can happen. It's not looking good, as people are saying, but you always want to try. It will be a disaster if they move them after 41 years. I don't think these fans deserve that. But anything is possible, and everybody just needs to keep their hopes up, and it will work out."Buckled down. Hopes up. And thanks, GP. Thanks for coming back to Seattle. ...If you follow Sonics news you know two things are happening today. One, it's the Sonics last game in Seattle this season -- and maybe forever. Tickets are still available. Heck, it's still fan appreciation month. Go, laugh and cry at the same time.
Wow, finally someone has come forward to say something about the Governor and the state legislature with a little oomph.
For more than a year it has been obvious that the only way in which to save NBA basketball for Seattle in the long term was a major remodel of KeyArena to make it acceptable to the NBA and to any prospective owner. Not a single suggestion as to how that could be accomplished has ever come from the governor's office or from the leaders of our legislature. - Slade Gorton press release Sure the Gov had her day on Thursday calling Clay Bennett a liar, but she and the legislature needs some form of accountability. Like Gorton states in his press release, at least someone like the Ballmer group and Seattle Mayor Nickels stepped up. Too bad the State and the Gov failed to do their part. You can find the whole press release here. ...Could tonight be the last time the longtime voice of the Supes, Kevin Calabro, calls a Sonics game? Calabro told the Seattle Times that if the team leaves for Oklahoma, he's done being the voice of the team. Here is what he told the Times' Percy Allen:
Calabro will not call Sunday's season ender for the Sonics. He's under contract to call the Spurs v. Lakers on ESPN radio. Calabro says he's staying in Seattle. Read the entire article here. On a personal note, way to go Kevin. ...A few more Sonics sub-plots to dish out like Luke Ridnour dimes this fine Friday morning. A look at some of the so-far silent players in this deal. Like Mr. Wally Walker. What does the ex-Sonics President and co-owner think of Bennett's e-mails? Wally spoke to the Seattle Times, specifically about the good-faith clause in the sale:
Which takes us to Howard Schultz. Does anyone think Howard will take Bennett and Co. to court, accusing the ownership group of not honoring the agreement? Me neither. Anyone want a free cup of joe?
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After making the mistake of re-reading the e-mail from Bennett to Stern over lunch, I felt quesy enough to simply post a larger part of the sappy darn thing. Yeesh. Enjoy. I am concerned that you may feel I have betrayed your trust. David you know how I feel about our relationship both personally and professionally. You are among a very few, notwithstanding our relative brief actual physical time together that have significantly affected my life. I view you as a role model as an extraordinarily gifted executive, a deep and compassionate thinker, and a person with a rare and unique charisma that brings out the best in everyone you touch. You are just one of my favorite people on earth and I so cherish our relationship Sonics business aside. I would never breach your trust. As absolutely remarkable as it may seem, Aubrey and I have NEVER discussed moving the Sonics to Oklahoma City, nor have I discussed it with ANY other member of our ownership group. I have been passionately committed to our process in Seattle ... I won't complain about the media, but how about this - yesterday Starbucks told us they won't be renewing their sponsorship. Howard made the decision. In addition, Howard and numerous others in the selling group dropped their courtside and premium seats. In addition in the "13th Largest Market" we can't sell tickets. I cringe when I look at how well Portland and Boston are doing as we limp along. I scratch my head. We have done a good job.This feels different. But does anyone think these e-mails have enough gusto to change popular opinion? Or, most importantly, the view of the other NBA owners before the vote? ...You've likely seen the Seattle Times article revealing e-mails that Bennett and Co. lied to the public and the NBA about their good faith effort to keep the Sonics in Seattle. Here's a hint: don't e-mail what you don't want getting out. Or, even better, pull a Bush administration and destroy any e-mail you don't want getting leaked. Modern Business 101.
The article has more e-mails trying to prove the point. The one that makes me cringe has the subject line: "the OKLAHOMA CITY SONIC BOOM (or maybe SONIC BOOMERS!) baby!!!!!!!!!!" ...Cougars head women's basketball coach June Daugherty stopped by the Northwest Sports Tonight studios on Wednesday. Coach Daugherty is in Seattle to speak at the Twelfth Annual Red Cross Heroes Breakfast - "Everyday People, Everyday Heroes" on Thursday at 7am (I know that's way too early...at least for me). Tickets are required and available by calling (206) 726-3548. She talked about the breakfast, her own health and her team. Coach Daugherty was great..and I'm not saying that because I'm a Cougar. I thought the same thing two years ago when she stopped by the studios as the coach of the Huskies. Anyways, expect her to turn things around at Wazzu. She's got the 16th best recruiting class in the nation coming in for 2008-09. If you want to hear her whole interview, click on this link. ...The WNBA held its draft on Wednesday. The Storm selected Allie Quigley from DePaul in the second round and Kimberly Beck in the third round. Here's Storm coach Brian Agler's press conference. It's about 10 minutes worth of Storm fun. ...WARNING: RANT AHEAD.
(A little perspective is always nice.) So I'll cross my fingers that B2 builds a new stadium. Bring a huge convention to this city. I agree the deal sounds so much sweeter with private funds, but does anyone think it'll happen in time to Save our Sonics? Or that the city will see a new NBA team before 2020? In the end, I can't imagine NW fans want to steal a franchise from a different city. Free cup of Starbucks, anyone? ...Sometimes, Sonics fans simply have to love Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. Tonight, Cuban says that he will vote against the Sonics move to Oklahoma (the Sonics are playing against Dallas tonight).
Just received a press release from WSU. It says basketball head coach Tony Bennett is staying in Pullman. "I will remain as the head coach at Washington State and I look forward to building for the future," Bennett said. "I am thankful for the opportunity this University gave me to become head coach and for the continued support of President Floyd, Jim Sterk and the entire Cougar Nation. Washington State University is a special place." Not exactly sure what this means. There's no mention of an extension, improved salaries for the assistant coaches, improved travel plans, and/or upgrade to facilities (all were mentioned of what Coach Tony wanted from the school). Hopefully, for the Cougars sake, he genuinely plans to stay at Wazzu and continue to build a winner. The press release is after the jump. ...Just like John Belushi in Animal House, Save Our Sonics want you to know it's not over until they say it's over. SOS wants you to call up the Governor to request a special session. Via our Public Disclosure requests we found that the calls to the Governor and House leadership were running 97% in favor of this proposal. This overwhelming support for this plan was ignored by house leadership who in some cases lied about the volume and support of these calls. Call for a special session. --SOS press release 4/08/08 You can check out the full press release after the jump. By the way, if you don't think the Sonics contribute to Seattle's economy, check this newsok.com article. It says the team will contribute $74 million to Oklahoma City and the surrounding community's economy. They believe it'll bring 170 jobs...so excluding the athletes, it's about 150 new positions. Again, click on the jump if you want to find out how to help SOS. ...Well, the KeyArena renovation deal with potential Sonics buyers, Steve Ballmer and Co., is over. The city was frantically trying to get a deal done after state lawmakers balked at a special session to come up with the state's needed $75 million to make the deal work. Ballmer's group promised to commit $150 million for the renovations, the city was going to pony up $75 million and another $75 million was needed from the state (by extending the King Co. restaurant/car-rental tax). No word what this means to Ballmer and Co.'s desire to buy the Sonics, but the imposed deadline for keeping the group's offer on the table is only two days away (April 10th).
Now all they need is some land in Seattle to build it. And, as the overused expression goes, they will come. Right? ...Get this: When the Seattle Storm signs former league MVP Yolanda Griffith today, the team will have three of the five players on it's roster who have won the award (along with Lauren Jackson and Sheryl Swoopes). Too bad the WNBA team's new owners can't get them all (one seems to think they would if they could) -- Cynthia Cooper is retired and Lisa Leslie is under contract with the LA Sparks.
The Seattle Seahawks have signed ex-Husky, ex-Falcon CB Omare Lowe to a one-year contract. Lowe was drafted by Miami in 2002 and has bounced around the league. He has suited up for the Dolphins, Jets, Vikings, Patriots and (Ruskell's) Falcons. Lowe played all 16 games for Atlanta in 2006, leading the team with 14 special teams tackles before spending last season on injured reserve. Lowe also grew up in Maple Valley. While at the UW had 100 tackles, five interceptions and a school-record 24 passes defensed. Well, it seems like the Ayes have it. After opening up the voting to include a write-in, the new Seattle MLS team will be called the Sounders FC (football club). More than 15,000 people voted. What do you think? Personally, I'm glad the name/brand includes the Sounders. Here's a photo with GM Adrian Hanauer:
Four weeks ago today, Steve Ballmer's group gave an April 10th deadline for the city of Seattle or the State of Washington to match their $150 million offer for a KeyArena renovation and possibly an offer to retain the Sonics in Seattle. Well, that deadline is only three days away.
London yesterday, Paris today. A day after having it's run disrupted in the UK, the Olympic flame's dash through the streets of Paris barely made it 200 yards before the torch was put out and rushed to a vehicle to prevent protestors' repeated attempts to extinguish the flame. The torch had to finish the dash on said bus, after dodging a fire extinguisher near the Louvre (see AP photo below).
When I noticed the Sonics voice-over during a game last week for "Fan Appreciation Month," I broke a rib. "Our fans are integral to our success. We are proud to award them with more prizes, better entertainment and bigger value for the remainder of the season. We have a great April planned for our fans, and we're looking forward to a lot of fun over the next three weeks."Then yesterday, local media got a press release confirming the joke. Paul Silvi went off at the 5 p.m. news. So did the PI's Art Thiel. Guess no one watched the games on TV. What's sadder? That I did, or that no local media saw the gag? So how can fans say thanks for Fan Appreciation Month? There's a comment section below. Feel free. Just keep it cleaner than the sarcasm hidden in the Sonics' offer. ...The Seattle P-I is reporting tonight that Cougars basketball coach Tony Bennett has agreed to a new contract. The P-I says WSU President Elson Floyd confirms it. But when our sister station in Spokane KREM called the Cougars sports information people, they say haven't heard of an agreement being in place. That spokesperson did confirm that Bennett and the school are in end-of-the-year discussions. Those discussions include Bennett's salary, his assistant coaches' salaries, travel (maybe charter planes), and basketball facilities. Floyd said details on Bennett's new contract have yet to be finalized, but it will include a raise on his basic annual compensation package of $800,000. The length of the seven-year contract Bennett signed last year will not change, Floyd said. - seattlepi.nwsource.com 4/3/08 If this is true, hopefully, this will end all the speculation of where Coach Tony is headed. For a guy who's trying to build a program, and in Pullman no less, this has to be a little straining. Stay tuned. I'm sure we'll have another update tomorrow, if not sooner. ...The Seahawks announced their preseason schedule today. Three of the games will be aired either on KING 5 or KONG 6/16. Except for the ESPN game, which airs at 5 p.m., the other games are TBA.
Saturday, Aug. 16th Chicago KONG 6/16 Monday, Aug. 25th AT San Diego ESPN Friday, Aug. 29th Oakland KING 5 Here's the press release I got this afternoon:
One interesting tidbit the TNT wiggled out of Seahawks GM Tim Ruskell down at the owners meeting: While the hot new Seahawks Renton practice facility/HQ is set to launch this upcoming season, the team will still hold training camp in Kirkland. In the article, Ruskell says the Seahawks signed a contract with Northwest University a year in advance, not knowing if construction on the Renton facility would be complete. They may hold one practice a week in Renton, open to the public. No word if the team will move to Renton after training camp. Either way, you have to think Holmgren likes the idea. His apartment is within walking distance of the Seahawks Kirkland HQ. ...The Mariners just sent over a press release. They've put closer JJ Putz on the 15-day disabled list. He hurt the cartilage in his rib cage. They're calling it a mild case of Costochondritis. Depending on the severity, it can be a nagging condition. But according the press release, it sounds pretty minor. Putz says it happened in the 9th when he faced Michael Young. As you all know, the next batter, Josh Hamilton hit a game-winning 2-run shot. You can read the press release after the jump. We're heading down to Safeco to talk with JJ. We'll have more later. UPDATE: M's trainer Rick Griffin says Putz's Costochondritis is in the back, not the front. Griffin called it unusual. More often than not, the Costochondritis is felt where the ribs connect to the sternum, not the back/spine. Griffin didn't seem to concerned about it. ...Why can't we all be professional athletes? The AP is reporting that ex-Mariner A-Rod will make more bank this year than the entire Florida Marlins roster. A-Rod is earning $28 million, while the all 33 Marlins players put together make $21.8 million. "The Marlins? It's amazing," Rodriguez said. "And they still seem to find a way to be very competitive.For the first time ever, the average MLB salary is at $3 million. Even the Marlins highest paid player is below that average -- pitcher Kevin Gregg, at $2.5 million. Ichiro tops the earner's list for the Mariners at $17,102,149, Richie Sexson is next at 15,500,000 and Adrian Beltre at 13,400,000. Talking payroll, the Yanks top the list at $209 million, Seattle is ninth at $117 million. Yank Jason Giambi is the second highest earner, at $23.4 million. ...There is plenty of skepticism/criticism from the pigs-may-fly corner being leveled at today's proposal by Downtown Freddie Brown and Tacoma Rainers president/GM Dave Bean to build a new Seattle sports stadium -- the Emerald City Center. You can read the story here. Even the mayor seemed to pull a wha-huh? Pier 46? I'll keep this brief, but I wanted to know what K5.com guests thought about the proposal. While I'd love to see pro hockey in town, and even more would like the NBA to stay, would the billion-dollar arena bring the NHL to town, could it Save our Sonics, and will it ever really get off the ground? ...Well, this makes things interesting. The PI is reporting that laymakers in Olympia, including Governor Gregiore, knew of Ballmer, Griffin and Co's offer well before the end of the session, with enough time to get the idea authorized. The article says Gregoire, Speaker of the House Frank Chopp, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels and King Co. Executive Ron Sims met in December to discuss the proposal. Some of this information was taken from e-mails the PI obtained through public disclosure. Here is what the article says Griffin wrote on March 7th: "I want you and the Governor to have the timeline. As you can see from the attachment, the mayor started working with Olympia in December. We met with the Speaker over a month ago. We tried to do it quietly, so people wouldn't feel pushed into a corner. For trying to be gentle and work respectfully with Olympia, it seems unfair to now be told that we came in at the last minute. You and the Governor should know the timeline."Sounds like there is some serious timetable disagreement going on. Gregoire's spokesman is quoted as saying her office didn't know about the specifics until on-or-about March 3rd. A claim Deputy Mayor Ceis denies. "I'm sorry, that's not true," Ceis said. "I know it was long before March 3, I think they are mistaken. ... We did have a face-to-face meeting on March 3, but we clearly had been in communication with her office."Does it change anything? Likely not. These offices are all incredibly busy. Either way, seems some people who were willing to pay millions to keep the Sonics in Seattle are unhappy with the way the deal was portrayed to the public. The entire article is here. ...The Seahawks draft picks changed slightly, after the NFL owners down in Palm Beach awarded compensatory picks to fifteen teams (not the Seahawks). These picks are awarded to the teams who lose the most in free agency. Online reports had Ruskell expecting the Seahawks to get one, which was not the case. With these new picks added, the Seahawks now draft 25th, 55th, 86th, 121st, 189th and 233rd.
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