Show some concern, Seattle

By Eric Evans
September 27, 2007

The Seattle SuperSonics are threatening to leave. Am I the only one in Seattle losing sleep over this?

Some of my fondest memories are of the 1990s Sonics teams and the buzz they created around the city. My family would go to a friend's house to watch the games on their big screen TVs and my neighbors would shoot off fireworks after playoff wins. If you're not familiar with the kind of excitement this team provided Seattle, then do a YouTube search for "Top 10 Shawn Kemp dunks."

The city of Seattle is caught in a growing political and legal battle with the Professional Basketball Club, LLC, a pretentiously named, Oklahoma-based investment group that is trying to break its lease with Key Arena, set to end in 2010.

This outrages me. I have written letters to local politicians and to the NBA front office to show my concern over the matter, but feel like I'm one of the few.

Being a Seattle sports fan, I attended a Mariners game this summer the day after the Sonics drafted Kevin Durant. The Mariners won the game and during the celebration I shouted, "Let's go Sonics," as I was excited about the amazing draft day the franchise just had. To my dismay, a Mariners fan replied to me "Why? Oh, do you mean to Oklahoma City?"

I ask as a Mariners fan: Are you really going to bash the SuperSonics while rooting for the Mariners?

The SuperSonics are far and away Seattle's most successful and dependable professional sports franchise. Well, I guess you can always depend on the Mariners to miss the playoffs, but that's not quite what I'm looking for as a sports fan.

The Sonics have been a symbol of Seattle since 1967, when the team became Seattle's first professional team to stay in our great city.

In 1978, the Sonics reached the NBA finals but lost. The next year the SuperSonics faced the Washington Bullets in the finals again and this time they brought home Seattle's one and only professional championship. Have Seattle fans already given this up?

The championship came six years before I was born, so I asked my mom what it was like living in Seattle at the time. As she put it, "It's hard to describe the feeling, the excitement around the city and at the games."

Seattle celebrated as no one from my generation has experienced. Downtown was packed for the victory parade, and local businesses even shut down for the day so workers could celebrate.

Opportunities to celebrate championships have come few and far between for Seattle sports fans. Other than the late 1970s Sonics, Seattle has come close to a pro title only two other times.

The Sonics lost in the 1996 NBA finals to the best team in NBA history, Michael Jordan's 72-win Chicago Bulls. Then there was the Seahawks, who lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2006 in a controversial Super Bowl.

I can only imagine what a championship in Seattle would feel like. Allowing the Sonics to leave for the browner pastures of Oklahoma City would not only be letting go of our only professional title, but it would also be discarding our most dependable way of reaching a championship again.

The Sonics have made it to the playoffs 22 times in their 40-year history, most recently in 2005. Seattleites can't give up their best chance at winning a championship and fulfilling the dreams of all Seattle sports fans.

The Seahawks have reached the playoffs nine times in their 31-year history, most recently in 2006. The Mariners have reached the playoffs a whopping four times in their 31-year history, the last time being in 2001 in perhaps the most disappointing postseason in Seattle sports history.

I am shocked and personally offended at the seemingly non-existent concern from Seattle "fans" over threats of the team's departure.

When the Mariners demanded a stadium and threatened to leave for Tampa Bay if they didn't get one, local politicos eventually gave in and built them a stadium. When then-Seahawks owner Ken Behring was packing up the moving trucks to ship the team to Southern California, Seattle fans physically blocked his way.

Where is this concern for the Sonics? Have Seattle fans given them away already? I find this particularly disturbing considering how much optimism Seattle fans continually have for our "mighty" Mariners.

Eric Evans was voted Biggest Sonics Fan in Seattle in 2006 by Fox Sports Network.

[Reach reporter Eric Evans at sports@thedaily.washington.edu.]

Comments

#1 ty_mwilliams

commented, on
September 28, 2007 at 2:56 p.m.:

Thank you! This is exactly what has been going through my head since last summer when the team was bought. Seattle as a city has to stand up for the sonics, don't leave it to the courts to decide, this team may be owned by Bennett, but it belongs to the people of Seattle!

#2 Dave Swanson

commented, on
September 28, 2007 at 6:52 p.m.:

I am heartbroken that the Sonics will leave Seattle. I have lived in Vancouver, WA now for 37 years but remain a true Sonics, Mariners, and Seahawks fan thru and thru. I will never forget the "victory" parade the year before the championship, when the Supes lost to the Bullets. I cried during the parade as one of the players cars carried a sign saying "It's only a superficial Bullet wound". The following year with Downtown Freddie running out the clock had me screaming with joy.
Let's pray for a miracle.

#3 speedcat

commented, on
September 30, 2007 at 9:54 p.m.:

Dude, great article; I totally agree, the apathy here is pretty astounding. But check out sonicscentral.com to hear from some of our most dedicated fans & what they're up to.

I was actually working in the Key during the 96 Finals.... what a trip. I got down to the 100 level selling beer, and got to see Michael Jordan, Rodman, and of course Payton Kemp and all the rest. It was awesome. I think the Key is actually a great place to see basketball; it's too bad they didn't size it correctly or whatever for Hockey so it would be more profitable.

One comment - your statement that the Supes' was Seattle's "one and only" pro championship is not accurate. The WNBA is a national, professional organization and the Storm won a championship in 2004.

Cheers - and thanks for your excellent article.

#4 Griff

commented, on
October 2, 2007 at 7:40 a.m.:

The author knows the Storm won the Championship... He was there!!!

#5 Alex

commented, on
October 2, 2007 at 10:28 a.m.:

Great article. We need to do whatever it takes to keep this team here.

#6 andrew.

commented, on
October 2, 2007 at 12:17 p.m.:

Go supes. I hate the apathy here for the sonics as well. visit sonicscentral.com or supersonicsoul.com for the fanbase.

#7 Jason

commented, on
October 3, 2007 at 9:49 a.m.:

I'm living in another state now, been here for ten years, but the first twenty five years of my life I grew up in Washington. I still follow all the Seattle teams, but the Sonics will always be something special to me. I remember watching them growing up and I remember in my college days cheering for the great teams lead by Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp. Some day I'd like to get back home. I'd like the team to still be there. If they leave, I won't be coming back. I'm sickened by the apathy I'm seeing over this. I know my parents would like their grand kids to be a little closer, but it's that important to me. Sometimes I'm not sure if Seattle and the state of Washington deserve a great team like the Sonics.

#8 Nick

commented, on
October 4, 2007 at 1:32 p.m.:

Eric, I know the Sonics have a better history than the Seahawks and M's but that's just what it is... history.

Let's look at the Sonics record the past four years: 155-173 with one playoff appearance. I'm also pretty sure it's safe to assume that this season will not be one to remember. (RE BUILD ING)

Right now it's the Seahawk's time to shine. Yes, they've only been to the playoffs nine times in all these years. But four of them were in the last four years, including their trip to the (tainted) Super Bowl. Seattle's future in sports looks much brighter on the football front, even if the Sonics stay.

#9 JamminJ

commented, on
October 6, 2007 at 9:52 a.m.:

It's not really the lack of apathy from the whole of seattle, but the lack of anger from ALL sports fans. It doesn't matter if basketball is your thing or not. Mariners Fans, Seahawks Fans should ALL be outraged, they have all been in the same circumstance. Stop being a bandwagon sports fan, and support all sports.

#10 Todd

commented, on
October 6, 2007 at 10:48 a.m.:

Thanks for the article. It's very unfortunate that Mr. Starbucks gave up on this city (no thanks to the dim witted mayor) and chose to sell "his" team to a knucklehead from OKC. I have to say in his defense though, the Spurs have just stuck it to San Antonio for 200 mil or else, on a 5 year old venue...the NBA needs to be reorganized because the business model is dead!

#11 SeattleSonic94

commented, on
October 6, 2007 at 11:44 a.m.:

First off...To the person who said "remember the Storm"..Umm...That's like Tacoma winning the PCL title or winning an Arena Bowl..No one freaking cares.

We have won another title in the FOUR MAJOR SPORTS for your information Mr. Evans, Seattle won the 1917 Stanley Cup over the Montreal Cananadians and came close to winning another during if not for the Flu Epidemic of 1919 (in a "first one to 3 wins series" it was tied at 2 wins-2 losses-1 tie).

#12 Eric Evans

commented, on
October 6, 2007 at 1:01 p.m.:

Thank you all for your feedback on the article! It is good to know there are people out there who agree with me.

As for the other professional titles; I was aware of both of them. In fact, as Griff pointed out, I went to the 2 home games in the WNBA Finals and brought a bunch of my friends with me. I even had a scratchy voice for a few days afterwards. I did not include them in the article because for me they do not fit into the big 3 sports. I am not trying to downgrade either victory but I don't feel they are of the same significance right now as the NBA, NFL, and MLB.

#13 Eric Evans

commented, on
October 6, 2007 at 1:15 p.m.:

Nick, I certainly appreciate what the Seahawks have brought to the Seattle sports scene in their history. I was not trying to belittle them in the article. it is true that over the last 5 years the Seahawks have been Seattle's best team. That's no reason to forget about the Sonics though. I know a lot of what I discussed was of their history but that only shows they are more likely to get back to that point in my eyes. In fact, the front office of the Sonics is making great moves to get this team back on top. I know a lot of people don't recognize it yet but Sonics GM Sam Presti is putting together a fantastic future. It would be an all out shame if that success is in Oklahoma City and not in Seattle where it belongs.

If you couldn't tell my main concern is over the Mariners and their fans. It seems no matter what that team does (or doesn't do) Seattle is in love with them. Other than a couple of fluke seasons (95 and 2001) that team has provided almost nothing to Seattle. I love the MLB and the Mariners too, I'm just getting sick of this city's double standard for the Mariners and Sonics. I don't think many people realize that Forbes Magazine called the Mariners the most profitable team in the MLB. Then on the other hand the Sonics are stuck in the worst lease in the NBA. With both of these forces the Sonics have still provided an even or better on court/field product than the Mariners over the last 5 years.

#14 SeattleSonic94

commented, on
October 6, 2007 at 2:35 p.m.:

Uh...There is no "Big 3" heard the term "FOUR MAJOR SPORTS" seems to oh...Used by everyone, I hope you aren't trying to become a sportswriter.

As for "it's not significant"..Uh...Yeah it is...It's the oldest pro championship in North America and the Mets were the first team to bring the Cup to the USA.

#15 charlie

commented, on
October 11, 2007 at 8:29 p.m.:

an oldie who remembers '67, spencer haywood, slick, and most of all -- the glorious '79 champs. seattle stood tall then.

but, as a technicality, that was not seattle's only major pro championship. did you know that the metros won the stanley cup? tis true. ww1 era.

but the main point is: seattle is a richer and happier place with an nba team. keep the sonics in seattle.

#16 Eric Evans

commented, on
October 12, 2007 at 12:07 p.m.:

SeattleSonics94 and charlie,

Yes I was aware of the 1917 Stanley Cup won by the Seattle Metropolitans of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association (PCHA). I was aware it was technically Seattle's first pro title. I did not include it for a few reasons. First of all the Mets were not actually part of the NHL (then NHA I believe) even though they did beat the Montreal Canadians of the NHA and the NHA did award Seattle the Stanley Cup. I also did not include it because the Mets were only in Seattle for 9 seasons before the PCHA folded. So, Seattle never was part of the NHL and still isn't. Also there are space limitations to articles. I thought of including it but with the space limitations and the points I made above I did not include it.

I may be wrong about this and if anyone feels like I have wrongfully slighted the 1917 Stanley Cup then I am sorry. This was not my intent. But as I wrote above, the 1917 Seattle Metropolitans is a little different than the common era leagues, teams and championships around today, at least in my eyes.

SeattleSonics94, I am very much aware of the "Big 4" sports in our country. I know the NHL is just as much a major pro league as the NBA, MLB, and NFL. I know Anaheim won the Stanley Cup this season. Due to the era in which the Metropolitans played and the fact that they were never in the NHL and that Seattle has never had an NHL team I chose not to consider the Mets part of the "big 3" sports in Seattle. Maybe I should have specified. But you do not need to worry, I am not planning on being a sports writer, clearly you know all and are a terrific writer yourself so perhaps you should consider it...

#17 Eric Evans

commented, on
October 12, 2007 at 12:24 p.m.:

We can argue all day about whether or not the 1917 Seattle Metropolitans are in the same category as today's Supersonics, Seahawks and Mariners. This was not my point though. In fact I think it elevates mine. Seattle's pro sports history has been so thin that we have to argue about a 1917 Pacific Coast Hockey Association team in order to inflate our championship claims. As sports fans we cannot afford to lose the past, present, and FUTURE of the Supersonics. They have provided far more than any other pro team here. Not only that but over the last 5 years they have been no worse than Seattle's beloved Mariners yet everyone is still all over the Mariners bandwagon while having thrown the Sonics to the curb. And about the future; I can guarantee you the Sonics have a brighter future than the Mariners. The Sonics just had one of the best draft days ever in a DEEP draft. The current Sonics managers and owners are legitimately looking to build a title contender. Then there's the Mariners. The front office of the Mariners has no concern over becoming a world series contender, they only care about filling the seats and maintaining a profitable business. Fortunately for them they have Seattle fans wrapped around their fingers too. Seattle continues to throw all its support to the Mariners and turn its cheek to the Sonics which is foolish. The Sonics are headed up and the Mariners are headed where they've been heading the last 5 years, nowhere. They will continue their mediocre baseball in order to sell tickets while the Sonics will improve behind all of Seattle's "fans" backs and if nothing is done soon then the successful Supersonics will be thrilling Oklahoma City fans while Seattle packs Safeco Field to watch a Moose dance with the grounds crew. I REALLY don't want to see that happen.

#18 Nick

commented, on
October 17, 2007 at 8:37 p.m.:

Eric: M's fans fit into three categories: 1.) old/senile 2.) posers 3.) bitter/alcoholic. Tough crowd to harvest support from.

#19 Zach

commented, on
October 18, 2007 at 8:13 p.m.:

EXACTLY!!!! I'm pissed! I think the fans need to buy the team from bennet. I'll pitch in a few hundred. Is there anything we can do besides encourage local businesspeople to invest?

#20 Jared

commented, on
October 22, 2007 at 9:39 a.m.:

We can't let this team leave. Let the politicians know that we will vote them out of office.

#21 Scott

commented, on
November 7, 2007 at 8:44 a.m.:

As a sports fan I sympthasize with Sonics fans who are frustrated with what's going on, and part of me is ashamed to be living in Oklahoma right now. I want to see OKC thrive, and as they Hornets proved the city can sustain an NBA franchise, but not at the expense of the oldest sports franchise in the Pacific Northwest. With the mistimed comments of fellow co-owner Aubrey McClendon, it's hard to believe anything that Bennett says when it comes to seriously keeping the Sonics in Washington. It would be nice if in this day and age of sports, franchises could operate with a code of morals that reflects that of the fans team base.

#22 Bryan

commented, on
November 14, 2007 at 1:11 p.m.:

i dont know why the owner even has an idea of moving the sonics, but i will try my hardest to get the state government involved to keep the sonics. i will be one of the people that stands in front of all transportation.

#23 Marla

commented, on
November 14, 2007 at 4:20 p.m.:

Evan, I love this article! This is everything I have been thinking but put into more articluate words. We can't let this team go. My best friend and I are going to try to put on like a pep rally for the sonics before one game on campus to get the students involved. Would you be interested in helping? Maybe writting something about it in the daily? We are discussing it with the Save Our Sonics org. right now. But it will mostly likely take place on red square. Let me know if you are interested. Thanks Evan!

#24 Jason

commented, on
November 15, 2007 at 9:54 a.m.:

I LIKE THE SONICS

#25 Jason

commented, on
November 15, 2007 at 9:55 a.m.:

I LIKE SEATTLE

#26 Jason

commented, on
November 15, 2007 at 9:55 a.m.:

YAY

#27 Jaosn

commented, on
November 15, 2007 at 9:56 a.m.:

I like cereal

#28 Jasonq