Monday, April 14, 2008

The End of The Seattle Supersonics

Something you all may not know about me is that I am an NBA basketball fan. The past few years I have been a Sonics fan, even though they are losers. I have become emotionally attached to them and stood behind them on every game day, hoping they would get that win.

Yesterday was a sad day in Seattle. The Sonics played their last home game of the season, and possibly the last game ever as a Seattle team. They have one more game on Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors.

A guy named Clay Bennett from Oklahoma owns the Sonics now, and for a couple of years has promised he would not move them to Oklahoma. It became a political game, with the Sonics team as the pawn. Come to find out, there were emails circulating from the beginning that was Bennett’s intention. Our governor is calling it a sham, but she hasn’t done anything to prevent it from happening.

So I was able to acquire tickets to that last home game yesterday. We sat on the 5th row behind the Maverick’s bench. Shortly after the game began the crowd started chanting, “Bennett Sucks”. This went on for a while. The crowd was restless, unruly, and police protection was heavy. They thought some riots would break out. Seattelites are generally very polite and non-threatening. Every 10 minutes or so the whole arena would break out chanting, “Save our Sonics”. The players expected this and were charged up by the crowd. What a game! The Sonics kept up with the Playoff bound Mavericks and won! The crowd went wild! Rookie Kevin Durant is so fun to watch and he was responsible for us winning once again.

I went to the game with mixed feelings. A day earlier every time I thought about the possibility that it would be the Sonics last home game ever, I would get teary and emotionally upset. That is not something I do easily. The Sonics gave me a little joy in my mundane life, and something to look forward to each evening there was a game scheduled. I will miss them. And I will watch them in Oklahoma, if they play those games on our networks.

I still enjoy NBA basketball and will look forward to watching the Playoff games.
Farewell Sonics. We hate to see you go.

7 comments:

"Joker" said...

Awww...that sux Becky!

I have to be honest, I haven't been too much of a basketball fan since Larry Bird and Kevin McHale retired, but I can still relate. I remember when there was talk of moving the Patriots to Connecticut. It never happened, but if it had, I think my feelings would have run right along with yours. Attachment to a local sports franchise can get to be a very personal thing.

Unfortunately, in the end this will be like everything else - all about money. Write your Gov. a letter or start a petition or something. Is sports talk radio big in your area? Maybe they are doing something. If the State makes it worth this guy Bennett's while, he may stay in Seattle. Who knows?

Maintain hope until the last moment. Good luck & Ride Safe.

Dean "D-Day" said...

I feel your pain Becky.
Reminds me of how sad I was when Brett Favre decided to retire from football this year.

The Foof said...

Should I even comment? I think some of us in Oklahoma are having mixed feelings about the Sonics now. Specifically, Clay Bennett. He seems pretty sneaky to me. I always wanted us to be able to keep the Hornets, anyway. Chances are, they will get moved here. I just hope we support them like we did the Hornets. Who knows. Hope you get to ride soon!

Becky said...

Joker: Thanks for the message of hope. I remember watching Larry Bird also. They wear longer shorts now.

Dean d-day: I appreciate the empathy. Thanks

iburyem: I thought of you and how you may get to have the Sonic players to support. Just today the original owner, Howard Shultz decided to rescind his sale of the Sonics. He wants to get them back now! We'll see.

Bikerchickz

Guzzisue said...

off topic- thanks for comments on lace bobbins, currently looking for embarasing photo of myself making lace- no crash helmet to hide inside he he

"Joker" said...

Hey Bec...

Saw this whilst reading my morning news. Thought of you:

http://www.comcast.net/sports/articles/general/2008/04/23/BKN.SuperSonics.Schultz.Lawsuit/

Looks like somebody wants to put up a fight. Maybe there's still hope?

Joker.

Becky said...

Joker: Thanks for the link. The whole deal has been nothing but shady transactions and lies. I guess there is always hope. I feel bad for the players as their lives are being jerked around. Although with the money they make.....they'll survive.

Bikerchickz