Did anyone else catch Bennett's take on the NBA regular season games in Tulsa? I caught it on Channel 8 last night. He said it would never happen because league rules barred playing in two cities (sure worked with New Orleans and OKC one year) and because his lease agreement with the Ford Center prevented it. Who would have thought? Bennett advocating the terms of a lease agreement?
I seem to recall that the original letter of intent allowed for 2-4 "home" games to be played outside of the Ford Center.
Not sure what the lease says. A quick Google search turned up neither document. Maybe someone with more time (or a Journal Record subscription) can find them . . . .
I'd like to take a look at the NBA rules if I get some time. I doubt there is one . . . even if there was, keep in mind they sold the NBA on the move because of the two cities deal, so I doubt it's that rigid. If this is the end of it, it's a really bad move by Bennett, since the entire state is paying for this team.
Won't matter much to me and many I know. I won't plug one red penny into the NBA team willingly, thanks to Bennett's buddy Cornett and his ill-timed comments.
In the '80's the Kings tried to playing in two cities, being the "Kansas City-Omaha" Kings and that didn't work too well, so I think the NBA frowns on teams playing in mutiple cities because of this. I also know the Celtics would play 5 regular season games in Hartford in the '80's, not sure when they stopped doing that.
I am undecided. A part of me wants to support a pro sports team in the state of Oklahoma, but the other part wants to say "**** you" Mr Bennett and not spend a dime on any of the games. I am not an avid NBA fan, but did catch a couple of Hornets games, and enjoyed the games. But I can't see myself supporting this team if the owner is such an *** hat about things. If he wants people in Tulsa to support this team and drive 110 miles when gas prices are what they are, I would suggest that he lets Tulsa have a couple of games or so. I would imagine I am not the only one that feels this same way around the Tulsa area as well. He is going to alienate alot of people in Northeast Oklahoma.