Article's URL -
http://kxtv.com/display_story.aspx?storyid=21379
Taped interview with Joe Maloof by Bryan May -
http://kxtv.com/video/player_news10.aspx?aid=32715&bw=
Despite a resounding defeat for ballot measures aimed at paying for a new stadium for his team, Sacramento Kings co-owner Joe Maloof said he was still interested in keeping the franchise in Sacramento.
"We want to try to get something done here in Sac if we can," Maloof said. "We've got eight years of our lives invested here in Sacramento. The county is trying, the city is trying, obviously, we've tried over the last six, seven years. It's a tough situation."
Talking exclusively with News10's Bryan May before Wednesday's Kings-Grizzlies game at Arco Arena, Maloof said that while Tuesday's defeat of Measures Q and R were disappointing, the organization would continue meeting with city, county and private sector leaders to get a new facility constructed.
"We have to try and go back to square one, come up with a new group of ideas and go from there, but something eventually has to be done," Maloof said.
As for talk by Q and R supporters about mounting a revised tax initiative proposal in 2008, Maloof was pessimistic. "No, I don't think you could ever get a referendum like that passed in California," Maloof said. "You have to respect what the voters said. They overwhelmingly defeated it. I just don't see that you can get something like this accomplished with a referendum."
Maloof said he hoped plans may still be possible for a privately-funded arena in Sacramento. While as many as a half-dozen cities appear prepared to make an attempt at luring the Kings away from Sacramento, Maloof said it's not an option -- yet. "We've never had a plan B, but I'm sure there are going to be calls from other cities," Maloof said. "But we're not interested in that right now. We want to stay here in Sacramento. We want to try and get something done here."
The Q and R losses are setbacks, but Maloof said he has no hurt feelings over the resounding defeat. "It was a very volatile issue. People were upset about it. We understand that," Maloof said. "We don't like to look at negatives."
Despite his vow to continue working for an arena deal, Maloof said there aren't many years left for the Kings' current home. "Not too many," Maloof said. "Two or three more years. Maybe. We need a new facility...eventually."
On a side note, has anyone else heard that the 49ers are saying they will leave San Francisco if they do not get a new stadium built? Fox 40 reported that Santa Clara is one site they could relocate to or else where outside of Northern California.
I wish the Kings could get a new arena in town along with a stadium for the Athletics and 49ers. I guess that's what video games are for.
http://kxtv.com/display_story.aspx?storyid=21379
Taped interview with Joe Maloof by Bryan May -
http://kxtv.com/video/player_news10.aspx?aid=32715&bw=
Despite a resounding defeat for ballot measures aimed at paying for a new stadium for his team, Sacramento Kings co-owner Joe Maloof said he was still interested in keeping the franchise in Sacramento.
"We want to try to get something done here in Sac if we can," Maloof said. "We've got eight years of our lives invested here in Sacramento. The county is trying, the city is trying, obviously, we've tried over the last six, seven years. It's a tough situation."
Talking exclusively with News10's Bryan May before Wednesday's Kings-Grizzlies game at Arco Arena, Maloof said that while Tuesday's defeat of Measures Q and R were disappointing, the organization would continue meeting with city, county and private sector leaders to get a new facility constructed.
"We have to try and go back to square one, come up with a new group of ideas and go from there, but something eventually has to be done," Maloof said.
As for talk by Q and R supporters about mounting a revised tax initiative proposal in 2008, Maloof was pessimistic. "No, I don't think you could ever get a referendum like that passed in California," Maloof said. "You have to respect what the voters said. They overwhelmingly defeated it. I just don't see that you can get something like this accomplished with a referendum."
Maloof said he hoped plans may still be possible for a privately-funded arena in Sacramento. While as many as a half-dozen cities appear prepared to make an attempt at luring the Kings away from Sacramento, Maloof said it's not an option -- yet. "We've never had a plan B, but I'm sure there are going to be calls from other cities," Maloof said. "But we're not interested in that right now. We want to stay here in Sacramento. We want to try and get something done here."
The Q and R losses are setbacks, but Maloof said he has no hurt feelings over the resounding defeat. "It was a very volatile issue. People were upset about it. We understand that," Maloof said. "We don't like to look at negatives."
Despite his vow to continue working for an arena deal, Maloof said there aren't many years left for the Kings' current home. "Not too many," Maloof said. "Two or three more years. Maybe. We need a new facility...eventually."
On a side note, has anyone else heard that the 49ers are saying they will leave San Francisco if they do not get a new stadium built? Fox 40 reported that Santa Clara is one site they could relocate to or else where outside of Northern California.
I wish the Kings could get a new arena in town along with a stadium for the Athletics and 49ers. I guess that's what video games are for.
