Maloof: Sacramento's plea to Anaheim 'below the belt'

[pdxKingsFan]

The present city government can't undo the past but some of you keep ignoring that since KJ came in, elected in large part as a referendum to save the Kings, they've been doing everything possible to push an arena deal despite a terrible economy. And it isn't just KJ. Others who had previously voted against a downtown arena preferring it in their district have all come around. The NBA got involved and pushed the land swap which dragged on and wasted critical time and immediately once that finally died the city began working on new proposals only to have the Maloofs cut them off at the knee caps. The city tried being nice, got shut out so now they are pulling out the heavy artillery. What else can they do? They lose the Kings and the city loses its national spotlight perhaps permanently.

I was home two weekends ago and my parents asked me several times if I'd consider moving back to the area and the first thing I did was pointed to the Kings situation and said how can I come back to a city moving backwards? They had no answer. That is why Sacramento must do everything in its power because I know I am not alone.

 

[swisshh]

Moving to Anaheim isn't best for the league, as it degrades product identity, but the fact Maloof included "best for the league" signals that Stern has been on board with the move.

 

[JJ22L]

I think this and the CalExpo debacle proved that it is easier to motivate and react to keep things at the status quo than to shake things up and make a new addition. The state fair is honestly a terrible event and production. No one really care about it until it's about to be taken away or moved to a smaller location. The Kings were still playing in that terrible arena, but it wasn't until they were really going to move that people got off their couches and protested.

Same thing happens elsewhere. People are starving, freezing to death, and dying of thirst everyday. While a few people bring awareness and aid to the conditions in Sudan/Darfur, it wasn't until a tsunami that turned a 1st world country upsidedown that it became a worldwide effort to give assistance and front page publicity to Japan. The problem was always there, but when the status quo changes and something gets taken away, that starts the outcry.

+1. Kudos.

 

[bloom]

"That letter is completely wrong, and it was uncalled for – below the belt – and it's a shame it had to come out of his office," Maloof said. "We tried to be classy and not get in arguments in the media, but I (have to) make this comment."

"We will continue on with our business and do what is best for the viability of the franchise – what's best for the franchise and what's best for the league."

What about the fans? The people that have and continue to support this team through thick and thin. The fans that love this team and grew up with them. It’s killing me to know that these guys are just going to move the team to another city; another city with 2 other teams. Do we not matter? This whole situation has turned into "The Decision;" for the past 5-6 years we've been hearing the team could move - over and over and over again. Keep them hear and end the talks.

You know what’s best for the NBA, to keep this team here. We’re finally getting a solid and upcoming product and the fans are supporting that, so now you just want to take it away. When this city (fans) is rocking, there’s no other place that would offer the same response, the same passion.

Apparently the league supports the idea of your move, which disgusts me…So my assumption is that the league is going to start taking small market teams and put them in the big cities - cause that's best for the league

"We're still the Sacramento Kings – nothing new there," he said."

Lets keep it that way.

Moving to Anaheim isn't best for the league, as it degrades product identity, but the fact Maloof included "best for the league" signals that Stern has been on board with the move.

I noticed that too and that’s the first thing that came to my mind.

Just rip the hearts out of every fan. I can’t believe the league would even allow this to happen, three teams in the L.A area is ridiculous. The league needs small market teams, but at this rate I think more teams are going to keep moving to “big markets.” You wouldn’t see this sort of thing happen if Chicago needed a new arena and they were working on it for 10 years, the league would make sure that Chicago kept it’s team.

Honestly, even if the city came up with something that made sense for both sides, I don’t see the Maloofs even looking at it, let alone to agree to it. And since the league has already been involved, they probably ignore the new arena plans just because they were already "involved."

I feel if the Maloofs really need to move, then move. But keep our team here and go make your team in southern California. I’m sure the league wouldn’t mind another team in the NBA.

 

[Superman]

Joe Maloof's response sounds ... idiotic.

 

[TTown Kings]

Yeah, because moving the team to Anaheim isn't a below the belt shot. F U Maloofs

 

[VF21]

What about the fans? The people that have and continue to support this team through thick and thin. The fans that love this team and grew up with them. It’s killing me to know that these guys are just going to move the team to another city; another city with 2 other teams. Do we not matter? This whole situation has turned into "The Decision;" for the past 5-6 years we've been hearing the team could move - over and over and over again. Keep them hear and end the talks.

You know what’s best for the NBA, to keep this team here. We’re finally getting a solid and upcoming product and the fans are supporting that, so now you just want to take it away. When this city (fans) is rocking, there’s no other place that would offer the same response, the same passion.

Apparently the league supports the idea of your move, which disgusts me…So my assumption is that the league is going to start taking small market teams and put them in the big cities - cause that's best for the league



Lets keep it that way.



I noticed that too and that’s the first thing that came to my mind.

Just rip the hearts out of every fan. I can’t believe the league would even allow this to happen, three teams in the L.A area is ridiculous. The league needs small market teams, but at this rate I think more teams are going to keep moving to “big markets.” You wouldn’t see this sort of thing happen if Chicago needed a new arena and they were working on it for 10 years, the league would make sure that Chicago kept it’s team.

Honestly, even if the city came up with something that made sense for both sides, I don’t see the Maloofs even looking at it, let alone to agree to it. And since the league has already been involved, they probably ignore the new arena plans just because they were already "involved."

I feel if the Maloofs really need to move, then move. But keep our team here and go make your team in southern California. I’m sure the league wouldn’t mind another team in the NBA.

I bolded your first statement because I truly think that's the big question the Maloofs have patently ignored.

WHAT ABOUT THE FANS???

You know, those people to whom the retirement of the #6 jersey was dedicated? The people for whom the big bronze 6 was erected amidst much fanfare? The people who for some 26 years have supported a franchise with their hearts and souls and have yet to hear one word from the Maloofs about what this is doing to them...

Yes, I know the NBA is a business. But a business depends upon more than corporate sponsors and TV contracts. A business depends on the loyalty of its customers. Kings fans have been incredibly loyal and supportive. We deserve better than what we're being given. Sometimes you have to look at the intangibles. And, IMHO, the Maloofs have made a big mistake by not being forthcoming with the people who have supported their business over the years. We deserved better than what we've been given. Shame on you, Maloofs.

 

[BMiller52]

I bolded your first statement because I truly think that's the big question the Maloofs have patently ignored.

WHAT ABOUT THE FANS???

You know, those people to whom the retirement of the #6 jersey was dedicated? The people for whom the big bronze 6 was erected amidst much fanfare? The people who for some 26 years have supported a franchise with their hearts and souls and have yet to hear one word from the Maloofs about what this is doing to them...

Yes, I know the NBA is a business. But a business depends upon more than corporate sponsors and TV contracts. A business depends on the loyalty of its customers. Kings fans have been incredibly loyal and supportive. We deserve better than what we're being given. Sometimes you have to look at the intangibles. And, IMHO, the Maloofs have made a big mistake by not being forthcoming with the people who have supported their business over the years. We deserved better than what we've been given. Shame on you, Maloofs.

Pretty much. We got screwed over and blindsided. Seems like the stupid gold 6 in front of arco and the other stuff was just propaganda to get people to keep buying their product. They never cared.

 

[VF21]

Pretty much. We got screwed over and blindsided. Seems like the stupid gold 6 in front of arco and the other stuff was just propaganda to get people to keep buying their product. They never cared.

The "stupid gold 6" might be more symbolic than you realize. Have you seen it lately? Much like a fake gold ring that looks really good at first, the 6 is now stained and tarnished and would probably turn your finger green if you touched it...

 

[fansinceday1]

Pretty much. We got screwed over and blindsided. Seems like the stupid gold 6 in front of arco and the other stuff was just propaganda to get people to keep buying their product. They never cared.

Then again when you really think about it how many owners really care about the fans? I don't think any of them do. Then it comes down to how said owner exits his current city. Does he do it with class or does he blow sunshine up his fan bases arse while he's digging that knife into their backs.

 

[Geoff]

I bolded your first statement because I truly think that's the big question the Maloofs have patently ignored.

WHAT ABOUT THE FANS???

You know, those people to whom the retirement of the #6 jersey was dedicated? The people for whom the big bronze 6 was erected amidst much fanfare? The people who for some 26 years have supported a franchise with their hearts and souls and have yet to hear one word from the Maloofs about what this is doing to them...

Yes, I know the NBA is a business. But a business depends upon more than corporate sponsors and TV contracts. A business depends on the loyalty of its customers. Kings fans have been incredibly loyal and supportive. We deserve better than what we're being given. Sometimes you have to look at the intangibles. And, IMHO, the Maloofs have made a big mistake by not being forthcoming with the people who have supported their business over the years. We deserved better than what we've been given. Shame on you, Maloofs.

I'm not so sure that the current situation has been about the fans...The more I've seen the situation, the more it seems that the Kings fans aren't neccesarily the majority of the people of Sacramento...the city council surely doesn't seem like fans of the team, else the arena would have been built already. I agree that the fans are getting screwed and I think the Maloofs may be taking a "better be silent than say what they don't want to hear" approach. That's never a good approach still...maybe the Maloofs thought that the city would have taken the fans passion into account when setting up for the arena, and it's clear that that's not the case.

Kings fans definately deserve more from both the Maloofs and from the city of Sacramento but I still place the majority of blame on the latter party.

 

[PurpleHaze]

I'm not so sure that the current situation has been about the fans...The more I've seen the situation, the more it seems that the Kings fans aren't neccesarily the majority of the people of Sacramento...the city council surely doesn't seem like fans of the team, else the arena would have been built already. I agree that the fans are getting screwed and I think the Maloofs may be taking a "better be silent than say what they don't want to hear" approach. That's never a good approach still...maybe the Maloofs thought that the city would have taken the fans passion into account when setting up for the arena, and it's clear that that's not the case.

Kings fans definately deserve more from both the Maloofs and from the city of Sacramento but I still place the majority of blame on the latter party.

I tend to agree. My beef in this whole fiasco (going back years) has been less with Maloofs and more blame on local dumb politicians and overall apathetic fans.

Once again KCRA-TV poll confirms some of it with their latest question asking: "Where will Kings play next." Over 70% are answering at this point, "Who cares." Of course, it's a non-scientific poll and can be easily manipulated but such polls on the topic lately have not been a good sign for Sacramento. http://www.kcra.com/index.html

 

[Glenn]

I wish the Maloofs had put out an ad or a statement or anything to the fans. I don't know if they have restraints from saying anything because remember back when they attended the Feb 28 game? They were advised by someone not to go. I think for once they aren't in total contol and it's left to our fantasies about who they are, their motivations, their plans, and appreciation, if any. It seems very cold for what has been sent their way but I don't think we know the restraints they are under.

People will say "who cares" when polled. Polls are polls and Truman lost the election.

 

[bloom]

I bolded your first statement because I truly think that's the big question the Maloofs have patently ignored.

WHAT ABOUT THE FANS???

You know, those people to whom the retirement of the #6 jersey was dedicated? The people for whom the big bronze 6 was erected amidst much fanfare? The people who for some 26 years have supported a franchise with their hearts and souls and have yet to hear one word from the Maloofs about what this is doing to them...

Yes, I know the NBA is a business. But a business depends upon more than corporate sponsors and TV contracts. A business depends on the loyalty of its customers. Kings fans have been incredibly loyal and supportive. We deserve better than what we're being given. Sometimes you have to look at the intangibles. And, IMHO, the Maloofs have made a big mistake by not being forthcoming with the people who have supported their business over the years. We deserved better than what we've been given. Shame on you, Maloofs.

I’m so sick of hearing, business is business. We’re their business. We are passionate, we’re constantly talking about them, we love them, we support them, we buy their products, we show up to the games. This is our team!

There’s really no excuse to take this team away from the fans, none! I don’t understand why the fans have to suffer because of the city’s and Maloof’s mistakes.

 

[Padrino]

I’m so sick of hearing, business is business. We’re their business. We are passionate, we’re constantly talking about them, we love them, we support them, we buy their products, we show up to the games. This is our team!

There’s really no excuse to take this team away from the fans, none! I don’t understand why the fans have to suffer because of the city’s and Maloof’s mistakes.

because that's life...?

some things just aren't fair. plain and simple...