And you call yourselves Kings fans???

[fnordius]

1) [Maloofs]

2) the City Council.

3) the rest of the owners.

4) You have to look like a great fanbase

I'd add an overlooked (5): the NBA. There continue to be rumors about the NBA directing the Maloofs towards SoCal, trying to keep them out of San Jose, etc. Unless all of those statements have been fabrications, Stern would seem to have as much say in this as anyone else, Maloofs included. He may not give a crap about our little market, but it can't hurt to try. This is, after all, as much about Stern's business model as it's about anything else. Maybe you can appeal to whatever sense of justice may yet exist in the NBA HQ. Or point out that one fifth of Americans live in small towns or unincorporated rural areas, more than live in the greater LA and NYC areas combined. Use whatever arguments you like, just be polite about it.

 

[Warhawk]

Yes its true they haven't signed yet, but i don't believe its because they are waiting for a better deal like you say. I believe the maloofs already made their minds up (a LONG time ago if i'm being honest) to leave and i don't think its a coincidence that April 15th is the cut off date. String the fans along, make them sell out the remaining games, squeeze every last penny out of sacramento, then pull the rug out from under them. Call me cynical, but the truth hurts sometimes.

I'm not belittling your efforts. The kings mean so much to the community and to the fans, and it would be tragic if they left. No. I don't want them to leave as i stated. Im hoping im wrong because even though we've been struggling the last 4-5 years, i still watch all the games on tv. I recently went to the clipper game as well (the HERE WE STAY game). It was my first game in maybe 10 years and i had SO much fun that night. Im probably going to a couple more. So just because i'm not out there attending meetings or calling in radio stations, doesn't mean i'm on the sidelines.

Like i said before, when they leave, it's going to kill me. Im not THAT old so i don't remember the kings arriving in sacramento, but one of my earliest memories was watching gary gerrold announce the games on tv and going crazy every time mitch richmond sunk a 3 (i still have his autographed jersey in my closet). I didn't jump ship when we started to lose and i'm not jumping ship now, i still watch all the games. Im just being REALISTIC from what i've seen transpire so far...and i'm hoping to be proven wrong.

Why would they delay signing any documents? The only reason is they don't have a deal that they can move forward with. An extra 1,000 fans at a home game means nothing *financially* to them if they can nail a deal that nets them millions somewhere else (via TV rights, or whatever). They are not stringing us along to get us to attend the last few home games. It doesn't make sense. They haven't signed because they don't have a deal that works.

And I am very happy that they haven't signed anything. It means, at this point, that they are here for at least one more year. And I'd like to keep it that way, if possible.

If they have a deal they are wavering on because it is close to a wash financially or it puts their ownership in danger for whatever reason, maybe the extra vocal effort by the home city will help sway their decision in our favor. Teams have come close to the brink of moving then ended up staying. We may be able to see that again. For Sacramento's sake, I hope that is the case.

You call it being "realistic" - the time for "realistic" statements is in a month. Right now it is the time for fans to stand up and fight. The odds might be long, but so were the odds of Tyreke hitting a half-court game winner. Would you have rather seen him not take it because the odds were very small that he would make the shot?

If we have any shot at all right now, it is with Taylor/ICON coming up with a plan that works (and I think they will find a way to make it pencil out - they are in the business of building things, you know) and the City Council approving whatever they come up with. So put some pressure on them. Let them know you support using public funds, if that is what it takes, to build an arena in a redevelopment area. Let them know they have public support! Hence the "Here We Stay" movement and rally at the City Council meeting two days ago. But it sure would be nice to have a few hundred there instead of maybe 40 or so. It would be great to see more people voicing public support for keeping the team in any format - electronic, paper, in person, whatever!

So get off your a** and do something positive for the next month. If they can't come to an agreement to move in the next few weeks, then all the other powers in Sacramento need to be poised to strike and not give them the chance to do it again next year! Let's get an arena deal sealed so they don't WANT to move. They could have moved at any time over the past decade, but didn't. The ineffectiveness of the City Council to date has pushed them to the brink. Let's show them some love, support the reinvigorated city council, and see what we can get done.

And if they do end up leaving, I will still have enjoyed attending games and cheering on my team. That isn't money wasted in my book. Why go to a concert? There is no guarantee they will ever come back and play again, right? Do you go for the moment, or go because they might be here again next year?

 

[Glenn]

My friend, I know you are frustrated, as we all are, but it's over man. It's over. I watched parts of the game on TV last night and even that made me sick to my stomach. I don't feel connected to the team anymore. Honestly, at this point I feel kind of like a sellout doing anything pro-Kings. Nothing we do at this point is going to change the Maloofs' minds. If they stay, it's only because the deal down in Anaheim falls apart.

With every ounce of my soul, I do not think you are correct. There is no question that they, the Maloofs want to leave. Can they? You are paying no attention to those wishing to continue the fight. Pull out your barcolounger, pop a beer, and turn on the tube but don't kill our enthusiasm. That is a request and I have explained why. Do you read or just basically want the Kings to go to be correct. You'll get your time to gloat. Just wait, please.

Your avatar wants the Kings to stay. Better change it!

 

[Glenn]

Don't really agree. What if the Maloofs reach a point where they are on the fence on whether to go or not. I can imagine that, I hope you can.

Our behavior here can make a difference.

It is not productive to give up. When (and if) they move, they will. We don't have to help them move but we can give them the right little push to get them off the fense on our side.

And it is counter productive to refer to our mayor as some sort of this or that. Write the Bee, write the City Council, write the Maloofs, write a Sacramento senator or assemblyman, write your County Supervisor, write Dan Walters, write Jerry Reynolds, etc, etc, etc. If you don't know what to write, I'm sorry. Tell you neighbor, tell your brother-in-law, tell your boss, etc, etc. Doesn't have to cost much money or time. Make some noise, if it goes right we can celebrate later, if it goes wrong we can mourn later. Send an email.

I'll set up sample letters. It doesn't hurt! If you have time to write here, you have time to write elsewhere.

 

[Glenn]

Yes its true they haven't signed yet, but i don't believe its because they are waiting for a better deal like you say. I believe the maloofs already made their minds up (a LONG time ago if i'm being honest) to leave and i don't think its a coincidence that April 15th is the cut off date. String the fans along, make them sell out the remaining games, squeeze every last penny out of sacramento, then pull the rug out from under them. Call me cynical, but the truth hurts sometimes.

I'm not belittling your efforts. The kings mean so much to the community and to the fans, and it would be tragic if they left. No. I don't want them to leave as i stated. Im hoping im wrong because even though we've been struggling the last 4-5 years, i still watch all the games on tv. I recently went to the clipper game as well (the HERE WE STAY game). It was my first game in maybe 10 years and i had SO much fun that night. Im probably going to a couple more. So just because i'm not out there attending meetings or calling in radio stations, doesn't mean i'm on the sidelines.

Like i said before, when they leave, it's going to kill me. Im not THAT old so i don't remember the kings arriving in sacramento, but one of my earliest memories was watching gary gerrold announce the games on tv and going crazy every time mitch richmond sunk a 3 (i still have his autographed jersey in my closet). I didn't jump ship when we started to lose and i'm not jumping ship now, i still watch all the games. Im just being REALISTIC from what i've seen transpire so far...and i'm hoping to be proven wrong.

You don't get it. Are you thick? (When this is over will be friends again) It is one thing to want to leave for the main couple reasons that make sense to me: arena and income. It is another thing to be able to do it. Maybe Sacramento is a poor second choice and they have to settle for second choice. Would you turn that down?

 

[Spike]

I have a suggestion for you. If you feel that way, and totally disconnected, then leave! At least for a month until a decision has been made in concrete. There are people busting thier butts trying to do everything they can to keep the team here. If you can't contribute to that, then just say nothing. I personally, am not interested in your disconnect, or your negative thoughts. I don't care why they stay, as long as they stay. Its the result that counts. Do you know what quiters accomplish? NOTHING!!!!!! The rats are the first one's to jump ship.

Hell yeah.

 

[Glenn]

I have a suggestion for you. If you feel that way, and totally disconnected, then leave! At least for a month until a decision has been made in concrete. There are people busting thier butts trying to do everything they can to keep the team here. If you can't contribute to that, then just say nothing. I personally, am not interested in your disconnect, or your negative thoughts. I don't care why they stay, as long as they stay. Its the result that counts. Do you know what quiters accomplish? NOTHING!!!!!! The rats are the first one's to jump ship.

How many times have I said that and how many more times will I say that. The Kings might not leave. Maybe it's a 5% chance. Even a team with a 5% chance at getting the #1 pick in the lottery has a chance at getting Kyrie Irving. We are talking about increasing that percentage. Some of us want to increase that percentage.

What words will work to get the Debbie Downers to be silent about this issue for a month? I really want o know. Does it take money? A woman? A man? And man and a woman? A gerbil? Youth? Health? A prayer? A visit to your home? A knee cap whacking?

What is so difficult to let us rant and rave about one issue and you just allow us? I really don't understand. If you think you are proving to be all wise and knowing by saying the Maloofs want to leave and may leave: I GET IT! You are all wise and knowing. You are soooooo smart I am jealous.

Do you value the opinions of your elders? I know a hit squad of three that could pay you a visit.

 

[Section 101]

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/26478/why-kings-fans-fight

Tom says it all.

 

[Glenn]

As Warhawk brought up with a twist: Debbie Downers, exlain to me why the Maloofs have not signed the deals with Anaheim or whatever they think that area is called. They could have agreements signed contingent on the approval of the NBA. In fact, I suspect that is the way all moves work. Why don't they have a deal?

And, if you don't contribute to the positive energy, you are going to see this freaking avatar in your dreams til the end of eternity.

 

[bozzwell]

Here's the thing. Or the things, plural:

1) if there IS any hope of the Maloofs turning around, ANY hope, a big part of that has to be the fans. The Maloofs are emotional guys. They say they are great businessmen and everything, but half their decisons are more emo than Wall Street. There has to be an outcry from the fans, HAS to be for their to be any chance. Anaheiim has the money and the stadium. Sacramento's best, and most emotional argument has always been the fans. People are frankly being cowardly -- they are throwing away a chance, no matter how slim, because they are afraid of failing. Which of course guarantees the failure. First line of attack is somehow convincing the Maloofs to give you just one more year to get it right.

2) the City Council. It goes wihtout saying that the City Council sitting on its hands for a decade has been a HUGE problem. Now all of a sudden they are alive to the problem , but youh can't let it sink. If you quit, so mihgt they. You have to drive them until the end if tehre is to be any hope.

3) the rest of the owners. Adn here puclic perception OUTSIDE of Sacramento is huge. You can't mope around in your living rooms. THe case you have to make is that we are great fans, we don't deserve this! You have to make that the storyline in articles/stories about this situation. And that has to be what the other owners see. Some fo them may not like this move already because of the 3 teams in L.A. and small market implications. Give them a damn reason to vote against it, or convince the Maloofs they should wait a year.

4) Even IF the Kings do leave, if you as a city are going to have any chance at getting another team one day, in any sport, to replace the Kings, you can NOT let the final images of the Kings years be empty arenas and silent crowds with a parcel of trolls on the locla paper's messageboard your spokemen. You have to look like a great fanbase who would love to be given a chance to support a team to not only keep the Kings, but to have any chance of getting anybody ELSE.


There is an old saying. Trite. Annoying. And yet so often true Quitters Always Lose. Its not time yet. Quit in a month. If you have ever had any passion for this team than give them a month's worth of effort just on the chance you can save them. If they go you are going to have a very long time to regret them. You're got only a month to make some noise and try to save the situation. This is not blindness, it is core strategic thnking. You have everything to gain, and nothing to lose by making some noise, even if its futile. It can only help your situation as fans. It can't hurt.

Yes, it goes without saying that quitters are losers. If everyone quits on this team now, worst case scenario is still in play EVEN if Anaheim move falls through at the last minute. Maloofs are liable just to bide their time and jump at the next opportunity if they feel that they lost the fans. Hell, even Clay Bennet pretended for a year or so that he will keep Sonics in Seattle and then when lease buyout became manageable bailed out in a jiffy.

Still, I fear that Maloofs really, really, really want to move to Anaheim at almost any cost. You wrote about it yourself, years ago, when wranglings about arena started and when clock expired on our chances for a championship (at least it feels like it was 5-6 years ago). You said something about Joe and Gavin being wannabe players/shakers and movers and perhaps having a need to be part of a more glamorous set up in OC or Vegas. Emotional as opposed to Wall Street savvy indeed. It looks like interchangably they go for being poor man's Mark Cuban (their entries in entertainment business in addition to BB team) or poor man's Trump (over leveraging to build an exclusive casino complex in LV and seeking more TV attention then Jersey Shore cast). So, yeah, if that's what you meant by emotional, they will never be happy in Sacramento. Because to matter nationally while playing in Sacramento, you have to win a lot and win in style just like 98-2004 team did. And we already know that they don't have kind of money that can achieve that cosnistently (unlike Cuban). I don't think they're interested in replicating San Antonio model - what's the point of always being good if you're boring, right ?

I just don't know anymore. If owning 2 of the top 5 sell out streaks and locking down sports/entertainment dollars in perpetuity in top-25 market in USA is not enough of a guarantee for these guys to work dilligently until the last moment on option to stay as well as on option to leave (and both are needed to give them the best deal) I don't think that they will start "unpacking" even if Anaheim move falls through.

Which means that there is only one thing that is really in play - keeping Sacramento on the map as a viable major league city no matter what. Supporting Kings to the last day and fighting for name/record/history/colors rights like Cleveland and Seattle did. Take your ball and leave, but the banners, the name, the colors stay. I think that that is something that everyone could get into, and a battle that can actually be won.

 

[pshn80]

Emailed Stern, Steinberg, and Kevin Johnson this AM. Did Maloofs yesterday. Have done Breton, County Sup. Will do some more. It might help and it can't hurt.

 

[kennadog]

Will this sway them? We don't know. How much does it mean to them? We don't know. Are we wasting our time? Perhaps. But in the end, it's not that much time - probably about one more month before we know something concrete. In the end, it's not as if we're delusional - we know the odds are stacked against us. But at least when the dust settles, if the worst does happen we can say we tried.

You can't. You're sitting on the sidelines. And that's your prerogative. But I do ask that unless you truly WANT the team to leave, please don't come in here and belittle our efforts. Don't come in here and discourage other people who might put forth their own small effort, other people who could just maybe be the straw that breaks Anaheim's back. Don't come in here and be counterproductive just to show how "realistic" you can be. If you don't care or dare to stand with us and fight, please at the very least sit silent. Don't whisper into our ears that we're marching ourselves into a bloodbath. We know this, and with only the faintest glimmer of hope, this is how we choose to go out. Please respect that.

This. Thank you Captain and Warhawk. People are even coming into this thread to tell us why they're convinced it's over. Do you need a reading comprehension course?

All we're asking is here in this thread is even if you are 100% convinced that the team is as good as gone, just don't belittle people who are trying to do something, because it matters to them and they are willing to fight for it. Don't try and convince us we are wrong, its too late, we are wasting our time. If you (in the general sense) think its a done deal, why are you even bothering to write about it anymore?

If you plan on staying a Kings fan after the Kings move, then all you need to write about is the team, the games, the players, the draft prospects, etc., because where the team plays isn't that important to you. If you don't plan on being a King's fan after the move you're sure is a done deal, then why are you even still posting in here?

Maybe we need a "cry in your beer thread" for everyone who is convinced the team is definitely gone and people want to whine about it. How about a "Whine Cellar" thread?

We understand you think its over and you aren't willing to even try to do anything. Why you feel a need to come in and point out something you think is so blatantly obvious is beyond me. At this point you are only trying to convince others to give up now, because you think you think the team's move to Anaheim for next year is a foregone conclusion. You are now heavily invested in being right.

If you are right, you'll likely come back in here and tell us you were right all along and we wasted our time. Well, guess what? We don't think of it as a waste of time, no matter the outcome. We don't care if you turn out to be right and we turn out to be wrong. I'm not trying to win an argument. I'm just trying to do anything that has even a slight chance of making a difference. I intend to let whoever will listen, that having the Kings here means something to me as a Sacramentan as well as a Kings' fan. So thanks in advance for trying not to ridicule the effort.

 

[jon e]

Emailed Stern, Steinberg, and Kevin Johnson this AM. Did Maloofs yesterday. Have done Breton, County Sup. Will do some more. It might help and it can't hurt.

im kind of interested in what you said to stern, would you mind sharing some of it?

 

[Glenn]

im kind of interested in what you said to stern, would you mind sharing some of it?

I'm kind of interested in he email addresses of Stern and the Maloofs. I think it needs to be mass mailing with mucho signatures.

 

[Hoovtrain]

I think the following sums up this thread:

Bluto: Hey! What's all this laying around stuff? Why are you all still laying around here for?
Stork: What the hell are we supposed to do, ya moron? We're all expelled. There's nothing to fight for anymore.
D-Day: [to Bluto] Let it go. War's over, man. Wormer dropped the big one.
Bluto: What? Over? Did you say "over"? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!
Otter: [to Boon] Germans?
Boon: Forget it, he's rolling.
Bluto: And it ain't over now. 'Cause when the goin' gets tough...
[thinks hard of something to say]
Bluto: The tough get goin'! Who's with me? Let's go!
[Bluto runs out, alone; then returns]
Bluto: What the f*ck happened to the Delta I used to know? Where's the spirit? Where's the guts, huh? This could be the greatest night of our lives, but you're gonna let it be the worst. "Ooh, we're afraid to go with you Bluto, we might get in trouble." Well just kiss my *ss from now on! Not me! I'm not gonna take this. Wormer, he's a dead man! Marmalard, dead! Niedermeyer...
Otter: Dead! Bluto's right. Psychotic... but absolutely right. We gotta take these b*stards. Now we could do it with conventional weapons, but that could take years and cost millions of lives. No, I think we have to go all out. I think that this situation absolutely requires a really futile and stupid gesture be done on somebody's part!
Bluto: We're just the guys to do it.
D-Day: [stands up] Yeah, I agree. Let's go get 'em.
Boon: Let's do it.
Bluto: [shouting] "Let's do it"!

 

[ArcoKings]

im kind of interested in what you said to stern, would you mind sharing some of it?

Me too.

 

[pshn80]

You would ask on the Stern email because I did it on NBA.com in their contact section where you fill out the pro forma message and I don't have a copy. All those messages I made up on the spot as i'm doing this one. I told him I was a 26 year season ticket holder with the Kings, that I appreciated his efforts to get an arena built here, that he has been quiet since, that it would be useful to us in Sacto if he or his people could speak out or do anything positive to show support for the fanbase in Sacramento. That kind of stuff. I don't ask for and answer and I thank him very much. Do I expect anything? No, but it doesn't hurt to let them know we fans are here. Paying fans are the mothers milk of pro sports so they'll at least read it. It was short and sweet.

 

[Glenn]

You would ask on the Stern email because I did it on NBA.com in their contact section where you fill out the pro forma message and I don't have a copy. All those messages I made up on the spot as i'm doing this one. I told him I was a 26 year season ticket holder with the Kings, that I appreciated his efforts to get an arena built here, that he has been quiet since, that it would be useful to us in Sacto if he or his people could speak out or do anything positive to show support for the fanbase in Sacramento. That kind of stuff. I don't ask for and answer and I thank him very much. Do I expect anything? No, but it doesn't hurt to let them know we fans are here. Paying fans are the mothers milk of pro sports so they'll at least read it. It was short and sweet.

Good. Here's a real world clue. People are lazy. I looked around the Kings site and couldn't find addresses. Put the pages here so more than one person will be heard. It's going to take a lot.

Maybe I am going off in the wrong direction because I see little support for writing. I can write; a lot of people here can write. A lot of people have good arguments. Writing is not the problem.

Now I'm looking for a place to send what I write. I already have my City Council mailing list. One note and it gets sent to all. I honestly think that contacting the owners of every NBA team with a petition signed by a 100 people or so would help a little. It sounds difficult but isn't. I don't know how to do the petitions but there are places on the internet.

Don't think small. If you present a scenario that 3 teams in a market may lead to other small market teams moving into big markets and they will see money losses go before their eyes. Clippers and Lakers are motivated. If the precedent is set with the Kings moving, what's to stop all small market teams from looking at a bigger market when their arena gets old? I'm not saying next year but I am saying in the next 10-20 years. The precedent may happen in a month or so. I think this is a dangerous precedent to the NBA.

Some cities don't find it difficult to build arenas and may welcome more teams. Charlotte had 4 arenas. They built one that hosted the women's Final Four (The Hive) but it was on the outskirts of town so they built another that was closer. Don't for a second think that Sacramento is typical nor that the present economy will stay in perpetuity.

Every NBA team has an address.

 

[pshn80]

I printed out my pro forma message to Johnson which I sent today. Here it is.

Just a brief note from an 80 year old who played basketball with you in pick-up games at the YMCA when you were 14 or 15. We want to keep the Kings here. The last I heard from you is "yes, it looks like they're gone". I'm sure that is a fair assessment. However what if the deal is such right now that they are on the fence? Please say something publicly about whether they are welcome to stay. If you said it yesterday. please say it again today. Thank you.

Nothing sexy about that but I don't believe such messages need be slick. Anyway, keep the cards and letters going, everywhere.

 

[Glenn]

I sent this to all of the City Council. I guess it could have been more pleasant:

The last word we heard from the Mayor is that the Kings are almost gone. Why isn't there a message like "you are welcome to stay and we will do everything (more, I suppose) than we have done in the past?"

It seems like the City Council's official position is that of resignation. The Kings are gone, the arena can't be built and that's the way it is. Say something nice to the Maloofs. Buy another year because they will announce their intention before the study comes back.

I moved from another city that was much different than this. Maybe this is the way you want it. I don't understand. You seem willing to sit in your poorly paid part time job and let the only thing that puts the city on the international map leave. The clock is ticking. Pretty so everyone can stop fussing as the situation will be over. Until that time, do what can be done.

 

[pshn80]

I revive this thread because despite the Cohn reply and people's reaction to it, I firmly believe nothing has changed. We need to show in any ways we can that Kings fans and ticket buyers, those that have and do support the Kings, want the Kings to stay and feel that our involvement with the Kings is worth some consideration by any and everyone. Please excuse the long sentence. I wrote two days ago that ringing people's bells is useful if we want NBA basketball in Sacramento. Please use your influence. Let's get more reaction from our local leaders. How can that be a waste of time?