Bruski: Ballmer on a rampage (from 5/14/13)

[VF21]

Aaron Bruski wrote this piece on May 14, 2013. With what's been happening lately, it's well worth visiting again.

...When asked to clarify, the source said that should the Seattle group continue to pursue a scorched earth policy with the Sacramento marketplace, they would jeopardize the city’s ability to secure an NBA team down the road should an opportunity present itself...

...Now that Ballmer is leading Seattle down the path of conflict with the NBA, sources aren’t so sure. “You don’t get into a knife fight with the NBA and then ask if you can come hang out in the clubhouse,” said one high-level source. “Ballmer is playing a game of Russian Roulette with SEA’s NBA future. He can’t throw money at the problem like this is Microsoft.”...

Kinda makes you wonder, doesn't it?

 

[Kingsfan23]

I have mixed feeling on this. In trying my best to be objective about this being a Kings fan who lives in Sacramento, there is a part of me that understands to hate the game and not the player. If Hansen truly believed that expansion was not a solid, above .50% proposition over the coming years and the course of his MOU with local officials, nor was another team relocating (it will be easier for bad teams to be profitable in the future due to sharing of revenues), I may have taken the same gamble if I had some type of advice that I could get away with it. It will be interesting to see how this affects his ability to get a team in the future. Obviously nationally this isn't a big of a deal as it is here, there are already slimebags in the NBA and HBN are powerful in financial wherewithal and the market they are seeking to represent. Normally, you would think sabotaging another city's arena deal/ability to keep a team would blacklist you but others, particularly in Seattle, think it will just blow over. Will be interesting to see how it plays out. Personally, and unfortunately for Seattle fans, if expansion was on the front burner in the next 2-3 years with this HBN group I think that is out the window (unless Hansen is replaced)

 

[VF21]

Note that Bruski isn't talking about Hansen. He's talking about Ballmer, which makes me wonder if Hansen is covering for his mercurial partner (cohort).

 

[HndsmCelt]

Note that Bruski isn't talking about Hansen. He's talking about Ballmer, which makes me wonder if Hansen is covering for his mercurial partner (cohort).

I don't know if I would read that much into this. There is no reason to believe that Ballmer had a hand in this, and plenty of incentive for Hansen to act on his own. Remember the Sea Arena deal was all him, and he is now the proud owner of several blocks of Seattle real-estate that are tying up about 80 million dollars, can not be developed or sold for a profit.

 

[upinsmoke]

I don't know if I would read that much into this. There is no reason to believe that Ballmer had a hand in this, and plenty of incentive for Hansen to act on his own. Remember the Sea Arena deal was all him, and he is now the proud owner of several blocks of Seattle real-estate that are tying up about 80 million dollars, can not be developed or sold for a profit.

Insert Nelson's HAHA! here.