The recent decision by the Kings to remain in Sacramento for at least one
more season – but hopefully much longer – represents a turn of events for which
many thank-yous are required: to Mayor Kevin Johnson, who refused to accept the
inevitability of the Kings' departure and rallied regional leaders and state and
federal government representatives – including U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui and state
Sen. Darrell Steinberg; to the greater Sacramento business community; to
longtime Kings supporters and new Kings supporters; and, most important, to
Kings fans.
The outpouring of community support was a phenomenon unlike any that I have
seen in my almost three decades as NBA commissioner. It has spurred me to send
my colleagues to Sacramento to help the team respond to the enormous demand for
sponsorships and tickets, and assist them with the permanent hiring required to
replace employees who left because of the franchise's uncertain status.
Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/05/15/3625802/fan-support-for-kings-turned-tide.html#ixzz1MR3Iy9DU