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Sonics chairman Clay Bennett spoke to students and faculty at Oklahoma City University this morning about the Sonics and the business of sports and the NBA. It was his first time speaking publicly about the team in Oklahoma since he filed to relocate here in November.

You can read my story in Friday’s editions of The Oklahoman or on NewsOK.com. A couple of the highlights….

* He gave his stamp of approval on the proposed $120 million arena improvements that Oklahoma City voters will decide whether to approve on March 4.

“We think that it is exactly what we need for the foreseeable future,” Bennett said. “We believe this is the appropriate thing to do. We support it. We think that it will be a great building for a long time.”

* Bennett answered opposition by some citizens and city council members to the $20 million practice facility by saying the public benefits more from the building than the team owners even though it would be NBA specific.

Some examples he used to illustrate his point were the team’s presence creating more than 150 jobs and the team’s players, coaches and team executives boosting the local economy through spending. He also noted the team’s presence would give Oklahomans civic pride and make the state more attractive to other prospective corporations looking to relocate.

 * Bennett also rejected the notion that moving from Seattle (the 14th largest market) to OKC (the 45th largest market) being a mistake.

He noted 1) Oklahoma City’s growing economy, 2) the absence of any other major league franchises, 3) the pre-existing connection between the team’s ownership group and the city’s governmental leaders, 4) the willingness of OKC’s government leaders to provide a modern arena with a suitable lease and 5) what he expects to be a rabid fan base in OKC.

-DM-

By Darnell Mayberry

Staff Writer

     The court battle between the city of Seattle and the Sonics has been scheduled to go to trial in June, a halfway point between the parties’ preferences which was settled on by U.S. District Court Judge Marsha Pechman today.

     Pechman set a trial date of June 16 during a 10 a.m. scheduling conference in a Washington court that brought together attorneys from both sides. Pechman also issued a trial calendar which contains every pertinent date and deadline leading up to the trial.

     Attorneys for the Sonics had requested a March 24 trial date, the earliest possible date that likely would have concluded the case in time for the Sonics to relocate to Oklahoma City for the start of next season.

     The city of Seattle’s legal team sought an Oct. 27 trial date in order to have more time to prepare and present its case. With the 2008-09 NBA season likely starting on or around Halloween, the Sonics would not have been allowed to move in time for next season.

     It’s unclear how a June trial will impact a potential relocation by the Sonics, whose Oklahoma-based ownership group submitted relocation paperwork with the NBA in November to move to Oklahoma.

     The NBA typically works on the league-wide schedule from the end of February through its announcement in August, so the league would need to know where the Sonics will be based.

     The NBA board of governors is also scheduled to vote on the move in April at league meetings in New York. But the city of Seattle, according to legal documents, has threatened to add the NBA to its current suit against the Sonics if a move is approved before the court case is determined.

-DM-

By Darnell Mayberry

Staff Writer

     The Seattle SuperSonics on Tuesday could move a step closer to learning what city they’ll call home next season.

     Attorneys for the Sonics and the city of Seattle are scheduled to appear in a Washington state federal court at noon Central time before U.S. District Court Judge Marsha J. Pechman, who has ordered a scheduling conference, according to court records.

     During the estimated one-hour conference, Pechman could set a trial date for the case, a significant step which would go a long way in determining whether the Sonics can relocate to Oklahoma City next season or must play in Seattle next year while the litigation plays out. An assistant to Pechman declined to comment on today’s agenda.

     Attorneys for the Sonics, however, have requested a March 24 trial date, which likely would be concluded in time for the Sonics to relocate for the start of next season. The city of Seattle’s legal team seeks an Oct. 27 trial date in order to have more time to prepare and present its case.

     An Oct. 27 date would mean the trial would begin just days before the start of the 2008-09 NBA season, effectively preventing the team from relocating.

     The Oklahoma-based ownership group of the Sonics is attempting to escape the final two years of their current KeyArena contract by fulfilling the remaining financial obligations. Seattle officials have declined a buyout and hope to bind the team to its contract and make the Sonics play in Seattle until the contract’s expiration in 2010.

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Apparently a fan voiced his opinion of the state of the Sonics to Clay Bennett at Sunday night’s Sonics game in Seattle and was shown the exit for his actions. A Seattle Times beat writer for the Sonics has a blog with the fan providing the details of the exchange. Bennett was in a suite with legendary Celtics center Bill Russell and Sonics GM Sam Presti. The fan’s name is Sam Kidder and here’s what he e-mailed the Times reporter….

“Clay Bennett, the beloved owner of the Sonics, had the gall to show up at the Sonics-Kings game tonight. When I shared my opinions with him, he had me kicked out of the building! I heard someone mention on sonicscentral that Bennett would be at the game tonight, so I looked for him in the luxury boxes. I spotted him in the box above section 127, sitting with Presti and Bill Russell. Of course my girlfriend and I moved over to the seats right below him. I looked up at him and started chatting with him. Here’s the dialogue that followed…

Sam: Clay, what’s up? You’re a thief Clay!
Clay: shrugs, smirks and blows me a kiss (I swear to God this is no lie)
Sam: I’ve been a season ticket holder since age 10. Don’t steal my team!!!
Clay: makes a face of mock pity
Sam: Sell the Sonics!!!
Clay: walks to the back of the suite, never to reappear

[Thirty] seconds later, two Key arena police officers and a street-clothed man pulled me and my girlfriend out of our seats. They asked for my ID, confiscated my tickets, and escorted me out of the building. I asked the plain-clothed man if he worked for the police or Bennett, and he said “Both.” He then told me I needed to show more respect or else I’d be banned from the arena. I told him I’d be back every game…

In retrospect, I was a little out of control but it is still ludicrous that Bennett would have me kicked out despite the fact that I didn’t utter a profane word.”

The Seattle reporter goes on to say in the blog that team officials said Bennett had nothing to do with the fan’s removal and he was “actually surprised they did it and didn’t think it was necessary.”

-DM-

Here’s a link to an interesting piece in today’s Seattle Post-Intelligencer by columnist Art Thiel, who suggests that the Hornets could end up back in OKC after Clay Bennett sells the Sonics to Seattle businessmen and buys the Bees from George Shinn.

About the Hornets, he writes, “Nevertheless, the franchise may well be in play, creating two possibilities in Seattle:

Thiel points to the renegotiated lease in New Orleans, which includes an opt out clause if the team fails to average 14,735 from Dec. 1, 2007 through the end of next season.

Regarding the above scenario, he goes on to say, “But the movers and shakers in Seattle, New Orleans, Oklahoma City and New York know the path is there. The escape clause wouldn’t have been created and accepted if the need for an out wasn’t dramatic.

The NBA legitimately can say that it tried in New Orleans. It also wants to stay in Seattle, and wants to reward Bennett and Oklahoma City (not Shinn) for being good NBA citizens after Katrina.”

There is also this story on the Sonics situation from the New York Times, more of a general overview of the battle in Seattle.

 -DM-

It’s been two years to the day since former Hornets forward Chris “Birdman” Andersen was dismissed and disqualified from the NBA for violating the league’s anti-drug policy. He’s now eligible for reinstatement and his agent is expected to file the application with the NBA on Monday.

A lot has already been written about his attempted comeback. Chris Sheridan of ESPN.com wrote this straight news piece. In this piece, David Aldridge of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes about Andersen being a potential player on the Sixers shopping list. And in this piece, Peter May of the Boston Globe also writes about Birdman looking for a second chance.

Here’s an advance copy of what I’ll have in Monday’s paper…….

By Darnell Mayberry

Staff Writer

The last time I saw Chris Andersen before his two-year dismissal from the NBA for violating the league’s anti-drug policy was at the end of a Hornets practice.

The high-flying forward, still in full practice gear, had just concluded a brief, stand-up conversation with general manager Jeff Bower in a corner of Southern Nazarene’s Sawyer Center gymnasium.

That chat, presumably, is when Andersen learned his fate.

What stood out most was the look on the usually-engaging Andersen’s face. His never-ending smile had vanished. His motor mouth had slammed shut. He grew stoned cold as he drifted to the locker room before discreetly darting out for good.

But Andersen’s look appeared to be one more of reflection than regret, strategy than shock. As he twirled his hallmark headband, he seemingly knew he had blown it but already looked to be contemplating how to correct his mistake.

He’ll soon find out whether he gets the chance to right his wrong.

Andersen’s two-year ban from the league ended Sunday and he is now eligible for reinstatement. Andersen’s agent, Steven Heumann, is expected to file his reinstatement application today.

But Andersen, the fan favorite who was known affectionately as “Birdman” for his soaring dunks during his 4½ NBA seasons, could face a long and laborious process in his bid to recapture his basketball glory. The NBA has a set of reinstatement rules so rigid and risky that Heumann declined to comment about Andersen until the ruling is made.

The NBA collective bargaining agreement also prohibits league executives from discussing drug-related matters. But according to the CBA, Andersen’s reinstatement will be a decision that rests solely with the NBA and the NBA Players Association.

They will consider whether Andersen has satisfactorily completed a treatment and rehab program, his conduct since his dismissal and whether he now is judged to possess good character and morality and can be considered a role model.

The good news for Andersen is that he seems to have met the listed criteria. Despite having a reputation for partying as a player, “Birdman” has flown under the radar since his disqualification, save the occasional appearance at Hornets and Denver Nuggets games.

During a visit to the Ford Center last March, Andersen said he had completed a drug abuse rehab program and was no longer influenced by substances.

“It’s definitely mind over matter,” Andersen said. “Basically, it’s not even a thought for me anymore to drink or to party or anything like that. It’s more a factor of keeping the basketball aspect in my mind frame because that’s what I want to do. That’s my passion, that’s my dream and I’m following the right guidelines to get back in it.”

What’s unclear is if Andersen will get another crack at the NBA.

Andersen today will become the first player to apply for reinstatement since Roy Tarpley, who was disqualified in 1995. Tarpley’s application was denied.

If Andersen’s application is approved, the Hornets would have 30 days from the date in which they are notified of his reinstatement to sign him. If they decline, Andersen becomes an unrestricted free agent and could sign with any team.

Andersen, who is now 29 and lives in Denver, has been working out in Colorado and Las Vegas since his dismissal. He averaged 5.0 points and 4.8 rebounds in 32 games with the Hornets before his suspension.

Whether he’ll return with the same bundle of hustle and high-energy is a secondary question. Will the NBA grant his return is more pressing.

“I’m very stoked and ready to get back in there and get back to where I was at and then some,” Andersen told The Oklahoman last March. “I’m trying to improve on certain parts of my game, because I want to come back more of a threat.”

This time last week reports surfaced about the University of Washington attempting to make a $300 million renovation to its football Stadium. The school sought $150 million in public funding, the same tax revenue from hotel, rental car and restaurants in King County that the Sonics twice asked for and were denied.

House Speaker Frank Chopp originally sounded in favor of the idea, saying he was “willing to talk to them” and calling the University of Washington’s use of public money more legitimate “by light years” than a new building for the Sonics. In the above article, Chopp is quoted as saying the UW football program is “not professional, it’s not for profit and the players make nothing.” He also noted the stadium is used for several events other than Washington football.

Fast forward a week. Now there’s a story in Thursday’s editions of the Seattle Times reporting that the Washington stadium project might be dead because it has no support from Chopp or anyone else in the Legislature. The proposal likely will not be approved this session, according to the article.

“All I said was that I’d consider it,” Chopp is quoted as saying. “Nobody is asking for it, so that pretty much sums it up doesn’t it?”

How’s this impact the Sonics?

On the pecking order of sports in Seattle, Washington football might be above them all. They were there long before the Sonics, Storm, Seahawks and Mariners. And they’ll be around long after. There’s a rich tradition and strong following of the Husky athletic program in and around Seattle. Think OU football.

If this beloved school and its athletic department can’t receive $150 million in public funding despite being willing to pay the other half of the $300 million, that likely does not bode well for the Sonics chances of getting much of anything in the form of public funding. Not now. Not ever.

Maybe it’s Chopp who’s leading the charge against public funding for sports stadiums. Maybe the majority of the politicians don’t support subsidizing sports stadiums. But if the Huskies can’t get backing from the state right now, the Sonics likely never will.

-DM-

The Seattle SuperSonics were in Oklahoma on Monday following their road game against the Houston Rockets.  The team’s charter had a malfunction during the flight and had to make an unplanned, emergency landing at, of all places, Will Rogers.

The team was supposed to arrive in Seattle at 10 p.m following the 1:30 p.m. tip in Houston but didn’t land in Seattle until 1:30 a.m. meaning they spent 4 1/2 hours in Oklahoma City.

The malfunction called for a new plane, which was the reason for such a long delay. Such delays are not uncommon in the NBA. You’ll hear about at least once such pit stop from each team every year.

Despite the lengthy delay, however, the players, coaches and staff never stepped foot off the malfunctioning aircraft until the second plane arrived and they boarded it. Stranded on the tarmac, the team couldn’t tour the city, instead having to settle to talk among themselves, read or watch videos.

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In case you missed it, Mavs owner Mark Cuban weighed in on the state of the Sonics last Saturday night when the Sonics were in Dallas to play the Mavs. While not exactly endorsing Seattle fans’ support of the Sonics, the always outspoken Cuban explained that he might not vote in favor of the Sonics relocating to OKC.

Although Cuban didn’t mention it, one thing worth noting is that a team in OKC likely cuts into his ability to draw from the OKC market. The Mavs are televised in OKC on FSN Southwest, and many OKC fans travel to Dallas to see Mavs games. At any rate, here’s what Cuban had to say…..

“The question is whether Seattle even wants the team. If they want them, they have to figure out a way for them to stay. And if they don’t it’s just a question of where. I’d love to see them stay in Seattle. It’s a great city, great fans, just a shame, you know? But I guess sometimes the rain gets to people.”

“It’s not one of those things where you can force people to want them to stay. If they want them to stay, they want them to stay. And if they don’t, they don’t. It wasn’t like it was a big uproar and that’s the thing. You can play politics all you want but it wasn’t like people we’re screaming and that’s a shame because it’s a great basketball city.”

“I don’t know that they’re going to Oklahoma City, we have to see. At least as far as my personal vote, I am going to keep all options open. It’s a question of what’s the biggest available market and what’s going to help the NBA the most. So we’ll see. And if it’s not better than Seattle, I’ll vote against it. It’s all right but they have a (expletive) lease. That’s what it is. People can make the argument that’s the lease you sign but business changes and that’s what’s happened.”

“The reality of the NBA has changed. There was a day where you can always depend on the TV contract going way up and that meant all teams got the same boost in revenue. If the TV revenue went up, Seattle got the same as Dallas as New York. But now, national revenue is a declining percentage of team revenues, which means you are more dependent on local revenues.

“And the more dependent you are on local revenue, the more important your lease and arena deal is. And the more important you’re lease and arena deal is, the worst position that Seattle’s in competitively. So I think that’s the piece that people don’t quite understand in Seattle. I think they think it’s 1996 and if they could do it then they think they can do it now.

“But the difference between 10 years ago and today, with the economics of the NBA and the way the collective bargaining agreement is structured is night and day. Night and day. That just puts Seattle is a significant competitive disadvantage.

Cuban isn’t sold on Oklahoma City and said he will not vote along with other owners just for the sake of agreement.

Cuban went on to say he doesn’t think the OKC market is strong enough to support the NBA.

“If it isn’t I’ll vote against it. I am not going in with any preset notions, so we’ll see what happens, I am open minded like that.”

-DM-

Great update on the plight of former OSU guard Maurice Baker, who is reportedly turning heads with his play in the NBA Developmental League. In this short ESPN.com piece about Baker, Chris Sheridan writes that several NBA general mangers could use the versatile guard as a backup right now.

Baker has impressed scouts and GMs over the past several days throughout the D-League showcase in Boise, Idaho, where all 14 D-League teams gather for two games apiece over four days. In his first game, Baker had 41 points on 12 of 17 shooting (17 of 17 from the foul line) with six assists, six steals and no turnovers. He was matched up against Chicago Bulls second-round pick JamesOn Curry.

The next game, Baker scored 27 points with four steals, four assists and 15 rebounds while going head-to-head with Cavaliers second-year guard Shannon Brown.

Sheridan points out that teams such as Cleveland, Boston, Golden State, Toronto and Denver could use him.

Since Baker, now 27, played for the Cowboys he has played over in Lithuania, Turkey, Mexico, Syria and Russia. He’s also had brief regular season stints with the LA Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers as well as summer league appearances with the Miami Heat, New Jersey Nets and Phoenix Suns.

“He has a huge heart, he’s not a great shooter but he is a great clutch shooter, and he’s one of the best rebounding guards I’ve ever seen,” Eric Chapman, who tracks minor league basketball players, told ESPN.com. “Finishing at the rim in traffic, that’s one part of the game he doesn’t have anymore since the ankle surgery, but he keeps getting it back little by little, and you can see it each game.”

Baker had ankle surgery in the summer of 2006, and Chapman thinks he’s 80 percent of the player he was before the surgery. My question is how close is he to being the player we knew him to be at OSU? Ironically enough, I spoke with former OSU coach Eddie Sutton about Baker just days before Sutton took the San Francisco job. Sutton marveled at Baker’s talent had and said he would/should have been some kind of special if not for the injuries during his college career.

-DM-