RealGM Basketball

Seattle SuperSonics Wiretap

Bennett To Sonics Players: 'Boo Hoo'

As part of the deposition for the upcoming trial between the city of Seattle and the Sonics' ownership group over the team's KeyArena lease, it has come to light that Sonics' owner Clay Bennett has little sympathy for the players who do not want to leave Seattle, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer is reporting.

In an e-mail to Oklahoma-based public relations consultant Brent Gooden after hearing some of the Sonics players were upset about the prospect of moving the franchise to Oklahoma City, Bennett responded by writing, "Boo hoo," according to a line of questioning by city of Seattle attorney Jeff Johnson.

To which Gooden replied, "Great response. I would play wherever for half of the lowest paid player on the team."

Via Seattle Post-Intelligencer


More Revealing Sonics' E-Mails Emerge

Despite Sonic co-owner Aubrey McClendon's repeated denials that relocation from Seattle to Oklahoma City was always the plan, two additional potentially damaging e-mails were revealed in a transcript of his deposition released Friday, the Seattle Times are reporting.

In early 2007, McClendon predicted that a controversy over his contributions to an anti-gay marriage group would improve the chances of the Sonics moving to Oklahoma City.

Later that year, McClendon apologized to principal Sonics' owner Clay Bennett for telling an Oklahoma newspaper he'd always intended to move the Sonics. But McClendon added, "The truth is we did buy it with the hope of moving to Oklahoma City," according to a copy of his e-mail read aloud during the deposition.

Via Seattle Times


Amended Lawsuit Claims Bennett Breached Contract

Former Sonics' owner Howard Schultz has added a third claim to a lawsuit that is aimed to void the 2006 sale of the team to new ownership, according to The Associated Press.

The new ownership is attempting to move the team to Oklahoma City.

Schultz, the chairman of Starbucks, claims that Clay Bennett and his partners breached their contract by not making a realistic effort to keep the team in Seattle by finding a new arena.

No trial date has yet been set for Schultz's lawsuit.

Via ESPN


SuperSonics May 2008 Archive

  • Seattle Thinking About Dealing No. 4 Pick?

    The Sonics dropped down to the fourth pick on Tuesday night despite having a legitimate shot at landing one of the top two picks and could be looking to deal the selection.

  • Schultz Adds Breach Of Contract To Suit Against Bennett

    Representatives for former Sonics' owner Howard Schultz filed an amended claim to his lawsuit against Clay Bennett's Sonics ownership group on Tuesday with the additional charge of breach of contract.

  • Lottery Time: Are You Feeling Lucky?

    Players like Derrick Rose from Memphis and Michael Beasley from Kansas State will have a better idea where their futures lie after tonight's NBA lottery.

  • OKC Officials Inform Schultz They Expect Sonics To Relocate

    Oklahoma City officials have told former Sonics' owner Harold Schultz that they expect the SuperSonics to relocate, regardless of who owns the team.

  • Seattle Claims Another Small Victory Against Sonics' Ownership

    The City of Seattle claimed another small legal victory on Thursday when U.S. District Court Judge Marsha Pechman denied the team's motion aimed at exposing some documents subpoenaed from developer Matt Griffin.

  • Sonics Name Troy Weaver Assistant GM

    Troy Weaver was the Director of Player Personnel for the Utah Jazz in 2007-08.

  • Sonics To Name Jazz Scout Troy Weaver As Assistant GM

    The Seattle SuperSonics will name Utah Jazz head scout Troy Weaver as their assistant general manager.

  • Judge Denies Sonics' Motion To Determine Damages

    U.S. District Court Judge Marsha Pechman has denied the Sonic's motion to include the determination of its financial obligations should it win at trial against the City of Seattle.

  • Durant To Represent Sonics At Lottery

    Kevin Durant, the NBA's 2008 Rookie of the Year, will represent the Sonics at the Draft Lottery later this month.

  • Woodson Upset Horford Wasn't Honored

    Hawks' Coach Mike Woodson was irate on Wednesday that center Al Horford wasn't given a share of the Rookie of the Year award with Kevin Durant.

  • Carlesimo Will Return To Sonics Next Season

    P.J. Carlesimo will return to coach the Supersonics next season the team announced on Thursday.

  • Durant Easily Wins ROY

    Kevin Durant received 90 first-place votes (545 points) while Atlanta’s Al Horford finished second with 390 points, and Houston’s Luis Scola finished third with 146 points.

  • Carlesimo's Future With Sonics In Limbo

    Sonics' GM Sam Presti is believed to be in the process of deciding whether Coach P.J. Carlesimo will return to the helm next season.

  • City Asks Delay In Sonics Trial

    The City of Seattle has asked for a six month delay in their court case with the SuperSonics if the judge agrees with the team's recent motion to decide monetary damages during the trial.