Counterpoint

Ah, it just gets better and better. Now, according to the Seattle Times, the City of Seattle has launched a lawsuit against the Sonics' ownership in an attempt to force them to honor their lease and remain at KeyArena until 2010. The lawsuit would also try to block the team from using arbitration to settle the dispute.

It's not often that a munipality is pitted as the David in a David v Goliath situation, but this is shaping up to be a hum-dinger of a battle. On the one hand you've got Slade Gorton (whom, as Paul mentioned earlier, is known as 'Senator Skeletor' in these parts) representing the good people of King County. On the other, you've got Carpetbagger Clay and his buddies from Oklahoma, represented by a Seattle law firm (!).

To paraphrase Michael Buffer, "Let's get ready to wrangle!"

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UPDATE: I wouldn't normally provide a link to another paper's story on the same subject, but you've got to read the PI's story, written by Gene Johnson, if only for the quote from the attorney representing the City, Tom Carr. Here's Carr's quote in regard to the Sonics' profitability, or lack thereof, at KeyArena:

"The issues with the Sonics' profitability at KeyArena have less to do with KeyArena than with the Sonics' ability to defend the high pick and roll."

It's not everyday a city employee has 1) a sense of humor, 2) is a lawyer, and 3) knows basketball terminology. Looks like we're 3-for-3 with Tom Carr.

Sonics Weekend Update

The top Seattle Supersonics stories from the past week . . .

Bruce Baskin of the Seattle P.I. takes a look at the top Sonics drafts of all time.

Did I mention we had a Save Our Sonics comedy show? It was awesome, and you should really go to the next one.

Meanwhile, Big Boy Bennett is still trying to weasel out of his lease.

The Oklahoma vultures may want our Sonics, but the Storm? Not so much.

Did I mention we started an official Supersonicsoul fantasy league? Well, we did, and you should join. Send me an email and I'll hook you up.

More on Press Conference

The Times' Jim Brunner (as always) has a strong summary of the situation, with some stirring quotes from Mayor Greg Nickels.