NBA Team Owners Approve SuperSonics Move
NBA team owners voted 28-2 today to approve the relocation of the Seattle SuperSonics to Oklahoma City.
One of the first to respond to the announcement was House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa, who said, “I am thrilled the NBA relocation committee voted today to allow the SuperSonics to move to Oklahoma City. Having a major league sports team in Oklahoma elevates our state to a new level nationally and internationally.”
“State and Oklahoma City officials came together to craft an economic incentive package that proved to the Sonics ownership we are serious about becoming a major league state. And today the committee showed they see Oklahoma’s potential.”
Senator Jim Inhofe said, “The relocation of the NBA Supersonics franchise to Oklahoma City is a slam-dunk for not only the city, but the whole state of Oklahoma,” Senator Inhofe said. “Oklahoma City proved itself to be a first-rate city for a NBA franchise after its strong support for the Hornets franchise and the City of New Orleans while it recovered from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
“Despite last-minute lobbying by Washington State's political leaders to derail the vote on relocation, Oklahoma City and our entire state have taken the latest step toward being the permanent home of a NBA franchise. As evidenced by the lopsided vote of the owners, Oklahoma City and the Sonics management presented a strong case to the NBA.
“The Sonics’ relocation to Oklahoma City has truly been a team effort: from the state legislature's passage of and the Governor’s support for the Quality Jobs incentive legislation, the efforts of Mayor Mick Cornett and the local Oklahoma City business and civic community, to the outstanding leadership of Clay Bennett, Aubrey McClendon, Tom Ward, Jeffrey Records and the rest of the Sonics ownership team. Finally, our state can boast some of the best fans in the country - this move is a testament to their dedication.” Senate Co-President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee said, “Oklahomans already knew we were ready to become the permanent home for a big league sports franchise, and today’s decision by NBA owners shows that they agree. This is a proud and exciting day for the entire State of Oklahoma, and is evidence that when Oklahomans work together we can make great things happen."
One of the first to respond to the announcement was House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa, who said, “I am thrilled the NBA relocation committee voted today to allow the SuperSonics to move to Oklahoma City. Having a major league sports team in Oklahoma elevates our state to a new level nationally and internationally.”
“State and Oklahoma City officials came together to craft an economic incentive package that proved to the Sonics ownership we are serious about becoming a major league state. And today the committee showed they see Oklahoma’s potential.”
Senator Jim Inhofe said, “The relocation of the NBA Supersonics franchise to Oklahoma City is a slam-dunk for not only the city, but the whole state of Oklahoma,” Senator Inhofe said. “Oklahoma City proved itself to be a first-rate city for a NBA franchise after its strong support for the Hornets franchise and the City of New Orleans while it recovered from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
“Despite last-minute lobbying by Washington State's political leaders to derail the vote on relocation, Oklahoma City and our entire state have taken the latest step toward being the permanent home of a NBA franchise. As evidenced by the lopsided vote of the owners, Oklahoma City and the Sonics management presented a strong case to the NBA.
“The Sonics’ relocation to Oklahoma City has truly been a team effort: from the state legislature's passage of and the Governor’s support for the Quality Jobs incentive legislation, the efforts of Mayor Mick Cornett and the local Oklahoma City business and civic community, to the outstanding leadership of Clay Bennett, Aubrey McClendon, Tom Ward, Jeffrey Records and the rest of the Sonics ownership team. Finally, our state can boast some of the best fans in the country - this move is a testament to their dedication.” Senate Co-President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee said, “Oklahomans already knew we were ready to become the permanent home for a big league sports franchise, and today’s decision by NBA owners shows that they agree. This is a proud and exciting day for the entire State of Oklahoma, and is evidence that when Oklahomans work together we can make great things happen."
Labels: Charter Schools. Glenn Coffee, Chris Benge, Jim Inhofe, NBA, Seattle SuperSonics
posted by Mike McCarville @ 2:53 PM
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