Jbrown already made these points. I'l ask you, Dale: Did you dream the team would be anything other than "Oklahoma City" during the Big League City campaign? Be honest.

Yes I am guilty of posting before reading the entire thread. No I would have thought it would be OKC in all honesty. I still stand by the fact that people are going to see parts of OKC that will surprise them and hopefully intrigue them reaping benefit to OKC not the state of Oklahoma. I do understand your frustration with "City" being dropped from the way it was hyped in the 3/4 vote. I just see it as a moot point when considering the exposure was always in my mind from the shots of the city itself on the national coverage games that was going to give the notariaty not simply the name.*shrug*

My old "Get ready For OKLAHOMA _______" thread was met with a lot of "are you crazy" comments. Today, we have the NBA commish Stern saying he would encourage and believes the ownership group will name the team "OKLAHOMA". He said it was a topic of conversation, market size versus including Tulsa, etc. was discussed, and I don't believe Stern would have said that if he didn't KNOW it will be called "Oklahoma." So much for "Big League City" and hearing "Oklahoma City" on the sports every night during basketabll season. Hell, people have heard "Oklahoma" on the sports for years with the Sooners success. This would NOT give Oklahoma City the "Big league status" we wanted. As someone has said many times - how many people know where the New Jersey Nets Play?

This is a BAD deal. I am, frankly, angry - as this is what I thought Oklahoma CITY needed and why I ended up voting "Yes" on March 4th.I never thought you were crazy. In fact, your one of the sane ones around here. I have always thought that in the end you would be exactly right. Looks like my conspiracy theory may end up as reality also. No doubt, that in the end, you and I may end up being wrong. And I hope we are. Crow don't taste that bad if you don't chew it too long.

And why should it be Oklahoma City? I know the sales tax vote but remember that many people besides residence of OKC pay that tax. And the State has just given the team a free ride on taxation. This team will need all the support it can get.

I love the name "Oklahoma Roadunner" btw. BEEP BEEP for a rally call would be unique to say the least. Make a good looking mascot too. Can see a slim roadrunner for a live mascot. Have a little sexiness to it....lolI thought there were 5 players on a BB team.

I think it would be fine if a few games were played in Tulsa too. But that's just me.Don't forget Enid, Ponca City, Lawton, and Gotebo

You make some good points. Maybe that's why I said negligible, but those are good points. But honestly, did you ever dream of it being anything but Oklahoma City when you went to vote on March 4th? Especially after all the discussion here on OKCTalk about what it brings to the CITY? I remember few - if any - discussions about its impact on the state and how we'll be promoting the state. It was all about a big league city. The name goes a long way further towards that goal than the newspaper dateline. Though, as I said, those are valid points that, at the least, there will be some exposure for us as a city.

If you go back to my posts you will find I stated it was going to be good for the whole state. I think the more support you get for the team the better chance the team has for success. I still feel that people in OKC think since the vote was made by them that only people living in OKC will be paying the tax. That's far from reality. I live in Edmond and buy much of my things in OKC thus paying taxes. I'm sure I'm not unique.

Whatever the decision I will support it. But I think people who only want OKC on the name are much to do about nothing. Let's get together and feel good for what we have.:congrats: :congrats:

I thought there were 5 players on a BB team.

And your point is?

Also, I disagree with your opinion that we would lose our Oklahoma City publicity.

Even if it's not in the name, the commentators are still going to say "we're back here in OKC for the big Sonics-Mavs match up..." and they're still going to show footage of Oklahoma City before they go to breaks. And the leads on those AP articles are still going to say "OKLAHOMA CITY -- Fans cheered on Kevin Durant blah blah..."I got to get me one of those crystal balls. Where can I find one?

And your point is?Roadrunners, thats all

The DOK says Oklahoma City:

"Oklahoma City already has covered their bases though, including in the letter of intent with the team that the "team shall formally include 'Oklahoma City' in its registered name.'

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett was fairly stern about his feelings on the subject, too: ""It will be the Oklahoma City whatevers. It will be Oklahoma City. I care much less about the second half of the name. I'll let other people determine the nickname of the team, but it will be Oklahoma City."

Sonics chairman Clay Bennett agreed.

"Our view is that the team should be named Oklahoma City. But it will be an Oklahoma asset. It will be marketed statewide and we believe it will be supported statewide."

Bennett said there is no pressure on ownership group to make the team Oklahoma as opposed to Oklahoma City."

sweet.

I don't know which 'letter of intent' the Oklahoman is referring to, but the letter dated March 14 doesn't make any mention of a team name as far as I can tell.

The DOK says Oklahoma City:

"Oklahoma City already has covered their bases though, including in the letter of intent with the team that the "team shall formally include 'Oklahoma City' in its registered name.'

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett was fairly stern about his feelings on the subject, too: ""It will be the Oklahoma City whatevers. It will be Oklahoma City. I care much less about the second half of the name. I'll let other people determine the nickname of the team, but it will be Oklahoma City."

Sonics chairman Clay Bennett agreed.

"Our view is that the team should be named Oklahoma City. But it will be an Oklahoma asset. It will be marketed statewide and we believe it will be supported statewide."

Bennett said there is no pressure on ownership group to make the team Oklahoma as opposed to Oklahoma City."

I just read the article at NewsOK.com (http://newsok.com/article/3232124)and believe me, I hope I have been proven wrong. I would eat several plates of crow - willingly and with a smile. With Bennett saying this in his own words, it's hard to argue otherwise. Bring on the #3 Crow Platter w/cheese.

Portland and Dallas... sounds about right.

As far as Sterns comments on naming. I believe Stern believes that if it's "Oklahoma ______" that we'll have a rallying support of the entire state, no just Oklahoma City. But I believe that Oklahoma CITY should be in the name, for the simple fact that it's OUR money that has been invested.

I would eat several plates of crow -

Solitude, it's okay, everything is up in the air right now. No one really knows what is happening with anything.

I'm just thrilled that we've gotten this far.

When they come, we'll meet at a game and I'll buy you a beer. No crow for you.

I'm glad to finally see a Seattle reporter tell it like it really is (even those he calls us the "Raiders" like we were a bunch of pirates):

Jerry Brewer | We dropped the ball | Seattle Times Newspaper (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/PrintStory.pl?document_id=2004359656&zsection_id=2003225857&slug=brewer19&date=20080419)

We dropped the ball
By Jerry Brewer

Times staff Columnist

Inevitability has never felt this jarring. For months, this day loomed on the calendar, the result loomed as a certainty, and sadness loomed as the foregone emotion.

Still, when Friday's verdict arrived, when the NBA Board of Governors approved the Oklahoma Raiders' request to move the Sonics, it felt shocking.

A jab that we could see coming for nearly two years seemed more like a roundhouse to the back of the head.

And it hurts, hurts more thoroughly than anticipated.

The Raiders aren't halfway out of the door with our team. They're halfway out of the time zone. Now that the NBA has made this foolish and shortsighted decision, the major lingering question is how long Seattle wants to delay its misery.

Actually, even the present is miserable. The city is suing to keep the Raiders in their KeyArena lease for two more years, but if it wins, it means two excruciating lame-duck seasons, with only scant hope that the bought time will lead to a miracle rescue.

Our next-best hope: Another lawsuit, this one by former owner Howard Schultz, who wants the team back because he claims the Raiders conned him.

Maybe I should sue Clay Bennett because he glared at me once.

At the end, all we have left is nuisance litigation.

It should remind us why we're approaching this bitter conclusion. From the beginning of this threat, most of our elected leaders, especially in the State Legislature, have put up a lame effort to defend the city's professional basketball legacy. And so it's only fitting that we're throwing up wild, desperate heaves in the final seconds.

Our leaders made it easy for the Raiders to quit pretending like they wanted to keep the team here. State lawmakers squashed the late-save attempt by Steve Ballmer's group, claiming the move was tardy, when the group had been talking to several state officials for quite some time. When unity was required, our leaders remained disjointed. When thoughtful discourse was appropriate, they carried on with a mindless disregard for a solution.

Because the Raiders are the most dangerous characters in this process, the focus always stays on them. It has taken heat off the failings of our own leadership. But on Friday, while listening to the ramblings of NBA commissioner David Stern and the lies of Bennett, it no longer seemed like evil was prevailing over good.

It was the organized beating the disorganized.

Many of us believe Stern and the Raiders conspired to steal the Sonics. Well, if it was a conspiracy, they had an excellent plan and executed it without fail. On the other side, we fought with nothing but fan hope and political posturing.

So it's no surprise who won this battle.

Many thanks to Paul Allen for voting no to the move and standing up for his city, but the owners passed the relocation request by a 28-2 margin.

While we were forced to listen to City Councilmember Nick Licata say the Sonics had no cultural value, the Raiders struck.

While we were forced to watch House Speaker Frank Chopp stomp on every proposal, the Raiders persisted.

While we were forced to watch Gov. Christine Gregoire stop trying far too early, the Raiders loaded up everything but Squatch in their U-Hauls.

They're on the road now. They're rolling. They're nearly unstoppable.

Until that first game in Oklahoma City, we must hold out hope for a miracle. Even if it's foolish, what's the harm? In between the sulking, we must have some activity to keep us occupied.

But, really, we have already lost the fight. We need Rocky Balboa to help us come back from this one.

It's sad that, to be such a sophisticated city, Seattle always requires last-second saves for its sports franchises. The miracle of 1995 saved the Mariners. The miracle of Paul Allen's bank account saved the Seahawks. But how many miracles can one town have?

At some point, a city — and a state — has to truly commit to the responsibilities of housing pro sports. It is a costly endeavor, but it is worthwhile. It brands a city. These new arenas or stadiums can spur a local economy, if planned correctly.

But losing a team hurts both the perception and entertainment value of a city. The most painful comment Friday came after a reporter asked Stern what it says to other NBA cities that Seattle is about to lose its team.

"Well, I guess since most of our cities, the great majority, have state-of-the-art facilities that enable their teams to compete in our league, I think it says congratulations to them," Stern said smugly.

In other words: Ha-ha, Seattle, you just lost your mojo to Oklahoma City.

Instead of a miracle, we watched Bennett strip the Sonics down to two rookies, throw a Francisco Elson on the floor and bide time for one of the most well-orchestrated heists in sports history. Meanwhile, our leaders tried to stop him by shooting pebbles out of slingshots.

Unfortunately, we must give Bennett credit for one thing. He picked the right city to rob.

SO... let's rename to Oklahoma City Raiders!! ahahaaa..

That dude blames everybody but the people of Seattle...Who could have stopped it with pressure on their leadership, and there was a distinct overabundance of apathy in that dept. So now we're "The Raiders". lol

Fine.

If that's the case, then I submit that if they get their miracle save, they must submit to a name change to the Seattle Sandy ******s.

Portland and Dallas... sounds about right.

As far as Sterns comments on naming. I believe Stern believes that if it's "Oklahoma ______" that we'll have a rallying support of the entire state, no just Oklahoma City. But I believe that Oklahoma CITY should be in the name, for the simple fact that it's OUR money that has been invested.I thought you lived in MWC. I guess you must have recently moved to OKC. Congratulations and welcome to OKC. We're glad to have you.

I do live in midwest city, but I work and play in OKC. A lot of my money is spent on the sales tax. I did live in okc for awhile, but it's been awhile. Thanks for clarifying though andy.

I do live in midwest city, but I work and play in OKC. A lot of my money is spent on the sales tax. I did live in okc for awhile, but it's been awhile. Thanks for clarifying though andy.No. Thank you. It's you that provided clarification to the confusion.

I didn't realize you were confused. Glad I could help out.

Let's solve this problem now!

Let's call the team the OKLAHOMA "City Slickers."

Being from Oklahoma City, I am a huge Thunder fan. The other night I saw a documentary about how Clay Bennet maliciously stole and moved the sonics to OKC. Many of you may know of it and many of you may even have watched it.

http://youtu.be/s9Dp20ydm1E

I have to say that some of the production is propaganda. However, after viewing it in its entirety, I can't help but feel that maybe what Clay Bennet did was malicious in moving the team here. I am not saying that I think the team should be returned to Seattle, but I am wondering since the team was purchased by an Oklahoma group, could it have been possible to share the team between the two cities to try and preserve some integrity for not only Clay Bennet but also for much of the ill will that is felt by so many Seattlans toward our great city. I am a big fan of the Thunder but I really feel bad for everyone in Seattle. Just some food for thought.

Yes, we are very familiar with that documentary.

Being from Oklahoma City, I am a huge Thunder fan. The other night I saw a documentary about how Clay Bennet maliciously stole and moved the sonics to OKC. Many of you may know of it and many of you may even have watched it.

http://youtu.be/s9Dp20ydm1E

I have to say that some of the production is propaganda. However, after viewing it in its entirety, I can't help but feel that maybe what Clay Bennet did was malicious in moving the team here. I am not saying that I think the team should be returned to Seattle, but I am wondering since the team was purchased by an Oklahoma group, could it have been possible to share the team between the two cities to try and preserve some integrity for not only Clay Bennet but also for much of the ill will that is felt by so many Seattlans toward our great city. I am a big fan of the Thunder but I really feel bad for everyone in Seattle. Just some food for thought.

They keep saying the Thunder was stolen.......last time I checked, they were bought for $350,000,000. As far as i'm concerned, they could have moved the team to the moon if the league approved. But i'm glad they're here.

Last I heard, the SuperSonics name, colors, record, etc. were all boxed up and just waiting for someone to step up, get an arena approved and built and rock on forward after a brief sabbatical. Had the right someone stepped up timely, Clay and the other Thunder owners would also have been on the hook for several million more. I don't recall if that bright line date passed yet or not.

As there are no SuperSonics today, I can only presume perhaps no one really wanted a team there after all. Might be wrong. Might not be. What I am certain about is I need a fresh soda. Sees ya.

Last I heard, the SuperSonics name, colors, record, etc. were all boxed up and just waiting for someone to step up, get an arena approved and built and rock on forward after a brief sabbatical. Had the right someone stepped up timely, Clay and the other Thunder owners would also have been on the hook for several million more. I don't recall if that bright line date passed yet or not.

As there are no SuperSonics today, I can only presume perhaps no one really wanted a team there after all. Might be wrong. Might not be. What I am certain about is I need a fresh soda. Sees ya.

+100

Being from Oklahoma City, I am a huge Thunder fan. The other night I saw a documentary about how Clay Bennet maliciously stole and moved the sonics to OKC. Many of you may know of it and many of you may even have watched it.

http://youtu.be/s9Dp20ydm1E

I have to say that some of the production is propaganda. However, after viewing it in its entirety, I can't help but feel that maybe what Clay Bennet did was malicious in moving the team here. I am not saying that I think the team should be returned to Seattle, but I am wondering since the team was purchased by an Oklahoma group, could it have been possible to share the team between the two cities to try and preserve some integrity for not only Clay Bennet but also for much of the ill will that is felt by so many Seattlans toward our great city. I am a big fan of the Thunder but I really feel bad for everyone in Seattle. Just some food for thought.

Sharing a team between OKC and Seattle would be impractical and pointless, really.

But as far as maliciously stole goes? No, maliciously stealing would be going into a store, stuffing jewelry into your pants, and trying to leave without paying. What he did was buy a team, wait to determine if demands of the previous owners were met, then moved the team when they weren't. Did he always intend to move them? Perhaps. But at the end of the day, all the owners and the league wanted the same thing, a new arena, and the people of the city didn't want to foot the bill. Sports is a business, if they don't get what they want, they have no qualms of moving. Seattle isn't immune to that, and it showed.

And I hope Seattle does get their own team again in the future. But the precedent for this was in play well before the Sonics, as much as Sonics fans like to make people believe that they are the only fans who had a city move. They should have known that it was possible and if they wanted to prevent it, take actual action to do so. They didn't, and the team moved. I refuse to feel bad for finally getting to enjoy NBA basketball in a city I live in, and I've been a fan all my life.

Had the right someone stepped up timely, Clay and the other Thunder owners would also have been on the hook for several million more. I don't recall if that bright line date passed yet or not.

Yes that date came and went. A stadium proposal was never made by anyone.

OKC's ownership group was deceptive about their intentions, but Seattle also did not do what was needed to keep the team. There's some blame on both sides. I feel for the good Sonics fans. I couldn't imagine losing the Thunder at this point... No matter whose fault it was.