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Originally Posted by srkboy23
What you guys seem to be missing (or leaving out) in this whole argument is the fact that he promised he would make a good-faith effort for 12 months.
He could have made the greatest effort known to man for the first 9 months, but if he didn't make an effort during the last 3 months, then he did violate the promise he made.
It's good to know that what we've got out there is enough to convince most people in law that we have a good chance to win this case. Especially considering that there will be a lot more being released to the public by the time the court date rolls around.
On that note, you should really stop this wishful thinking that Bennett and the Sonics will be able to dig up more dirt on Schultz and Seattle than Schultz and Seattle will be able to dig up on Bennett and the Sonics.
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It's all going to be a matter of the judge's opinion about what constitues a good faith effort. Clearly, there wasn't much Bennett could do with the legislature after April. And, he was talking to the Seattle mayor, the Muckleshoots and Sabey after April, which contradicts the contention that he wasn't at least making an effort. The question is, "How much of an effort is enough."? It's not unreasonable for people in business to keep their options open, so I think it would be difficult to prove that discussing moving the team privately means they weren't willing to keep the team in Seattle......with a new arena.....which was the requirement for the team to stay in Seattle.
If it were me, I'd be pointing out to the judge what other cities in similar positions did to keep their team: Orlando, Houston.
I don' think anyone thinks that more dirt is going to be dug up on Schultz than Bennett. But, I'd be using his post-sale interview where he talks about what it would take for Bennett to buy out the lease with Seattle if I were one of Bennett's lawyer. But, who knows what evidence is present regarding the city of Seattle and their effort with Ballmer? None of it has been released.
Clearly, at least right now, David Stern is still on Bennett's side, and he's a powerful ally. I'm not saying I know what's going to happen, but I don't think it's a slam dunk for anyone.