Updated Apr 22, 2008 - 12:09 pm
Stern Video Shows Conflicting View
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Be careful what you say... Your words might come back to haunt you.
In 1995 N.B.A Comissioner David Stern was on hand for the opening of Seattle's remodeled Key arena.
13 years later, Stern says Key Arena is not up to N.B.A standards, and calls the poor condition the main reason the Supersonics should be allowed to move to Oklahoma City.
The NBA approved moving the Sonics to Oklahoma City on April 18th.
Stern said there were only two votes against the move at the meeting in New York _ Mark Cuban of the Dallas Mavericks and Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen.
The timing of the Sonics move depends on the outcome of Seattle's lawsuit that aims to force the team to play out two years remaining on the Key Arena lease. That case goes to trial in June 16 in Seattle.
Some hope that postponing the move for two years would force owner Clay Bennett to sell to a local group led by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. His group had offered to buy the team and to pay for half a $300 renovation of the Key Arena.
Bennett was unable to line up support from the city of Seattle and state for a new arena that would have kept the team in Seattle.
The Sonics finished their 41st season this year with their worst record, only 20 wins.
(Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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