Dear Bill Gates: Bring the Sonics back

To Bill Gates @Microsoft Dear Billy: I am writing you this letter on behalf of the thousands of Seattle Supersonics fans everywhere. We are still sick over the way that Clay Bennett rode into town, money whipped Howard Shultz, wrote another $45 million check to get out of the rest of his lease, and left town with our only franchise to ever win a world championship. I’m surprised we didn’t let him take the Space Needle too.

To Bill Gates @Microsoft

Dear Billy: I am writing you this letter on behalf of the thousands of Seattle Supersonics fans everywhere. We are still sick over the way that Clay Bennett rode into town, money whipped Howard Shultz, wrote another $45 million check to get out of the rest of his lease, and left town with our only franchise to ever win a world championship. I’m surprised we didn’t let him take the Space Needle too.

Bill, you are our only shot at getting back an NBA team. To get the Sonics back where they belong would only cost you $350 million, give or take a few shares of Microsoft. You’ve probably got that on your nightstand, in the big blue ashtray next to the bed. I know it sounds like I am trying to spend your money, but look at this from a fan’s perspective. We need the Sonics. Come mid-September, or mid-July as it has happened, the Mariners have started making golf plans, the Seahawks haven’t started to suck yet. The Sonics give us street credentials, and a way to stay connected to the national sports scene. We have always tried to be a major sports town, but when your franchise gets hijacked to the armpit of the country, it’s hard to be cool.

Don’t forget about the natural rivalry between the Sonics and Trailblazers, either. The I-5 battle of these two teams produced thrilling basketball for more than 20 years. Did you know the records between the Blazers and Sonics is 98-94? Over two decades of battle and there is only a four-game difference between cities? I dare anyone to find a rivalry that matches this one. And there is the battle between you and Paul Allen, the current owner of the Blazers. You guys can thumb wrestle or play “DOOM”, to your hearts’ content, or you can buy the Sonics back and watch them play for bragging rights of the best team in the Pacific Northwest.

There are so many good reasons to get the Sonics back, Mr. Gates. Spend the money, play at Key Arena, and lower the prices on stuff we know is cheap. Be a maverick, Bill. Charge no more than a dollar for a soda, or a dog. Raise the ticket prices for the suites. Get a great P.R. firm to represent you and it could be great like it was before. Sold-out games. National exposure. Television dollars and another boost of tourism.

Get the Sonics back in Seattle, Bill. And when you do, please hook me up with some tickets. After all, who gave you the idea of spending $350 million dollars?




Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website http://kowloonland.com.hk/?big=submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Opinion

Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer and columnist. He is a former president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s oldest and largest business organization, and lives in Vancouver. Contact thebrunells@msn.com.
Is the Northwest ready for our ‘Big One?’ | Brunell

When President Biden warned FEMA does not have enough money to finish… Continue reading

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.
Combing through this current follicle challenge | Whale’s Tales

I feared the day when passersby on the streets would start in with, “Hey, get a look at Uncle Fester there!” or “What’s cookin’, Kojak?!”

Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer and columnist. He is a former president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s oldest and largest business organization, and lives in Vancouver. Contact thebrunells@msn.com.
Thoughts on Memorial Day and the ultimate sacrifice | Brunell

On Memorial Day, we traditionally honor Americans in our military who gave… Continue reading

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.
In search of fairness, morals and good sportsmanship | Whale’s Tales

Ah, the Golden Rule. We all know it: do unto others as… Continue reading

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.
If you’re right, and you know it, then read this | Whale’s Tales

As the poet Theodore Roethke once wrote: “In a dark time the eye begins to see…”

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@auburn-reporter.com.
The key thing is what we do with our imperfections | Whale’s Tales

I have said and done many things of which I am not proud. That is, I am no golden bird cheeping about human frailties from some high branch of superhuman understanding.

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@soundpublishing.com.
Grappling with the finality of an oncologist’s statement | Whale’s Tales

Perhaps my brain injected a bit of humor to cover the shock. But I felt the gut punch.

Cartoon by Frank Shiers
Legislature back in session next week | Cartoon

State lawmakers return Jan. 8 to Olympia.

Cartoon by Frank Shiers
Santa doesn’t drive a Kia | Cartoon

Cartoon by Frank Shiers.

Cartoon by Frank Shiers
Salute to veterans | Cartoon by Frank Shiers

On Veterans Day, honor those who served your country.

File photo
Why you should vote in the upcoming election | Guest column

When I ask my students when the next election is, frequently they will say “November 2024” or whichever presidential year is coming up next.