Dear Mr. Stern,
I hope this letter finds you well. I'm sure you're a busy man, and the most exciting two months of the year (the NBA playoffs) are set to begin.
The reason I am writing you is to show my absolute disappointment in the situation in Seattle.
You allowed an owner who had no intention of keeping the Sonics in Seattle from the get-go, despite what he may have said to the public. You allowed him to trade away everyone except Kevin Durant to make sure the team does poorly and draws poorly, giving him even more ammunition in moving the team.
This is not a team that has come into existence in the past 5-10 years and simply failed to enter a market. Seattle has a rich basketball history, an NBA title, and a wealth of superstars who made their careers there (Lenny Wilkins, Nate McMillan, Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, etc.).
The fact that you would support such a move is disgusting. Sure, Clayton Bennett was "willing" to keep the Sonics there if the public agreed to fund the stadium. Because they weren't willing to, he has an excuse to leave. Why the hell should the public cough up $500 million dollars of their own money to help a billionaire line his own pockets with more money.
In conclusion, Mr. Stern, you have committed an egregious error in this situation. By not stepping up when Bennett began this charade, you are depriving a city that has proven it is a rabid sports supporter (Mariners and Seahawks ring a bell?). I can't blame Oklahoma City for wanting their own team, and their actions are forgivable only because they are well-intentioned, but your actions as the leader of this league are reprehensible and unforgivable.
Shame on you Mr. Stern.
-- Tim Fiorvanti