Does anybody believe the current state of the Kings and Power Balance Arena is not the fault of the Maloofs?
Hey, maybe it's the economy or maybe the team just needs a new arena. Maybe this deterioration is just bad luck, right?
Uh, no.
All you have to do is look to the desert of Nevada to see that this pattern is not unique.
The Palms Hotel, once the hottest of the hot spots in Vegas, has fallen into disrepair. I decided to check customer reviews of the hotel on the popular TripAdvisor site.
Now, to be fair, there were some decent reviews, but the bad reviews were startling in their harshness.
Check them out for yourself:
Palms Reviews
Here's a sampling:
"The room reeked of deodorizers attempting to cover up bad odors in the room. The beds looked lumpy and the walls were dirty."
"This place was disgusting and horrible. It's amazing how fast and how far this place has fallen."
"Overall, worst hotel experience I've had in Vegas. Used to be a great place ten years ago, now it's on par with Circus Circus."
"This is by far the worst choice you could make to stay in Vegas, You would be better off to save the money and sleep on the streets and play an instrument to make extra money."
First the Kings and now The Palms.
What do these two business entities have in common?
Connect the dots, Kings fans.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Monday, April 16, 2012
Grant Napear officially declares he's a shill for Maloofs
Thank you Grant Napear.
Yup, in a none-too-shocking admission, KHTK's resident sports blowhard finally admitted it on Monday.
He's a shill for the Maloofs.
A mouthpiece. A plant. An accomplice. The Panderer-in-Chief.
Now he didn't have to use those exact words, but it was clear when he proudly proclaimed on his radio show that there's no reason for him to badmouth the Maloofs since the Maloofs have been very good for Grant Napear (yes, he used the dreaded third person).
This is all fine and dandy, except Mr. Napear has always slyly implied that he's an even-handed player in the entire arena debacle.
Look, I wouldn't blast my boss if he was writing my checks either, but I would make it clear almost every time the subject came up by stating these simple words:
I am not a fair arbiter in this situation since I am employed by the owners of the Kings, but I would be happy to give you my opinion.
That almost never happened.
Instead, for years, he has berated caller after caller who dared to hold the Maloofs in a less-than-flattering light.
He must have a bulging hernia for all the water he's carried.
And now, when everyone in the sports world can see that the Maloof behavior has risen to the level of Weasel Defcon I, there is no way he should be even attempting to maneuver his flighty bosses into a more favorable position.
The NBA thinks the Maloofs have lost their minds.
The city of Sacramento thinks they're dishonest liars.
The Sacramento fans have had it with the years of insufferable negotiation stances.
But Grant "The Shill" Napear believes we should all just back off, play nice, and give all the sides the benefit of the doubt.
This is so transparently the message of P.R. outfit hired by the Kings that is is truly laughable.
Yes, the Maloofs have finally shown their true colors.
And finally, so has Grant Napear.
Yup, in a none-too-shocking admission, KHTK's resident sports blowhard finally admitted it on Monday.
He's a shill for the Maloofs.
A mouthpiece. A plant. An accomplice. The Panderer-in-Chief.
Now he didn't have to use those exact words, but it was clear when he proudly proclaimed on his radio show that there's no reason for him to badmouth the Maloofs since the Maloofs have been very good for Grant Napear (yes, he used the dreaded third person).
This is all fine and dandy, except Mr. Napear has always slyly implied that he's an even-handed player in the entire arena debacle.
Look, I wouldn't blast my boss if he was writing my checks either, but I would make it clear almost every time the subject came up by stating these simple words:
I am not a fair arbiter in this situation since I am employed by the owners of the Kings, but I would be happy to give you my opinion.
That almost never happened.
Instead, for years, he has berated caller after caller who dared to hold the Maloofs in a less-than-flattering light.
He must have a bulging hernia for all the water he's carried.
And now, when everyone in the sports world can see that the Maloof behavior has risen to the level of Weasel Defcon I, there is no way he should be even attempting to maneuver his flighty bosses into a more favorable position.
The NBA thinks the Maloofs have lost their minds.
The city of Sacramento thinks they're dishonest liars.
The Sacramento fans have had it with the years of insufferable negotiation stances.
But Grant "The Shill" Napear believes we should all just back off, play nice, and give all the sides the benefit of the doubt.
This is so transparently the message of P.R. outfit hired by the Kings that is is truly laughable.
Yes, the Maloofs have finally shown their true colors.
And finally, so has Grant Napear.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Maloofs must sign 10-year lease to stay in Sacramento to salvage relationship with fans
There is a way.
A single way for the Maloofs to turn public opinion back in their favor.
A single way for the Maloofs to help the Sacramento fans forgive them.
And here it is:
In front of the Kings fans, hold up a signed lease agreement saying that you are staying in Sacramento for the next 10 years.
That's it.
Done deal.
The town is yours again.
Will it happen? Almost certainly no.
But Joe Maloof proclaimed loudly to the Bee's Aileen Voisin that the team has no intention to move.
Okay, prove it.
Tell the city that the Anaheim is dead with a pen, not with words.
And get to work sprucing up Power Balance. I suggest a $5 ticket surcharge to pay for it. That would at least pay for cosmetic changes to the building. It won't widen the concourses or add luxury boxes, but it would go a long way towards showing some good will.
Here's the problem: I don't think Joe and Gavin Maloof are even running the show anymore. I think they've been pushed aside by George, who fancies himself the brilliant wheeler-dealer of the family.
Well, Joe and Gavin, it's time to kick your unkempt Vegas brother to the curb.
Make a grand statement.
Make it now.
Before it's too late.
A single way for the Maloofs to turn public opinion back in their favor.
A single way for the Maloofs to help the Sacramento fans forgive them.
And here it is:
In front of the Kings fans, hold up a signed lease agreement saying that you are staying in Sacramento for the next 10 years.
That's it.
Done deal.
The town is yours again.
Will it happen? Almost certainly no.
But Joe Maloof proclaimed loudly to the Bee's Aileen Voisin that the team has no intention to move.
Okay, prove it.
Tell the city that the Anaheim is dead with a pen, not with words.
And get to work sprucing up Power Balance. I suggest a $5 ticket surcharge to pay for it. That would at least pay for cosmetic changes to the building. It won't widen the concourses or add luxury boxes, but it would go a long way towards showing some good will.
Here's the problem: I don't think Joe and Gavin Maloof are even running the show anymore. I think they've been pushed aside by George, who fancies himself the brilliant wheeler-dealer of the family.
Well, Joe and Gavin, it's time to kick your unkempt Vegas brother to the curb.
Make a grand statement.
Make it now.
Before it's too late.
Friday, April 13, 2012
EMPTY THE ARENA. DON'T GO TO THE FINAL 4 GAMES
It's time to make another statement, Kings fans.
You did it last year when you wanted the team to stay.
Now it's time to do it again. Except this time it's about being jobbed. It's about being taken for a ride. It's about a trio of clueless brothers named Maloof.
Friday's despicable display by the Maloofs was inexcusable and perhaps one of the most embarrassing presentations in the history of sports ownership.
Parading a dull economist in front of the press to basically tear the city's arena plan to shreds was a pure affront to any Kings' fan who was brave enough to watch.
George Maloof acted like a child who had no idea why things hadn't gone his way in the sandbox. He was gonna pout and whine and claim that little Kevie hit him in the face with a shovel.
These guys are morally and financially broke.
They have no money because they have no business acumen. In fact, they have no businesses. They have no way to make money any more. Owning an NBA team is not a profitable business. It's a hobby for rich men. The Maloofs don't qualify.
So what can the fans do?
Easy.
Empty the arena. Don't set foot in the place for the final four games.
Make it a ghost town.
The sports world doesn't care one iota about Sacramento, but it's time to hold up the owners to the ridicule they deserve.
Stay home.
Empty the arena.
Let the team play in silence.
When the highlights appear on ESPN, the sound of shame will be deafening to the Maloofs.
You did it last year when you wanted the team to stay.
Now it's time to do it again. Except this time it's about being jobbed. It's about being taken for a ride. It's about a trio of clueless brothers named Maloof.
Friday's despicable display by the Maloofs was inexcusable and perhaps one of the most embarrassing presentations in the history of sports ownership.
Parading a dull economist in front of the press to basically tear the city's arena plan to shreds was a pure affront to any Kings' fan who was brave enough to watch.
George Maloof acted like a child who had no idea why things hadn't gone his way in the sandbox. He was gonna pout and whine and claim that little Kevie hit him in the face with a shovel.
These guys are morally and financially broke.
They have no money because they have no business acumen. In fact, they have no businesses. They have no way to make money any more. Owning an NBA team is not a profitable business. It's a hobby for rich men. The Maloofs don't qualify.
So what can the fans do?
Easy.
Empty the arena. Don't set foot in the place for the final four games.
Make it a ghost town.
The sports world doesn't care one iota about Sacramento, but it's time to hold up the owners to the ridicule they deserve.
Stay home.
Empty the arena.
Let the team play in silence.
When the highlights appear on ESPN, the sound of shame will be deafening to the Maloofs.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Maloofs balk at paying for toilet paper in new arena
Thanks to a close confidant who slipped me an unmarked envelope outside of the Arby's in Vacaville last night, I can reveal the alleged contents of a secret memo sent by George Maloofs to his brothers Joe and Gavin.
This explosive memo outlines the team's financial concerns over the new arena deal. Here are the alleged highlights:
--Why on earth should we foot the bill for toilet paper in the new building's bathrooms? This is just silly. That's expensive, especially considering all the gastro-intestinal problems our fans suffer because of our Kings dogs. Ask KJ to spring for the TP.
--There is no way we are paying for somebody to design the stinking arena. How hard can it be? I'll get one of my cocktail waitresses from the Palms to do it. I know this one girl who almost has her graphic arts degree from this really great community college near Pahrump. She'll do it as a favor to me.
--Should we really be paying any rent at all? Anaheim says they'll let us play there for chicken feed. They love us. If we keep raising a stink, I'm sure we can make this pesky deal go away. And I can handle Stern, believe me. He might be short and muscular, but I'm frizzy haired and half nuts.
--Looks like that cocky mayor wants us to provide ushers, security and safety lighting during games. He's gone too far. This is just outrageous. We never agreed to any of this. One more demand and we are done. Period. I mean it. No, really. We are Maloofs, not suckers. You can't expect us to pay for everything.
--Just got a note from the league. They want us to pay the salaries of Travis Outlaw, John Salmons, Francisco Garcia and Chuck Hayes. Hell no. That's Petrie's mess. Send him the damn bill.
This explosive memo outlines the team's financial concerns over the new arena deal. Here are the alleged highlights:
--Why on earth should we foot the bill for toilet paper in the new building's bathrooms? This is just silly. That's expensive, especially considering all the gastro-intestinal problems our fans suffer because of our Kings dogs. Ask KJ to spring for the TP.
--There is no way we are paying for somebody to design the stinking arena. How hard can it be? I'll get one of my cocktail waitresses from the Palms to do it. I know this one girl who almost has her graphic arts degree from this really great community college near Pahrump. She'll do it as a favor to me.
--Should we really be paying any rent at all? Anaheim says they'll let us play there for chicken feed. They love us. If we keep raising a stink, I'm sure we can make this pesky deal go away. And I can handle Stern, believe me. He might be short and muscular, but I'm frizzy haired and half nuts.
--Looks like that cocky mayor wants us to provide ushers, security and safety lighting during games. He's gone too far. This is just outrageous. We never agreed to any of this. One more demand and we are done. Period. I mean it. No, really. We are Maloofs, not suckers. You can't expect us to pay for everything.
--Just got a note from the league. They want us to pay the salaries of Travis Outlaw, John Salmons, Francisco Garcia and Chuck Hayes. Hell no. That's Petrie's mess. Send him the damn bill.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Kings desperately need to make a trade. Right now.
There are no more excuses.
Short preseason due to lockout? Nope.
New coach trying to get his feel for the team? Nope.
Young players who came in out of shape? Nope.
Just plain crappy talent? Well, yes.
The inexcusable performance by the hometown Kings against the visiting Warriors on Tuesday night was so downright ugly, so sadly unwatchable, so depressing to the fans, there is only one thing the team can do.
Make a trade. A big trade. And make it fast. Because Kings fans don't deserve a team and management so hesitant and reluctant to pull the trigger on anything remotely resembling an impact move.
So Mr. Petrie, what are you going to do today as trade deadline approaches?
Ignore the phone? Wait for free agency again when no worthwhile talent would even sniff Sacramento?
It's your move, Geoff.
Time to regain your reputation. Time to breathe new life into the franchise.
No more excuses.
\
Short preseason due to lockout? Nope.
New coach trying to get his feel for the team? Nope.
Young players who came in out of shape? Nope.
Just plain crappy talent? Well, yes.
The inexcusable performance by the hometown Kings against the visiting Warriors on Tuesday night was so downright ugly, so sadly unwatchable, so depressing to the fans, there is only one thing the team can do.
Make a trade. A big trade. And make it fast. Because Kings fans don't deserve a team and management so hesitant and reluctant to pull the trigger on anything remotely resembling an impact move.
So Mr. Petrie, what are you going to do today as trade deadline approaches?
Ignore the phone? Wait for free agency again when no worthwhile talent would even sniff Sacramento?
It's your move, Geoff.
Time to regain your reputation. Time to breathe new life into the franchise.
No more excuses.
\
Monday, February 27, 2012
Maloofs come up with the cash... and, poof, an arena deal is born
Okay, I admit it. Never figured the Maloofs would agree to stay in Sacramento and dole out the heavy cash.
I still don't quite know where they intend to get the money or how they intend to compete as NBA owners but, hey, it looks like Sacramento is going to get an arena.
And that's all that matters. An arena means hundreds of construction jobs and a downtown that actually matters after dark.
Still, I wasn't sure how this was going to all turn out. After all, I was lucky enough to get a spy photo of Gavin Maloof during the negotiations... he sures knows how to bluff...
I still don't quite know where they intend to get the money or how they intend to compete as NBA owners but, hey, it looks like Sacramento is going to get an arena.
And that's all that matters. An arena means hundreds of construction jobs and a downtown that actually matters after dark.
Still, I wasn't sure how this was going to all turn out. After all, I was lucky enough to get a spy photo of Gavin Maloof during the negotiations... he sures knows how to bluff...
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Arena deal just doesn't pencil out with Maloofs as owners
Do the Maloofs have any money left?
That's the $387 million question as the all-important arena vote looms.
With the team struggling to fill the arena, their Power Balance naming rights deal in tatters, their casino interests drained almost to zero, and no other seeming revenue streams, how do these guys come up with any cash?
It's almost comical to think they will be able to pony up with anything close to the $85 million that Sacramento is demanding to build the arena.
And would the NBA lend them the money when Anaheim is willing and able to welcome them without a penny out of pocket?
This is looking bleak. And sadly, it's not going to be on the City of Sacramento this time. Because unless the Brothers Maloof finally relent and sell the team, I can't see how this deal works.
Does commissioner David Stern have the juice to force a sale? Doubtful. Especially after the lockout fiasco that proved small-market teams have begun to erode his once enormous power.
Let's look at some harsh numbers:
--In 2009-10, a total of 23 of the NBA's team worked at an operating loss. Eleven teams had net losses of more than $20 million. With the economy in the tank and Sacramento hurting, you can bet the Kings are one of the league's least profitable teams.
--The Kings already owe the city the balance of a $70 million loan. Combine that with a $60 million loan from the NBA and Maloofs would be sitting on $130 million in debt with no positive cash flow.
--The Kings would be simply tenants in the new building, meaning they would get no cash flow from parking or other events beyond basketball.
Now, nobody has yet explained why the Kings need to come up with this huge block of cash upfront. It doesn't really make sense. Yearly leasing fees would be much easier for the team to handle.
But that's the game of chicken being played right now.
From this vantage point, only new owners with very deep pockets make this deal in Sacramento work.
I could be wrong. I hope I am.
But the Kings could not be in worse shape. On the court, the team is a mismatched assemblage of ill-fitting parts. Off the court, the owners have become financial zombies, former millionaires who just stumble through life with the desperate aura of lost wealth.
I just can't see how the Kings remain in Sacramento with the Maloofs as owners.
Zombie Arena is just not going to cut it.
.
That's the $387 million question as the all-important arena vote looms.
With the team struggling to fill the arena, their Power Balance naming rights deal in tatters, their casino interests drained almost to zero, and no other seeming revenue streams, how do these guys come up with any cash?
It's almost comical to think they will be able to pony up with anything close to the $85 million that Sacramento is demanding to build the arena.
And would the NBA lend them the money when Anaheim is willing and able to welcome them without a penny out of pocket?
This is looking bleak. And sadly, it's not going to be on the City of Sacramento this time. Because unless the Brothers Maloof finally relent and sell the team, I can't see how this deal works.
Does commissioner David Stern have the juice to force a sale? Doubtful. Especially after the lockout fiasco that proved small-market teams have begun to erode his once enormous power.
Let's look at some harsh numbers:
--In 2009-10, a total of 23 of the NBA's team worked at an operating loss. Eleven teams had net losses of more than $20 million. With the economy in the tank and Sacramento hurting, you can bet the Kings are one of the league's least profitable teams.
--The Kings already owe the city the balance of a $70 million loan. Combine that with a $60 million loan from the NBA and Maloofs would be sitting on $130 million in debt with no positive cash flow.
--The Kings would be simply tenants in the new building, meaning they would get no cash flow from parking or other events beyond basketball.
Now, nobody has yet explained why the Kings need to come up with this huge block of cash upfront. It doesn't really make sense. Yearly leasing fees would be much easier for the team to handle.
But that's the game of chicken being played right now.
From this vantage point, only new owners with very deep pockets make this deal in Sacramento work.
I could be wrong. I hope I am.
But the Kings could not be in worse shape. On the court, the team is a mismatched assemblage of ill-fitting parts. Off the court, the owners have become financial zombies, former millionaires who just stumble through life with the desperate aura of lost wealth.
I just can't see how the Kings remain in Sacramento with the Maloofs as owners.
Zombie Arena is just not going to cut it.
.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
The Secret Transcript of personal call between C-Webb and Grant Napear
By now, you've probably heard about the infamous encounter between Chris Webber and Grant Napear on Grant's radio show on Friday. If you didn't, here's a quick recap:
C-Webb babbled on for three minutes about how he has made it his one-man mission to save the Kings and was offended that someone would question his motives, all the while never answering Napear's question about an obvious misstatement made during TNT's Thursday night' broadcast against the Thunder. He then hung up.
Easily the most entertaining moment in the history of Grant Napear simply because:
A.) Grant barely spoke.
B.) Webber showed himself to be a total ass.
But did anyone know that Napear allegedly made a personal call to Webber off the air just minutes after his show ended.
Thanks to an inside source at the radio station, we have the alleged transcript of that call.
Grant: Yo, Chris...
Webber: Who's this?
Grant: It's me. Grant.
Webber: Shit.
Grant: Don't hang up.
Webber: I game you the damn interview. What else do you want?
Grant: I just wanted--
Webber: To apologize?
Grant: No.
Webber: I'm C-Webb, you know.
Grant: I know.
Webber: Don't freakin' question me. Tell me your sorry.
Grant: But I just wanted--
Webber: I love Sacramento. I once for a couple of minutes thought about living there after I finished playing. Thanks to me, people know where your damn-ass city even is.
Grant: Well that's not exactly true.
Webber: Damn straight it is. Why are you calling me? I have to go to a wardrobe check.
Grant: Look, I guess I might be a little sorry you felt--
Webber: That's right. Start sucking up, Grant. Like when you talk to Gavin and Joe. Never heard you ask them a tough question.
Grant: That's insulting.
Webber: Oh yeah, I forgot, you do berate your dumb-ass callers. Getting all New Yawk on them. Why does anybody listen to you?
Grant: I happen to be the top-rated radio sports host in Sacramento.
Webber: You're the only radio sports host in Sacramento.
(long pause)
Grant: I like you Chris.
Webber: Call me Mr. Webber.
Grant: What?
Webber: You got wax in your ears?
Grant: This isn't fair. I was only asking you a simple question and then you--
Webber: You tell those broke-ass owners they should be bowing down and thanking me.
Grant: Thanking you?
Webber: When I talk, people listen. I'm C-Webb. C-Webb carries a lot of juice. C-Webb rules the roost.
Grant: Why are you talking about yourself in the third person?
Webber: What third person, ass? It's just me and you. It's just C-Webb and you. No third person.
(long pause)
Grant: I'm done.
Webber: Don't be angry, Grant.
Grant: This is unbelievable.
Webber: Tell the people of Sacramento I love them.
Grant: Go to hell.
(dial tone)
C-Webb babbled on for three minutes about how he has made it his one-man mission to save the Kings and was offended that someone would question his motives, all the while never answering Napear's question about an obvious misstatement made during TNT's Thursday night' broadcast against the Thunder. He then hung up.
Easily the most entertaining moment in the history of Grant Napear simply because:
A.) Grant barely spoke.
B.) Webber showed himself to be a total ass.
But did anyone know that Napear allegedly made a personal call to Webber off the air just minutes after his show ended.
Thanks to an inside source at the radio station, we have the alleged transcript of that call.
Grant: Yo, Chris...
Webber: Who's this?
Grant: It's me. Grant.
Webber: Shit.
Grant: Don't hang up.
Webber: I game you the damn interview. What else do you want?
Grant: I just wanted--
Webber: To apologize?
Grant: No.
Webber: I'm C-Webb, you know.
Grant: I know.
Webber: Don't freakin' question me. Tell me your sorry.
Grant: But I just wanted--
Webber: I love Sacramento. I once for a couple of minutes thought about living there after I finished playing. Thanks to me, people know where your damn-ass city even is.
Grant: Well that's not exactly true.
Webber: Damn straight it is. Why are you calling me? I have to go to a wardrobe check.
Grant: Look, I guess I might be a little sorry you felt--
Webber: That's right. Start sucking up, Grant. Like when you talk to Gavin and Joe. Never heard you ask them a tough question.
Grant: That's insulting.
Webber: Oh yeah, I forgot, you do berate your dumb-ass callers. Getting all New Yawk on them. Why does anybody listen to you?
Grant: I happen to be the top-rated radio sports host in Sacramento.
Webber: You're the only radio sports host in Sacramento.
(long pause)
Grant: I like you Chris.
Webber: Call me Mr. Webber.
Grant: What?
Webber: You got wax in your ears?
Grant: This isn't fair. I was only asking you a simple question and then you--
Webber: You tell those broke-ass owners they should be bowing down and thanking me.
Grant: Thanking you?
Webber: When I talk, people listen. I'm C-Webb. C-Webb carries a lot of juice. C-Webb rules the roost.
Grant: Why are you talking about yourself in the third person?
Webber: What third person, ass? It's just me and you. It's just C-Webb and you. No third person.
(long pause)
Grant: I'm done.
Webber: Don't be angry, Grant.
Grant: This is unbelievable.
Webber: Tell the people of Sacramento I love them.
Grant: Go to hell.
(dial tone)
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Five Downright Undeniable Truths About the Kings right now
Five things I know for sure right now about the Sacramento Kings:
1. The Kings will never get to the playoffs with Tyreke Evans as their point guard. Sorry, folks, just don't see it happening. He's a fullback masquerading as a basketball player imitating a point guard. And he has spurts of being spectacular, especially when his feet aren't aching. But I just don't see him as the guy who's taking the team to the next level - not if he's the man running the offense. I still think he's a great trade chip in a mega-trade for a great point guard, but I doubt the franchise has the guts to pull the trigger on a deal.
2. Funding the new arena by privatizing city parking lots is a stupendously bad idea. Paul Clegg's blog http://gameto100.com/?p=977#storylink=scwidget tells the ugly truth. Not sure why a simple $5 dollar surcharge on every ticket was ignored as a solution, but this parking fiasco will come back to bite KJ in the butt.
3. Geoff Petrie is an awful general manager and has been living off a few good deals and signings made a decade ago. Sad but true. Some awful decisions of late (trading for Salmons and signing Outlaw to name a couple) put him in the bottom rung of NBA brains. He's become a non-entity around the league.
4. DeMarcus Cousins is going to be a star and I've been impressed with his tenacity and hustle, but he's going to have spend a solid summer working on footwork and jump hooks in order to overcome his lack of jumping ability. Cousins is consistently stuffed when trying to work inside because he has no clue about how to maneuver against more athletic big men.
5. It's more fun to root for likable players. Rookie Isaiah Thomas may never be an elite player or even a starter, but his smile, verve, aggressiveness and poise make him a fan favorite. And he passes the ball, too. Selfish players are not easy to like, unless they are stone-cold superstars. The Kings have too many stone-cold selfish stiffs.
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