HOWIE

Let me start out by saying, I have always loved the I-5 rivalry, I've loved the fact that if I wanted to go to an away game that Seattle was a short distance to drive. I've been to Key Arena several times over the years to watch Sonic - Blazer games. I'm going to miss that adventure next year.

I heard last night on the news here in Portland that the Sonics has been granted permission by the NBA (David Stern & Team owners other than Paul Allen - Blazers and Mark Cuban - Mavericks) to move to Oklahoma City for next year. Seems that everything is in place to move the team. I have to admit that I am a bit shocked that there won't be Seattle Super Sonics team next year, being a Blazer fan it is just a very weird feeling. I guess I knew it was coming, but the fact that it is hear is surreal. I'd hope that the NBA grants the city the team name and a new franchise in the near future. This really has to suck after 41 years of great history for it to all fall apart so fast at the hands of an outsider. To me it just doesn't make any business sense to move a team out of a large market into a smaller one. May a million fire ants infest Clay Bennett's underwear drawer.


Again, please let me extend my condolences to you for your loss, from one fan to another, this should have never happen.

Your friend to the south,

HOWIE

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