Will the Jazz stay in Utah? In Salt Lake?

Disclaimer:  I work part time on the event staff for EnergySolutions Arena.  None of the information contained in this post is confidential information obtained during my employment there.  Likewise, all of the opinions contained herein are purely my own, and do not reflect the opinion of EnergySolutions Arena, Larry H Miller Sports, the Miller Family, or their sponsors.

This afternoon, it was announced that the NBA's relocation committee unanimously approved a plan to keep the Sacramento Kings in Sacramento instead of moving them to Seattle.

Some of you are probably saying "Bob, this is a political blog.  Why are you talking sports?"  Well, I can write what I want, and there is a political aspect to this post, I promise.

For those of you who need to be caught up on the issues at hand, let me summarize a few things.  For several years, the family that owns the Sacramento Kings has been trying to get a new arena built in Sacramento.  As they have had trouble funding the arena, they have threatened to move the team to Las Vegas (where they own the Palms casino) or to Anaheim.  Recently, they have put the team up for sale.  A few months ago, a group from Seattle (which lost it's NBA team to Oklahoma City because the city wouldn't fund an Arena) put in a bid to buy the Kings with plans to move them to Seattle.  The Seattle group already has approval for a new NBA/NHL arena.  The City of Sacramento put together a group of investors to buy the team and keep them in that city.  That plan seems to have been successful.  I believe part of that plan includes building a new arena.

All of this has lead some people on twitter to say "could the Utah Jazz move from Utah?  If they stay in Utah, would they stay in Downtown Salt Lake?"  I say no way to the first question, and probably to the second.

First, on whether the team would ever move from Utah.  When he was alive, Larry H Miller maintained that his purchase of the Jazz was a gift to Salt Lake City and the state of Utah.  His family recognize that this gift is the lasting legacy of their husband and father, and is a gift that came a great personal financial risk to them (Miller mortgaged everything he owned twice in the mid-80s to purchase the team, and then again in the late 80s to build EnergySolutions Arena).  Selling the team would be selling Larry's legacy.  Furthermore, they recognize that selling the team would have a negative influence on the rest of their businesses.

Also, even if the family sells the team, it doesn't mean they would sell to an out of state interest.  The Huntsman, Eccles, and Garff families are big Jazz fans and could have an interest in buying the team.

Now, for the question of staying downtown.  The 22-year-old EnergySolutions Arena is the 7th-oldest arena in the NBA.  One of the arenas that is older, Madison Square Garden, has undergone a multi-year renovation where they essentially gutted the entire arena a built a new one inside.  Two more of the older arenas, in Oakland and Sacramento, will be replaced in the next three years.

When it was announced that EnergySolutions had bought naming rights to the Arena, Larry H Miller said that the arena had about 10 years of life left.  That was in 2006.  When there were upgrades to the enterances and some food areas a few years ago, Larry's son Greg, who is now CEO, said that the arena had about 10 years of life.  So, in reality, the team will probably be replacing the building sometime within the decade.

So, will they stay downtown?  Well, they almost didn't.  Larry H Miller purchased a large chunk of land near 11400 SOuth just off I-15 to build his arena.  However, he was having trouble getting the infrastructure improvements needed from Sandy City. The LDS Church stepped in and sold him the lot the arena stands on now for next to nothing.  The Church recognizes that keeping the Jazz downtown would help the viability of downtown.  They also recognize that nearly every broadcast of the game to markets outside of Salt Lake includes at least one shot of the Salt Lake Temple.  For this reason, the Temple is one of the most recognizable buildings in Utah, and thus a destination for tourists.  While you'll get some of that if the team moves to the suburbs, it wouldn't happen otherwise.  The Church owns to parking lot blocks in downtown that would be perfect locations for a new arena:  Block 85, home of the Medals Plaza for the 2002 Olympics and kitty-corner from the current arena.  The other option is the block on the west side of the Courthouse TRAX station.  The Church bought that land a few years ago and have no plans for development.  I would imagine that a simple land exchange would be benifitio=al to both the CHurch and the Millers.

Likewise, I think that the Millers would have an easier time getting some taxpayer funding for a new arena.  The millers have very quietly built relationships with those in GOP leadership in the legislature.  Likewise, being the legislator who killed the Jazz wouldn't be the best way to get reelected.

Some are pointing out the hoops that Real Salt Lake had to jump through to build a stadium. However, this situation is different.  RSL said that they would turn a profit, and gave statistics to show that they would be able to.  However, some of their figures were questionable, and some of those questionable figures have fallen far short.  The Jazz do not currently turn a profit, and the family is comfortable losing some money, as having the team helps the other businesses.  Also, some of the troubles RSL had in getting a stadium built in Downtown Salt Lake were caused by three factors: 1) The preferred locations for the downtown stadium were not for sale.  Salt Lake City's plan included using eminent domain to take the land, which would have been expensive.  2) The stadium issue was at the height of Rocky Anderson's antagonism of the Legislature.  This is the same Legislature that sided with Big Tobacco when it came to smoking in bars after the tobacco lobbyists pointed out that Rocky was in favor of the ban.  3) Legislative leadership represented Sandy and rigged the game to favor their city.  Pork, anyone?

RSL is not the Jazz.  I think that the Millers could get most of what they want from the City, the County, and the State.

Keep in mind that I am not advocating for or against the use of taxpayer funds for a new arena.  That is a different topic for a different day.

-Bob

Governor Herbert's Failing on Facebook

OK, this is just funny:

And then a few hours later:

What's so funny about that? Well, when you Google Utah Bees you get this:

You would think that the Governor (or whatever staffer is running his Facebook page) would know the name of the professional baseball team playing a couple miles down the street from the Capitol. Basketball and Hockey? Winter Sports, Utah names. Baseball and Soccer? Summer Sports, Salt Lake Names. At least he didn't call them the Buzz......

But, what do you expect from someone who pals around with the dark side?

The Governor's Caption?

"Met with another potential candidate for Utah's 4th Congressional seat. This guy's got potential."

At least someone has a sense of humor.

As for me, I'm going to go watch the Texas Mavericks play the Oklahoma Thunder and morn the state of my Salt Lake Jazz....

Fact-Checking Governor Herbert -- Dew Tour Edition

This is probably the most petty post I'll write this week. But, facts matter. And, when you get them wrong, sometimes it's funny.

Take This quote from the Deseret News article about Governor Herbert welcoming the Dew Tour back to Utah:

Herbert said he was impressed with how sports in the state have evolved over the years.

"It's much more diverse," he said, then listing some interesting facts about the tour's appearance in Utah. Such as:

In 2009 Salt Lake City had the highest attendance of any stop on the Dew Tour with 57,329 fans.

It was broadcast in 50 countries and 180 million homes. On tape delay, it was broadcast into another 180 countries. "It's 58 hours of live television coverage," Herbert said.

Now, I am willing to say that the Deseret News misquoted the Governor. Especially in light of an article posted online a few days ago that said that Jimmy Carter was in the White House AFTER Ronald Reagan.

But, let's assume the DNews got it right. It means the Governor got it wrong.

He said that it is broadcast in 230 countries ("50 countries" + another 180 countries "on tape delay"). However, the US State Department only recognizes 194 countries. And, if he meant 180 countries including those via tape delay, that means that only 14 countries don'tget to see it. I wonder which ones those are.

And, he said it's 58 hours of LIVE television coverage. According to this schedule from the Dew Tour, there are only 33.5 hours that gates are open in total. Competition doesn't encompass that whole time, and there's only 1.5 hours that there is more than one competition going on at the same time. Not to mention that comparing that schedule with TV Listings shows that not all of it is broadcast anyway.

So, there's an extra 24 hours of live broadcast left to fill this weekend. Maybe Governor Herbert can use that time to figure out who is running this state.

-Bob

DISCLAIMER: This post reflects only my opinions, and not the opinions of my employers, nor those of their clients, promoters, or sponsors.

"Football" vs "Soccer"

Stolen from JM Bell

RIP, Coach Wooden

John Wooden's Seven Point Creed

• Be true to yourself

• Make each day your masterpiece

• Help others

• Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible

• Make friendship a fine art

• Build a shelter against a rainy day

• Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day

Real Salt Lake Visits President Obama

James Edward, prep sports editor for the Desert News, was in the Gold Room today when 2009 MLS Champion Real Salt Lake visited the White House. (Really, DNews, you sent the PREP SPORTS EDITOR to Washington for this? The guy who covers Daggett County wasn't available?)

He shot this video:



I especially like the equipment manager getting the President's autograph at the end.

-Bob

Congressman Chaffetz's Sports Hypocrisy

Jason Chaffetz is frustrated today. Apparently, he could save America today, if only he wasn't wasting his time voting to honor sports champions. From his Twitter Feed:

The stock market is diving and we are going to the Floor to vote on men's diving (swimming)....really!

The Democrats refuse to present a Budget, so we vote on sports figures. Congress must do better. I am fired up........thanks for reading

Even if we want to celebrate the Utah Jazz for coming in 4th, I will only vote Present.

Watch ESPN and hold a home town parade, but Congress is not where you should come seeking recognition in athletics.

No more will I vote in favor of recognizing sports accomplishments. People who change the world in math, science, medicine-these I support

Law enforcement, border patrol agents, and millions others who are changing people's lives.

Let's start recognizing true heroes--military, teachers, scientists, students who triumph in something other than sports

No longer will I vote for recognizing sports teams or athletes for simply winning. Congrats! They won! But I am only going to vote Present

I am done! Today we are recognizing Phil Mickelson and University of Texas men's swimming and diving team.

While I agree with him that congress shouldn't vote to honor everyone who wins a championship, it seems a little hypocritical coming from someone whose early campaign was "I'm not Chris Cannon, and I played football at BYU." OK, maybe hypocrisy is not the right word for that.

However, does any other word come to mind when you see this sports-related resolution?



(H/T YDU President Mark Hymas for the pic)

Don't Break Up The Jazz

John Saltas over at City Weekly provides a great commentary comparing the state of the Utah Jazz to the state of the Salt Lake Tribune's sports section.

I’ve read enough bipolar columns by Gordon Monson to know that he’s a seriously tired and lazy writer. Why’s that? Because it takes one to know one. He tries so hard to be macho, hip and cool, but he comes off like a virginal water boy, one fond of peeing in the Gatorade to get even with the big boys. I’ve also read enough of Kurt Kragthorpe to believe that on any given day, he’d rather be golfing. I know that, too, because I golfed with him once. He’s a very nice guy who likes golf more than most golfers. Great—then he should cover golf more often.

The common theme on the Tribune sports pages for this entire Jazz season (on every other day, that is; it’s never consistent) has been that the Jazz should rebuild. Nah, the Tribune should rebuild.

If it were me, I’d keep the workhorse Steve Luhm, and Siler, too—if he’s not writing headlines. I’d give Michael Lewis and Lya Wodraska prominent columns. Jay Drew can stick to the Cougs. Give Marty Renzhofer the Utes. But do something, for chrissakes! The only thing worse than the end of this Utah Jazz season was the bitter exclamation point the Tribune put on it. The writers remind me of Casey Stengel’s New York Mets of whom he asked, “Can’t anybody here play this game?” Can’t anybody there write?

The Tribune sports writers are even pathetic at snarkiness, yet down the hall, they have a true snark professional in Glen Warchol. Glen could school them. Glen is at least interesting when he’s snarky.

You should really go read the whole thing. It's great.

However, he missed something.

Gordon Monson chided Andrei Kirelinko for not playing hurt. While I wish more guys would play through some pain, the fact is that playing hurt probably cost the Jazz their starting center for the playoffs and possibly until January.

And, part of the reason Kobe Bryant hasn't been his explosive self is his insistence to play through pain.

Yes' John and Karl played through pain. But, John and Karl were special.

Besides, Karl was never quite the same after he played a whole season with a broken finger, mostly because he no longer had any feeling in that finger.

Plus the Jazz aren't that bad. They tied for the 6th best record in the league this season. That despite a horrible November and December. They made the second round of the playoffs (a feat only accomplished by eight teams), despite starting an undrafted rookie and someone who is a better comedian than basketball player. Both of whom were starting because of injuries to other players.

Yes, they got swept by the Lakers. Unless somehow there is a sudden influx of talented 7-footers we can bring in for cheap, I don't see us being able to match up against them any time soon. And, in three of those four games, we had the lead in the closing minutes.

Plus, who are you going to get? Let's face it, how many top-tier players want to come someplace where the local paper trashes a second-round team?

I know I wouldn't.

-Bob

An open Letter to NBA Commissioner David Stern

Commissioner Stern-

I read an article in today's Deseret News that you want coaches to stop criticizing your referees.

It's like you don't think that NBA fans will notice the bad officiating if the coaches stop talking about it.

I've been blessed to watch a lot of basketball up close the past several years. Anything from High School to the NBA.

Yes, referees make mistakes. However, I see fewer mistakes in college games than in the NBA.

I also see mistakes that go both ways in college. However, I see many instances where officials will call games, or portions of games, very lopsided in favor of one team (or player). I've seen enough evidence to know that Tom Donaghy wasn't an isolated incident, nor was he entirely inaccurate in his book, which I'll be the first inline to purchase once it is published.

It used to be that if there was an NBA game on TV, I'd watch it. This was esecially true during the playoffs. Now, once my Utah Jazz are eliminated, I don't watch anymore. The last several years, I couldn't even tell you who made the finals.

I'll continue to root for my Jazz, much in the same way that I used to root for my favorite pro wrestler as a kid. But, as far as I'm concerned, the NBA can wither away and die.

-Bob Aagard
Former NBA Fan

George Carlin: Baseball vs Football

It's that weird season of the year again.

No, I'm not talking about the Utah Legislative Session. I'm talking about the season in between when football ends and baseball starts.

For those of you confused about the differences between the two, here's a little primer:



I think that's the longest Carlin ever went without cussing.....

HB 76, Scalpers, and SmithsTix

Deseret News:

The 2010 Legislature, which convened Monday, will consider a proposed bill that targets overpriced tickets by limiting the amount scalpers and ticket brokers can charge.

If passed, the law may not eliminate the independent ticket business in Utah, but resellers say the restrictions would have a "very negative effect."

Under HB76, a person may not sell a ticket for more than the ticket's face value plus tax and a "service charge" not to exceed $10, or 15 percent of the price.

The bill's sponsor, Rep. Lynn Hemingway, D-Salt Lake City, said the proposal is a result of constituent complaints.

"I just want to keep prices down," he said. "It's important that families can afford to go to these events and not get ripped off."

In December, I attended a concert at a local venue. The advertised price of the tickets was $10, including taxes. However, buying four $10-face-value tickets at the venue box office cost me $48, due to a $2 "facility fee." Had I gone to the authorized ticket agent (SmithsTix), it would have cost me nearly $60 plus additional fees to either print my tickets at home or have them mailed to me.

I have a problem with this. However, this is not what seems to be what this bill targets. This bill appears to target the scalpers standing on the street before most sporting events and concerts.

However, Scalping, like many other things, runs on a system of supply and demand. When demand is high (say a Miley Cyrus concert or a Jazz/Lakers game), the scalpers make a profit (however, usually the base price of the tickets is so high, the scalpers on the street have a tough time making a profit). Yet, when the demand is low (say, a Salt Lake Bees or a Jazz/Kings game), The scalpers are selling tickets well below face value (I get a great deal as an employee at Bees games, but the price from a scalper is still better).

I have a real problem seeing the supply-and-demand Republicans get involved. However, this is an election year, so they'll ram this one through.

-Bob

P.S. -- as always, the views expressed here are my own, and do not reflect the views of my employers.

"You Gotta Love It Baby!"

With a gentle push and a mild arc, the cowhide globe hits home:

SALT LAKE CITY (January 20, 2010) – Utah Jazz team president, Randy Rigby, announced today that the team will honor longtime broadcaster Hot Rod Hundley when the Jazz hosts the Sacramento Kings at EnergySolutions Arena on Friday, January 29. The night will feature a halftime ceremony recognizing Hundley's contributions to the Jazz, and will also include dedication of the Hot Rod Hundley Media Center. The media center is used for journalists covering the Utah Jazz on game nights.

“Hot Rod Hundley was an important part of the Jazz franchise for 35 years,” said Rigby. “Though he’s now enjoying retirement, we feel that it is important for Jazz fans and the organization to formally thank him for his years of service and dedication. In addition to raising a banner to the arena rafters in his honor, we see the Hot Rod Hundley Media Center as an opportunity to showcase his passion for Jazz basketball and to be sure his presence remains.”

The remodeled media center will outline Hot Rod’s legendary career from his days at West Virginia University to his final call as a Jazz broadcaster.

The only member of the original New Orleans Jazz staff to remain with the team for its first 35 seasons, he joined the organization prior to the expansion team’s inaugural season in 1974-75 and moved with the team when it relocated to Salt Lake City in 1979-80. Hundley would go on to call 3,051 Jazz games, missing only 14 contests in three-plus decades. Hundley spent the first 31 years of his Jazz career as the play-by-play voice of Jazz radio/television simulcasts before becoming the radio voice for his final four seasons.

AG, BCS, and Budget Cuts

So, this year's legislative session is starting to gear up, and it's going to be ugly. Most departments are looking to cut budgets, and a tax increase is looming. I have several friends employed by the state that are nervous that they may be drawing unemployment come Summertime.

So, you'd think that leaders of some departments would be showing how fiscally sound they've been.

Which is why it flabbergasts me as to why Mark Shurtleff would think this would be a good time to prove his limited-government street cred by getting the government involved in college sports:

Antitrust laws require free and fare competition and that applies to businesses. Shurtleff said,” The Supreme Court of the United States has already ruled that those laws apply to NCAA College sports. Isn't that what college sports is supposed to be about, fairness.”

But, some say college football is about money and power. Shurtleff knows he'll face a strong opponent in court. The BCS recently added a former White House Press Secretary to their team. Shurtleff said,” I mean they just hired Ari Fleischer for crying out loud. I'm sure they paid him a ton of money. The lobbying money to congress is huge.”

BCS Administrator Bill Hancock is ready for the fight he says. " The real fact is that those conferences who complain are receiving more money from postseason football than ever before, far more than they've received before , because of the BCS."

Nevertheless, Shurtleff says no matter how tough the competition is there will be a lawsuit. How confident is he that he’ll come out a winner? Shurtleff said,” Very Confident.”

Shurtleff says if Utah has to go it alone, they will. However, he says he's trying to get help from the Antitrust Division of the US Department of Justice. No word on when the lawsuit will actually be filed.

What's next? Getting the Government involved in religious rites such as marriage? Oh, wait, I forgot. Crap.....

Anyway, looks like I know one department that could use some budget trimming, if the AG's office has this kind of money to kick around.....

Max Hall is why I Hate Mormons

I don't hate all Mormons. Just some of them. Heck, I'm LDS.

I used to call the Utah Mormons. However, I have started to realize that the more correct term is BYU Mormon.

Don't get me wrong, there are some good people in Provo. There are also plenty of BYU Mormons attending the U. There are also plenty of BYU Mormons in other parts of the country. Many come from California.

So, just what is a BYU Mormon? Well, City Weekly's John Saltas hit the nail on the head in his column this week:

Max Hall is a “righteous, holier-than-thou BYU jerk,” according to a good LDS friend with whom I spoke this morning. “They just don’t get it,” he said. “They make us all look stupid.”

Who are “they?” They’re all those people like Max Hall who put an ugly face on the religion and institution they claim to love and represent. He’s the football-playing missionary who BYU’s preachy coach Bronco Mendenhall bargained for—delivering acidic fighting words one minute and hollow solemnities the next. Until he wises up, his original words define him.

Athletes from most schools represent their school. However, Athletes from BYU represent more. They represent the Church. Their Current Coach, Bronco Mendenhall, has made that clear.

Watch this video and see if it doesn't rile you up just a little.



If God really cared that much about Football, BYU would win every game, every year.

And, the other thing that got to me about Max's comments was when he said that Utah didn't deserve to win. Yet, it was a tie game after regulation, and Max only competed 37% of his passes.

And, classless people weren't only wearing red that day:



Stax classy, Max!

Coach Frank Layden Speaks at Sam Granato Meeting

One of my favorite people I have met over the years is Coach Frank Layden. Frank is the former coach and President of the Utah Jazz, and is knwn as the Yogi Berra of Utah. Frank tells the story of his early years as coach in the mid-80's when the team wasn't very good and people weren't coming to the games, and so they'd put on the marquee "TONIGHT: FRANK LAYDEN (and his Utah Jazz) vs CHICAGO BULLS). Someone once asked him what time the game was and he asked them what time they could make it.

His two trademarks are his sense of humor and always telling you what's on his mind, both things seen in this video from a Sam Granato house party (h/t Utah Amicus):

Frank Layden Supports Sam Granato For US Senate from Donald Lewin Nelson on Vimeo.

Donate to Sam here.

-Bob

This is why I don't make bets....

Info from The Wiz of Odds:

Alen Howard, a history teacher at Rockwell Charter High in Eagle Mountain, Utah, is a University of Oklahoma graduate stuck in the middle of Brigham Young territory. Howard was so sure the Sooners would beat the Cougars last Saturday that he told his students he would eat a live cricket if the BYU could pull off the upset.

What could possibly go wrong? Oklahoma was a 22-point favorite.

Howard made good on his promise, devouring the cricket with a spoonful of peanut butter, much to the delight of his students.

College Dropout Carlos Boozer's Stay In School Message

The tall guy will make $12.70 in the time it takes you to watch this.

"Stay In School" PSA from State of Alaska on Vimeo.

(h/t SLCDunk)

Member of Utah Jazz Visits White House

I was going to title this "Utah Jazz Player Visits White House," but that would be inaccurate.

From FoxNews:

Boozer told me he met First Lady Michelle Obama and all senior White House staff. "I saw everyone but the boss man," Boozer said. "It was great."

This was Boozer's second visit to the White House. His first was with Obama body man Reggie Love as members of Duke University's 2001 National Championship team.

Asked if he was disappointed the president was busy, Boozer said, "Nah, we'll be back. We're going to visit again."

Boozer is a two-time NBA All-Star forward with the Utah Jazz. Recent reports suggest the Jazz may trade Boozer, who is in the final year of his contract.

I wonder if he sat there and sent text messages the whole time he was there.

-Bob

Now, the Pig Flu Gets Personal, Hits me in the pocketbook

Stupid H1N1.

Actually, it's all the overreaction. I mean, seriously, if you were scheduled to play soccer in a place that canceled schools because of a disease, would you?

The first two domestic matches of 2009 for the U.S. Women’s National Team have been cancelled after Japan decided not to travel to the United States or Canada, citing concerns with the H1N1 virus.

The U.S. team was to face the Japanese in two games, one at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas on May 20 and another at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah, on May 23. Japan was also scheduled to play Canada on May 25 at BMO Field in Toronto.

“This is an unfortunate situation, but one that we had absolutely no control over,” said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. “We have been assured that the risk to the participating teams is exceptionally low, but we accept the Japanese Federation’s decision not to travel.”

Fans that already purchased tickets to either game will be refunded in full from the original point of purchase.

Looks like another night I won't be working. Thanks a lot, pigs.

-Bob

Note: All posts on here reflect only my personal opinions. They do not represent the opinions of my clients, my employers or their affiliates. All comments and pages contained in their links are the responsibility of their authors and do not reflect the position of me.

P.S. I hold Nothing Against Pigs Personally. They are still tasty.

Utah Man Makes Snow Angels at Masters

I sure hope he had fun:

AUGUSTA, Ga -- It wasn't only players spending time in the bunkers for the final round of play of the 2009 Masters Tournament at the Augusta National, but also a patron.

Richmond County deputies say a Utah man was arrested for allegedly jumping into a sand filled bunker and making snow angels during play this afternoon.

Investigator say 34-year-old Steven Davis, of Salt Lake City, is charged with disorderly conduct. He lwas later released out on a $285 cash bond.

Deputies at the course tell News 12 the incident was kept off of television. (WRDW, Augusta GA)