Sonics Trial Blog

Seattle Times reporters Percy Allen, Jim Brunner and Danny O'Neil are filing updates from the courthouse throughout the day.

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July 2, 2008 2:01 PM

Godden: Looks like a settlement for Sonics and city

Posted by Jim Brunner

Colleague Sharon Chan reports that she just asked Seattle City Councilmember Jean Godden if the mayor is settling with the Sonics owners.

"It looks like it, but I’m afraid what little I know is sworn to secrecy until after the mayor's press conference," said Godden. A press conference is scheduled for 5 p.m.

Another source confirmed there is a settlement.

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July 2, 2008 11:49 AM

City and the Sonics discussing settlement?

Posted by Percy Allen

That's what The Oklahoman is reporting on their Web site.

Apparently, Seattle City Councilmember Richard McIver says talks are being held up by Howard Schultz's lawsuit, the one in which he's seeking to undo his 2006 sale of the team to Clay Bennett.

"I hear that they were trying to work one up but I didn't know whether they were successful or not," Councilmember Richard McIver told The Oklahoman . "And I thought it was around something where (the Sonics owners) were trying to get Seattle to involve Schultz's suit withdrawal and that didn't come out, so I guess it fell apart."

I'm making phone calls trying to confirm if talks are ongoing.

Also, my colleague Jim Brunner just tried Seattle Deputy Mayor Tim Ceis, and he refused comment.

Judge Marsha Pechman is scheduled to post her ruling in the trial at 4 p.m.

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July 2, 2008 6:00 AM

Judge to rule today in Sonics case

Posted by Jim Brunner

U.S. District Judge Marsha Pechman is scheduled to post her decision online at 4 p.m. today.

The city of Seattle filed the federal lawsuit to force the Sonics to play out the final two seasons on their lease KeyArena lease, through September 2010. Sonics owner Clay Bennett wants out now, and the NBA has approved the team's move to Oklahoma City. Bennett says a cash buyout of the lease should suffice. The city in February rejected a $26.5 million offer to let the Sonics go.

During the six-day trial that ended last Thursday, Seattle's lead attorney Paul Lawrence emphasized the city's right to enforce the lease, and the Sonics' unique role in the community and as a KeyArena tenant.
Brad Keller, the Sonics' lead attorney, focused heavily in his closing arguments on efforts by Seattle civic leaders, including former U.S. Sen. Slade Gorton, to use the lease lawsuit as part of broader scheme to pressure Bennett to sell the team.

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