Sonics Trial Blog
Seattle Times reporters Percy Allen, Jim Brunner and Danny O'Neil are filing updates from the courthouse throughout the day.
SubscribeJuly 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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Recent stories
Sonics attorneys focus on city's "poisoned well" plan
Bennett says Sonics could lose $60 million if forced to stay in Seattle 2 more years
Sonics CEO: Fans are apathetic
Clay's excuses sound as contrived as his arena plan
On the hot seat: Sonics' attorney trips up Nickels
Attorneys in Sonics case described as tenacious, polite
This judge will decide the fate of the Sonics
Seattle vs. Sonics: Trial starts next week, if there's no settlement
Take a closer look at the Sonics case
More revealing Sonics e-mails emerge
OKC officials inform Schultz they expect Sonics to relocate, no matter who owns team
Sonics e-mail hints at NBA's concern over breach of promise
Howard Schultz suit adds fuel to e-mail fire
NBA owners approve Sonics' move, but legal fight continues in Seattle
E-mails reveal Sonics owners intended to bolt from Seattle
Oklahoma House passes tax package designed to help lure Sonics
Documents
2007 "Poisoned Well" document (PDF)
Ward: "Are we doomed to have another lameduck season in Seattle?" (PDF)
Bennett's e-mail to Stern: "You are just one of my favorite people on earth" (PDF)
Clay Bennett and Sonics' court filing (PDF)
Multimedia
Gallery | Seattle SuperSonics: Lasting memories
Gallery | Bittersweet night for Sonics fans
Gallery | Sonics through the years
Gallery | 25th anniversary of Sonics world championship
Gallery | End of a Season, End of a Franchise?
Sports fan "Big Lo" seeks answers from Howard Schultz
Fans weigh in about the state of the Sonics
Cartoon | Schultz jumps into action
Talk about the team in the Sonics forum
Other links
Trial coverage from www.newok.com
ESPN.com | Hope (still) springs in Seattle