In his own words
What to do about the Blazers' demand for a nine-figure taxpayer-funded arena makeover is on many Portlanders' minds these days. Suspicion runs high about the new owner of the team, Tom Dundon, a predatory car loan billionaire who's developed a reputation as a cheapskate about everything but players' salaries. His approach seems to work well with his major league hockey team in North Carolina, at least in terms of wins and losses. It's far from clear, however, that it's going to work in the much different world of pro basketball, or in a far-left-leaning burg like Portland.
Dudnon's been in control of the team for more than a month now, and he hasn't said much as the yakety yak about him has flowed freely. But now he's done an interview on a podcast called Game Over, where folks can judge for themselves what to make of the guy and his designs on their money. There are excerpts from the podcast all over the place today; here is good place to find some of them.
Our culture has media that used to research background and information on events that could be of interest to voters. Now they wait for press releases.
ReplyDeleteI don’t follow the Blazers as I did back in the 90s and early 2000s, but I perked up when they were purchased. I also wrote my paper in Sports Law on the Financial and community benefits of local government investment in sports infrastructure - hint: it never pencils out.
ReplyDeleteThe fact any investment will never produce the projected outcome is in line with practically every government investment in private industry. Those tax breaks for data centers? They don’t create the claimed financial benefits either, but that doesn’t stop them from being handed out like Halloween candy.
This investment needs to be done. If the Blazers move it will significantly impact the civic and cultural aspects of Portland. If the Blazers relocation isn’t the bottom I’m not sure what would be.
Are you saying we need to invest in this because it will never pencil out? I am confused.
DeleteConveniently unmentioned during this hostage negotiation is the fact both New Orleans and Memphis are both contemplating leaving town unless deals get done. THEIR leases end a year before the Blazers' deal.
ReplyDeleteI saw an ad on the Facebook this morning for an upcoming ice skating show. It's gonna be hosted in the Coliseum. Turns out the ice plant in the Moda Center has been out of commission for a few years now.