Forget Hawks, Thrashers — J.B. Smith has other issues (UPDATED)
Ed Peskowitz, Michael Gearon and Bruce Levenson are among the Atlanta Spirit owners looking to sell Hawks and Thrashers.
(UPDATED BELOW: 4:15 p.m.)
It remains to be seen if the Thrashers are sold and moved to Winnipeg, or if the Hawks and Philips Arena operating rights are sold to new ownership. But that’s the way to bet.
Also, don’t bet on J.B. Smith.
I’m not going to spend a lot of time on Smith because appearances are that he’s just one more name in a sea of pretenders who claim to be interested in one or all of the Atlanta Spirit properties. But he and others have never taken the necessary steps to prove their financial worth (assuming they have sufficient worth).
Smith has been pimped by some as this shadowy, mysterious figure who was going to swoop in and buy the teams and arena and save the day. One of his mouthpieces is a guy named Jay Clemons, who has written about fantasy football for SI.com. Clemons, however, now doesn’t hide the fact that he is Smith’s spokesperson. He has informed all on Twitter that all media inquiries for Smith can go through him.
So much for objectivity. At least now, he’s not pretending to not have an agenda.
(UPDATE: Clemons has changed the name of his Twitter account and no longer works for SI.com.)
Anyway, back to Smith. The Journal-Constitution has been aware of him and other potential bidders for some time, but we like to practice this thing called responsible journalism. I know, go figure. Believe it or not, a line does exist between news and Twitter.
But now that Smith’s name is out — thanks to my pal and former AJC staffer Craig Custance of The Sporting News, who did some terrific reporting and was able to reach Smith — I thought this was worth mentioning.
Two companies, iSekurity and Equity 11, have put out a news release, disassociating themselves with Smith. In fact, the headline on website reads, “JB Smith Not Associated With Equity 11 and iSekurity.”
An Equity 11 website still lists Smith as managing partner, but the news release was issued by chief operating officer Matt Bitonti and quotes chairman Jim Juliano. According to the release, the Oakland County (Mich.) Circuit Court has a $1.9 million judgement against Smith.
Here’s the release:
WARREN, MI–(Marketwire – May 18, 2011) – Equity 11, Ltd. and iSekurity, an identity theft security and restoration firm comprised of former United States Federal Agents, announced today that media reports about JB Smith’s association with Equity 11 and iSekurity are untrue.
“The shareholders of Equity 11 and iSekurity removed JB Smith from all positions he held with our companies in June 2010,” said Jim Juliano, Equity 11’s and iSekurity’s Chairman. “In addition, the Oakland County Circuit Court entered a $1.9 million judgment against JB Smith, banned him from all positions with Equity 11 and iSekurity and ordered him to relinquish any ownership in these companies. JB Smith has not made any payments on this judgment. Several other creditors are also seeking payment from JB Smith.” The Court took this action in Oakland County Circuit Court Case No. 10-1100121-CB.
♦
UPDATE: For those inquiring about Smith’s name still being on the Equity 11 website, I just spoke to Bitonti. His comments: “Equity 11 is not operating any longer. We’re in the process of getting the website taken down.”
Bitonti acknowledged that Smith once ran Equity 11, which was over iSekurity, but that hasn’t been the case since June of 2010. “This happened a long time,” Bitonti said, adding that the news release was issued Wednesday only because Smith’s name came up as being connected with the company.
He declined to answer any other questions about Smith or his interest in the teams.
♦
One postscript. Clemons claims on his Twitter feed that Smith plans to attend a Thrashers’ select-a-seat day Saturday at Philips Arena, assuming such an event still takes place. Don’t hold your breath.
By Jeff Schultz
♦
– Earlier: Hawks’ decision to bring back Rick Sund was expected
– Earlier: Hawks save Braves, who are in a position to make a move
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143 comments Add your comment
JetsFan
May 18th, 2011
5:01 pm
John Kincade was on WPG radio last night saying it was only the CDN media that was quick to dismiss all of the local investors who have come forward to keep the team in ATL. Thanks for staying objective Jeff, maybe there is a difference between news and twitter after all.
Also to clarify its my understanding the MB gov volunteered support in financing the cost of bringing the MTS Centre up to NHL standards. This would leave more funds that TSNE could use to buy and run the team and less they would have to borrow for upgrades. No one from True North has come out and said they need this to do a deal, as they have stayed silent throughout the process. The government is facing an election and wants to look like it is doing something so they can take credit for being the govt that helped bring the NHL back. They are willing to invest or loan money toward the building as that is seen as a public asset and something that brings revenue to the downtown but they stressed over and over that they will in no way shape or form put themselves or tax payers in a position where we are paying for losses (eg Glendale).
If the team ends up moving I’m sorry to the fans of ATL, we know what its like to be fans without a team.
Jamie
May 18th, 2011
5:10 pm
I don’t want to hear the other side of anybody’s legal troubles, we already got an ownership group with legal troubles and I really don’t care who is right or wrong. Lawsuits sap money, strength and attention from people regardless of which side you are on. Lawsuits destroyed ASG, knowingly getting in bed with another one, would be totally wreckless.
Gwinnett Fred
May 18th, 2011
5:14 pm
I’m just amazed that somebody (or group) locally can’t make this happen.
What is the absolute WORST that could happen? They buy the team and make it very public that the team remaining in Atlanta is based on fan attendance. They will do their part to not put a below the cap team on the ice.
If things don’t turn around in 2 years, they will still be able to sell to the Winnipeg group if they want and get their money back.
I know it’s more complicated than that simple scenario, but on the whole, I think my line of thinking is not out of line and if that happened then the fans have nobody to be mad at but themselves for not supporting the team better. If indeed there is this 50,000+ “solid fan base” out there out of 6 million, then averaging over 15,000 a game should not be all that hard.
I go to 10-12 games a year. I’m not a season ticket holder as I travel a lot and would miss too many games for that to work – however, if this plan were to go into effect, I certainly think I could do my part and bump 10-12 games a year up to 15-17 to “do my part”. I own 3 different Thrasher jerseys, etc. and have supported the team along those lines too.
I just wish an owner(s) would come in and give this fan base a reason to “pony up” because the current bums have given us a chicken s#it product and told us to treat it like chicken salad and it just doesn’t work that way for us middle class working stiffs.
Jamie
May 18th, 2011
5:19 pm
Jeff – (I’m Chris Ciovacco’s partner in crime, keepthethrashers.com), this is a tough and emotional subject. Your journalism is solid and frankly exactly what the subject needs, keep up the good work. Just because it isn’t what we want to hear, doesn’t make it bad journalism.
B
May 18th, 2011
5:21 pm
You and Bradley both wrote a column on the same day? Are ad sales up?
NorthATL
May 18th, 2011
5:22 pm
The AJC may be practicing “responsible” journalism, but it sure doesn’t seem like they are practicing aggressive journalism. If the AJC knew about the JB Smith why not simply report that an unnamed person is making a bid but they don’t appear to be credible (as someone above noted)? How about finding out when the exclusivity period with the guy who is negotiating for the Hawks/Arena expires? How about digging up some details on the judgement against Smith and why he hasn’t made the court ordered payments? May not be that he doesn’t have the money. May be that he doesn’t agree with the judgement. Wouldn’t be smart of him, but wouldn’t be unheard of? Just because I don’t pay a $150 traffic ticket doesn’t mean I can’t afford to pay cash for my car, after all.
Stu
May 18th, 2011
5:27 pm
Jim, not sure what ’sources’ you have but all media outlets are confirming that the Manitoba government will support TNSE in moving a team to Winnipeg. There have been a lot of clarification stories throughout the day stating that the provincial government isn’t going to stubidize the team but will support with the arena. All sources through all media outlets have been saying the request from TNSE will be approved by the government because the funds are in relation to the arena and not cash for the team purchase.
Paddy
May 18th, 2011
5:28 pm
Why was Mr. Smith not part of the original ASG when they formed their partnership. He seems just like the kind of guy the ASG would need out front to improve their public image.
LAC
May 18th, 2011
6:01 pm
Hope they take LIAR vivlimore, He IS THE WORST !
Truth
May 18th, 2011
6:10 pm
JB Smith = Madoff Jr.
Don’t be fooled by this imposter. Anyone asking for ‘his side of the story’ is very misguided. J Brett Smith is a con artist and an attention whore. Con artists make up their side of the story as they go along. What’s he going to claim to buy next — Manchester United? I don’t think it will be long before you see JB on CNBC’s American Greed. Fraud.
Jeff Schultz
May 18th, 2011
6:45 pm
Rumun Ndur — Yes, I remember you and Per and Hnat. Also Martin Prochazka and Vlad Vujtek and, well, that’s enough.
preacher
May 18th, 2011
6:45 pm
Could the Coyotes move to the ATL? Better than nothing.
Jeff Schultz
May 18th, 2011
6:46 pm
Smoothie — I really have no interest in talking to JB Smith unless he’s a serious buyer, so I certainly don’t have interest in talking to his spokesperson.
Jeff Schultz
May 18th, 2011
6:47 pm
William — What was the story exactly? How is this intended buyer who had NEVER shown his financials to ASG and therefore never was considered a serious buyer more important than all of the other ones? Just because somebody is Tweeting about him and somebody is talking about him on the radio?
Jeff Schultz
May 18th, 2011
6:51 pm
RN — We staffed every single game, home and road, until at least year six or seven. Once again, you’re off base. Ask Don Waddell if you don’t believe me.
Jeff Schultz
May 18th, 2011
6:52 pm
EA — I will agree to this extent: The “celebration of hockey” (or any sport) most often associated with All-Star Game coverage was hurt in the city somewhat by the negative feelings about the franchise and the ownership and also the fact that Marian Hossa, one of the team’s All-Stars, was about to be traded (if memory serves). That said, I thought our coverage was just fine.
Jeff Schultz
May 18th, 2011
6:55 pm
B — Mark and I write the same day almost every day (on line, not in print).
Jeff Schultz
May 18th, 2011
6:55 pm
NorthATL — Asked and answered above.
lanier
May 18th, 2011
6:57 pm
Peskowitz looks like a real goofball. He must have inherited some bucks.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 18th, 2011
7:08 pm
Jeff, has actual value been established? Have heard 110M: Could that be real if the League gets 60M?
As value, I see it as much less.
Smiling Jack
May 18th, 2011
7:11 pm
John Kincaid of 680 The Fan lost any credibility with me a long time ago. I despise his pompous, know it all, judgemental, self righteous pronouncements and especially the way he handles interviews with those who disagree with him. Send him back to Philly!
Zing
May 18th, 2011
7:32 pm
Jeff:
Any thoughts about why no one has materialized who would be interested in keeping both the Thrashers and Hawks in-town? Are the Thrashers THAT unmarketable? Seems to me that a new, positive group could really succeed– really, anyone who bought the team immediately becomes the NOT-Spirit, which I think would really boost it… it just doesn’t make a lot of sense to me that there seems to be not a single serious investor.
There is a lot of money in this town–just seems strange.
Zing
May 18th, 2011
7:33 pm
Apologies for saying “really” three times in one sentence.
I said to myself–really? Did I really just do that? Really?
preacher
May 18th, 2011
7:36 pm
Thrashers’ situation an ominous sign for Panthers
by: Harvey Fialkov May 15th, 2011 | 2:51 PM Although the Lightning are on a nice roll, it’s no secret that Southern hockey isn’t thriving. Covering games at Philips Arena in Atlanta this year I noticed how dead the ambience is and how poor the attendance is. That wasn’t the case at most Panthers games this season. Sure, many of the packed houses, particularly against teams from Canada – were pulling for the opposition, but it was still a fun atmosphere. I know ticket prices were discounted and freebies were handed out – much to the chagrin of many season ticket holders who pay top dollar – but who could blame pres/CEO Michael Yormark for trying to generate interest by filling the seats?
Clearly, he’s banking on GM Dale Tallon to reverse the 10-year playoff drought by putting together a winning product. But no matter how Commissioner Bettman or Yormark spins it, how long can the franchise and owner Cliff Viner continue to bleed money before the NHL steps in like they did in Phoenix? While Yormark, to his credit, is selling the rights to anything that’s not nailed down, including the ice surface, the race is on.
I’m not sure how a move by Atlanta would affect the Panthers other than perhaps a need to realign the divisions. What do you think?
This is the excellent article in the Winnipeg Sun on the Thrashers’ situation.
Two days into the Atlanta Thrashers watch, and it’s been hard to find one reason to believe the NHL’s latest hotspot franchise won’t just burn right up and move, like the Flames before it.
First, NHL brass acknowledges it can’t guarantee the Thrashers will be in Georgia next season.
Normally, Gary Bettman and Bill Daly talk around questions like that.
Scribes in Atlanta, while calling for the NHL to fight for the team the way it did for the Phoenix Coyotes, say it’s all but over. One said Friday he’s 95% sure the Thrashers are moving to the ’Peg.
But the most telling comments I’ve seen came from one of the Thrashers owners, Bruce Levenson, who talked to an Atlanta TV crew before the Hawks/Chicago Bulls game, Thursday night.
A few things about Levenson’s interview stood out.
One, when he was asked if the solution — finding a buyer to keep the team in Atlanta — was any closer than it was two months ago.
“I don’t think so, no,” Levenson said.
Two, when he was asked about the possibility he and his partners could hang in there another year while they look for a buyer.
“That’s a scenario we haven’t even thought about it,” was his mind-boggling reply, apparently contradicting the suggestion Daly made the same day, when he suggested another year for the same owners, in the same place, was possible.
And last, but certainly not least, Levenson was asked what he’d say to fans wondering where the whole thing stands.
“If you know anybody who’s interested, have them get in touch with us,” he said.
Not, “Hang in there, we’re doing everything we can.” Not, “Keep the faith.” Not, “Buy your season tickets to help us out.”
Instead, Levenson wondered aloud if there was a billionaire in the cheap seats who might have an extra $110 million in his jeans that he wouldn’t mind spending, between beers and hot dogs, to keep hockey in Hot-lanta.
He looked and sounded like an owner who’s given up.
Add it all up, and things look pretty bleak for fans down there, pretty bright for folks up here, at least the ones ready to buy back into the bigs.
Unless, that is, you believe in mystery buyers like “The Balkan,” an unidentified saviour reported in certain Atlanta circles as willing to buy the Thrashers, Hawks and Phillips Arena and keep them all right where they are.
Seems to me there’s about as much chance of that guy existing as a balcony billionaire in torn jeans with cash falling out of his pockets.
Of course, the other side will tell you they’re already charging credit cards for Thrashers season-ticket payments, that the Manitoba Moose started selling next season a week ago and that the Carolina Hurricanes scheduled an exhibition game against Atlanta for Sept. 25, in Charlotte, N.C..
But those are all just details, payable today, refundable tomorrow.
Yes, it’s getting awfully late to relocate an NHL franchise, maybe an AHL one, too, for next season.
I don’t pretend to know which way this one’s going to go, any more than I know which way Phoenix will go.
But I will interrupt the hysteria to offer a dash of sober, second thought.
As thrilled as most of us will be with the return of big-league hockey to our soggy burg, does it really have to be the Coyotes or Thrashers?
I mean, these two franchises have thinner histories than Tweet Deck.
Between the two of them, they’ve missed the playoffs 17 of their last 22 seasons.
Neither has won even a single playoff series, Atlanta not a solitary playoff game.
Why can’t the Sharks or Lightning be on the move, instead?
Then again, given the sorry recent history of the Blue Bombers, and before that the Jets, the Thrashers would fit right in.
mlmc
May 18th, 2011
7:57 pm
I agree with rm’s comments. stop reading this rag. the ajc is bush league. check out the sports page from other major sports markets. i actually sent several emails to the ajc 2-3 years ago begging them to cover the trashers. they got a two paragraph back page article. now they are putting fingers to keys since they have something negative to report. they blame the owners (which i agree with), they blame lack of talent, Don Waddell and anyone else that they can be critical of. While I agree that there is enough blame to go around, i find the ajc as cuplable as anyone. terrible, just terrible reporting.
Sage of Bluesland
May 18th, 2011
7:57 pm
Yes–I remember it well when Jeff Schultz was assigned as the beat-writer for the Thrashers…it was the initial, honeymoon, years.
I also think the honeymoon officially ended with Don Waddell’s infamous playoff “guarantee” (which, of course, failed to materialize).
I also think that is when Waddell became as invisible as possible to the Atlanta media (which wasn’t extremely glaring to begin with, not being at the forefront of sports-coverage on radio, tv, etc.). For as incompetent Don Waddell is/was, he DID learn quickly to stop talking, unnecessarily, to the media….as he recognized his own tendency to stick his foot squarely in his mouth.
I cut that article out, Jeff, all those years ago as it was priceless. It’s a shame I’ve had a couple of moves and my records are a mess and likely lost.
Who can also forget when Dandy Don was the wheeler-dealer in his first NHL draft–as the other teams’ GMs gave him “magic beans” (i.e. low draft picks) to protect their players from his acquisition in the expansion draft? Of course, all he did was engender ‘goodwill’ from the other teams, as his goal was moreso to be ‘liked’ at the party as opposed to actually making decisions which benefited the Atlanta Thrashers directly. Of course, the picks were frittered away.
The fraud which has been perpetuated on this city is unbelievable. A book should be written–and NOT by Don Waddell–about what exactly transpired.
It is disgusting. I want that blustering, lisping little fraud of a GM out of this city. I mean it, too.
Dawg A
May 18th, 2011
8:17 pm
Jeff….. I suppose that we will hear a lot of names between now and the time the team is actually sold. That said based on your background in sports and knowing our city ….. what type of owner would best suit these teams. And do you even have a name that you would like to see purchase the teams from the ASG? Doesn’t hurt to dream!!
Worth a Shot
May 18th, 2011
8:28 pm
Here is a copy of my email to GBettman:
Please vote no on a relocation decision concerning the move of the Atlanta Thrashers out of Atlanta. The current failures in game attendance are not the fault of hockey fans in Atlanta. We are at the mercy of an ownership group and any failure of the franchise rests squarely on their shoulders. Please do not punish the fans of NHL hockey in Georgia for the anti hockey antics of our child like ownership group known as the Atlanta Spirit Group. I am sure you will point to our lack of attendance as a reason for approving the Thrasher’s relocation. I ask you, if you were unhappy with a group of owners who obviously have no interest in the game of hockey how would you respond? Would you continue to give your hard earned money to a clueless group of spoiled rich boys? I think not. I write this email in the hope that you have not already made your decision. I write this email in the hope that you are not solely seeking the 60 million dollars in fees that the relocation would bring to the NHL. Please give the Atlanta Thrashers a chance to succeed in Atlanta.
Here is a copy of the response I received:
Thank you for your e-mail. Commissioner Bettman sends his appreciation for
your interest in the NHL and your passion for the Thrashers.
As a League, we take all franchise matters very seriously because we
understand the emotional and financial investments you make in the game and
in our franchises. We make all reasonable and best efforts to maintain
franchises in their current locations, and we have approached the
Thrashers’ situation no differently from that of any other franchise. We
have been working with the Thrashers’ ownership for some time in quest of a
solution to their issues, and we continue to work with them because of its
importance to us and to you.
Again, we value your support of the Thrashers and the NHL. Thank you so
much for taking the time to write.
Sincerely,
National Hockey League Public Relations
James on Pharr Rd
May 18th, 2011
8:34 pm
Jeff
What is the criteria for one to be considered a worthy buyer of team in the NBA? Besides having the financial capability, we have all heard about The Donald being vetoed out of NFL ownership, but what’s the deal with the NBA?
Big Wally
May 18th, 2011
8:37 pm
First there was Napoleon, then Hitler, then Tom Cousins, then ASG.
William Satterwhite
May 18th, 2011
8:42 pm
Jeff- the fact that a businessman had a stated desire to purchase the two teams and the arena is a story that had to be reported, especially with his rumored existence being a major topic of conversation. The fact that a notable local media figure is tweeting about him and talking about him on the radio makes it an even bigger story so long as the person does indeed actually exist. The fact that he might not be a credible buyer at all indeed has to be a major part of that story, but not an excuse to squash the story altogether. At the end of the day, is J.B. Smith really any less credible than Stephen Rollins?
I’m not saying any potential buyer is more important than any other, I say anyone (within reason) who is/was out there should have been reported on. If the guy has lacked credibility all along and you guys knew it, you put it out there and the story dies right then and there before it goes any further. If he never showed his financials, you report that and dig into why he’s not doing it. If the guy has a history of trying to get into sports deals that come up empty under mysterious circumstances, you report that and dig into that story. Again, no offense at all and maybe I’m just expecting too much but I think you guys seriously dropped the ball on this whole sordid affair. I’ll still be a fan of your work but that’s just how I see all this. Don’t tell me you guys knew someone I’ve been doubtful ever existed did indeed exist all along but then tell me you chose to not report his existence because he wasn’t credible. His credibility is only part of the story, his mere existence and his stated desire to purchase all three entities was the story all along. Everything else is just part of the story- very important parts no doubt, but still just part of the story.
William Satterwhite
May 18th, 2011
8:46 pm
Truth- if J.B. Smith is indeed the con artist that he’s painted to be (and indeed appears to be), the best way to expose him is to expose him.
Artie B's not Walking Through That Door, People
May 18th, 2011
8:56 pm
Interesting, Jay Clemons Twitter has either changed names or gone bye bye http://twitter.com/SI_jayclemons
Big Wally
May 18th, 2011
8:59 pm
New entry in Websters Dictionary. ASG: The group who ruined hockey in Atlanta and broke the hearts of it’s fans.
Rick Sund
May 18th, 2011
9:02 pm
“Earlier: Hawks save Braves, who are in a position to make a move”
Great work, Jeff. I can tell you still have UPSIDE.
William Satterwhite
May 18th, 2011
9:05 pm
Clemons has changed his twitter name, it’s now @ATL_JayClemons. He had mentioned it yesterday but change just went through today.
DepressedFan
May 18th, 2011
9:10 pm
To Worth A Shot: You received the exact same boilerplate response from the NHL that I did.
wxwax
May 18th, 2011
9:25 pm
Imagine the gall it took to write that Winnipeg Sun column.
Not content with snagging another city’s hockey franchise, the writer is whining that they’re not getting a winning team.
What a pud.
Truth
May 18th, 2011
9:35 pm
From what I know of JB, this story will die just as his proposed minority stake in the Steelers. If you watch his CNBC interview, his motivation for his alleged ‘minority stake’ in the Steelers is due to the Rooney’s being a good Christian family and his desire to ‘help’ them. Of all the investors in the world do the Rooney’s really need JB’s 30-40 million? Apparently not. Not that 30 million is a small sum, but there is a long list of investors who could come up with that type of money. Why JB? Why all the grand standing? If you were trying to secure such a deal, would you go on CNBC before it was inked? Any reasonable person needs to ask themself why this interview went to air. What is the purpose of him name dropping the Davos World Economic Forum? This is all bravado. I trust the press will delve into the truth behind JB Smith. I don’t believe they will need to look very far and after that, he can pursue Manchester United – as long as they don’t post it on the internet.
wxwax
May 18th, 2011
10:02 pm
The Winnipeg Arena only sets 15,000 people?
A comment on the Winnipeg Sun site, in response to the issue of whether or not the tiny community can support both pro football and NHL hockey, said fans will only show up if the hockey team is a winner.
I hope Canada’s richest man is ready to cover losses at least as big as those the Atlanta Spirit have had to swallow.
scottbravesfan
May 18th, 2011
10:52 pm
Don’t forget that retard John Kincaid who was on twitter yapping all day. He’s the biggest loser and I can’t believe an Atlanta sports station would hire that moron.
scottbravesfan
May 18th, 2011
11:07 pm
If the ASG sells Philips Arena and the Hawks I’m surprised the owner wouldn’t want a hockey team as well. That’s 41 dates filled for his arena not to mention pre season games and any playoff games that the team might have. I wouldn’t be surprised if within the decade another team tries and moves to Atlanta. The Atlanta market is going to keep growing and will eventually become a top 5 market and that will be too much for the NHL to resist. I would rather get the Coyotes than the Thrashers anyway.
Flamestillburns
May 18th, 2011
11:26 pm
IF the Thrashers leave–and I still believe they’ll be here next season and maybe longer–there will never be another NHL team in this city. Greed and ignorance of ownership, general local ignorance of the game, and all those “fans” that don’t want to fight the traffic may just have cost us our third (if you count the Knights) and last chance at pro hockey.
max money
May 18th, 2011
11:32 pm
after he settles this suit, will he have enough cash to buy the thrashers? if not, can the city bail him out with some millions to seal the deal??
illputitoncspan
May 18th, 2011
11:45 pm
Sitting here watching the Sharks and Canucks I’m wondering what they call Rogers Arena in Vancouver. Probably Rogers Arena. Yeah, they probably aren’t creative enough to come up with some cool nickname like, oh, I don’t know, Blueland. And I can’t believe they didn’t put all the suites on one side of the arena. What were they thinking. ASG = Gimmicks & Cheese!!!
Folks, this operation has been bush league from the very beginning. Long before ASG took over. No one should be all that shocked that this team is about to leave town. I feel bad for all the people who bought into the Blueland nonsense. Blueland?… Really?…
k
May 19th, 2011
12:21 am
One thing I think people don’t realize (or forget) about newspapers is that the reporters are given story assignments. Those assignments are dependent on many things — at least they were back when I was still writing for a daily newspaper. One of the big considerations is advertising. Ads often determine how many pages an edition will be and how many words the writer is permitted. True, the Internet has changed this and stories can, in theory, go on forever; but the Internet has also changed newspapers and their staffs. One writer is now trying to do the job of five or six people, as the paper itself bleeds money and readers.
I think the people who criticize newspapers and those who write for them don’t understand the business — and the whys and wherefores of how stories are conceptualized, assigned, written and executed.
It seems to have gotten to the point where people are so upset they are shooting the messengers because they don’t like the news being delivered.
I’m also tired of hearing how CViv went on Winnipeg radio. So what? He was asked to be a guest and he appeared. His bosses probably ensured that, by gosh, he DID appear when asked. Newspapers need to market themselves too. Nobody bitched about it when he (or any of the other beat writers of the past) appeared on, for example, XM’s Home Ice hockey channel over the years to discuss hockey. Once again, the problem seems to be that people don’t like what he is saying and who he is saying it to. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t speak the truth. I am as big a Thrashers fan as anyone and feel heartbroken about what is going on, but any honest fan here has to admit the people of this city for numerous reasons didn’t come (am not talking about the diehards). That’s not rude, that’s just a fact. I was there, the diehards were there, but the city at large didn’t come these last few years. How does stating that fact make CViv or any other reporter a “traitor”?
illputitoncspan
May 19th, 2011
12:53 am
Let me second the comments from k. CViv and JS are just doing their jobs. Sorry folks, but their reporting and commentary has been spot on. They are just giving you the facts as they know them as well as giving their take.
I can’t believe people are upset because an AJC writer has gone on radio shows in Canada. By the way, I did hear the interview CViv did with the station in Toronto and it was great stuff.
ChopChamps95
May 19th, 2011
1:59 am
@Flamestillburns
The Knights didn’t leave Atlanta for any of those 3 reasons you listed and if you think they fall into even 1 of those categories (which I’m assuming you do based on your post) then you’re pulling facts (and I use that term loosely) out of your @$$. Atlanta was awarded an NHL franchise, the Omni was then demolished so Philips Arena could take its place and it therefore meant the Knights had absolutely nowhere to play hockey in the city.
If the Thrashers do leave there won’t be hockey here for a long time but I don’t think the city will never have another one. It’ll be like football in LA, yeah football has been gone from that city for some time but its now getting hard to ignore the population boom and city growth. Football will return there just like hockey will return here one day (if they do indeed move). Like someone posted earlier, Atlanta’s pop will continue to grow and sooner or later it will be hard for the NHL to resist passing up on $$$ they could be making if a team with stable ownership were here. Only time will tell though.
Paddy
May 19th, 2011
6:41 am
flamestillburns………..the fans were not the cause of losing the Atlanta Knights. The Omni was torn down, remember. I guess they could have played on the street!
GEORGIA97
May 19th, 2011
7:23 am
Schultz: You can’t even spell correctly in your article. “Judgement”….really? There’s only 1 e in the word, ya dingbat.