[Natchez Hawk]

“forcing” a team to honour its lease?

Bennett bought the team, with the lease.

Congratulations on your “revelation” that keeping your end in a contract is “liberal.” I will respectfully dissent.

Bennett bought the Sonics promising to let state/local gov. to come up with a new arena OR in the event he could not make $ in Seattle that he would entertain offers from local groups before relocating.

Did he say this with the intent of moving the team to OKC anyway?

Of course! Otherwise it would have been harder to get the team. This is pure Kabuki folks. Rich pricks fighting over money and their reputations. The only concern of the average citizen is not getting hosed with a bill for the team facilities.

[Calvin Locke]

I did not say that the Bennett shouldn't "honor" the lease, but that compensation should be paid for the remainder of the actual lease.

Happens all the time. Heck, what did Shylock get instead of his "pound of flesh nearest the heart" as the contract specified?

I'm more concerned with politicians using public funds to wage a urinating contest against a business.