What's Bruce Levenson's real motivation for selling the Hawks?

Sports Illustrated ^ | September 8, 2014 | Chris Mannix

[Zenjitsuman]

I agree either we all live under the same rules or its discrimination and favoritism. If the N term is verboten its got to be verboten for all races, Jews, Muslims and Christians.

[T-Bird45]

Thanks for posting that full-text as I had not come across it previously. This completely validates my previous comments on this matter that I made from reading snippets of the e-mail. This is a candid business evaluation of data and discussion of how to achieve the desired demographic for season-ticket sales that leads to other cash-generating entities for the franchise. Perhaps a case could be made for being too candid but I read nothing outrageous or shocking.

[Zenjitsuman]

Lets BDS the NBA, we can live without it. A guy running back and forth bouncing a ball getting tens of millions per year.

These guys are the one hundredths percent-ers, its not politically correct to pay them that .

[Lockbox]

yea, the hookers did not work out...............

[Salvavida]

After reading the whole email, i didn't see anything racist. He didn't disparage blacks. He merely pointed out facts, and added deductive reasoning.

My guess is he's selling because NOW there is no way the Hawks will recover (because Americans have a problem with reality), and he wants to cash out.

[Fledermaus]

Exactly. Instead of “blacks” what if he was talking about white rednecks?

[Alberta's Child]

Sounds like this dude wrote an e-mail that reflects exactly what is on the mind of every sports team owner in America. LOL.

[Fledermaus]

Right, Levenson got out in front of what Sterling is doing. He should get into politics!

[TheThirdRuffian]

His letter was basic marketing.

[Hotlanta Mike]

He is one of several shareholders of the franchise, but has the largest share. Timing might be good to cash out and consider other investment options.

[DoodleDawg]

However, the writer says the usual leftist PC crap about Levenson's comments being reprehensible ignorant, racially insensitive, when in fact Levenson was just expressing concerns from a business standpoint.

But if his quotes are racist, reprehensible and ignorant then maybe the other NBA owners will help him find a buyer willing to pay $2 billion for his team, too.

[RetiredTexasVet]

Please note that using this scam he didn’t have to petition and bribe the other owners and league to get the sale moving. Saved millions in bribe and lawyer money by going straight for the forced sale. Probably laughing at the other owners and league all the way to the bank.

[GeronL]

in this case it should be “forced sale”

[GOPJ]

I think the guy could sell without making the confession... white guilt is powerful stuff...

[jwalsh07]

You were on to Levenson as well. Perhaps we are too cynical? :-}