Sacramento group asks Stern to force Kings sale

By Antonio Gonzalez

Associated Press

Published: Thursday, April 12 2012 3:45 p.m. MDT

Sacramento Kings center Jason Thompson (34) reacts after slam-dunking over New Orleans Hornets power forward Carl Landry (24) and point guard Greivis Vasquez, left, in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Wednesday, April 11, 2012.

Gerald Herbert, Associated Press

Enlarge photo»

Summary

nto business leaders are asking NBA Commissioner David Stern to "strongly encourage" the Maloof family to sell the Kings so a deal for a new arena can move forward.

Sacramento business leaders are asking NBA Commissioner David Stern to "strongly encourage" the Maloof family to sell the Kings so a deal for a new arena can move forward.

In a letter signed by about two dozen of Sacramento's most powerful businesses leaders and sent to Stern on Thursday, the group accuses Kings owners Joe, Gavin and George Maloof of not negotiating in good faith. It also questions whether the Maloofs have the finances and motivation to keep the team in Sacramento.

Family spokesman Eric Rose said the Maloofs are "saddened and disappointed" by the letter. He says the Maloofs are not selling the team and are committed to help fund the estimated $391 million arena, which would open for the 2015-16 season.

Comments