Via Benjamin Wermund (San Antonio Express-News)
Tony Gonzales is filing legislation to stop any possible move up Interstate 35 for the Spurs, and to prevent other small market teams from ditching communities that have invested time, tears — and a whole lot of cash — in them. His bill, The Strengthening Public Undertakings for Retaining Sports Act — or SPURS Act for short — would set up strict requirements for teams to relocate. A franchise would have to lose money for five years in a row, plus prove that its stadium is inadequate or that local governments are flouting its agreements with the team.
The legislation would require teams to give a year’s notice if they want to relocate, and it would allow local governments to veto the move. It would also force teams that do move to reimburse whatever financial assistance or incentives were provided to them, such as special tax incentives or arena financing. Local governments could sue teams for damages, as well.
"Where there’s smoke, there’s fire — and there’s absolutely smoke," the San Antonio Republican said. "Look what happened to the Seattle SuperSonics," Gonzales said of the now-Oklahoma City Thunder; or the San Diego Chargers or St. Louis Rams, both of which now call Los Angeles home. "No one would ever imagine the Spurs would leave San Antonio, but what if they do?" Gonzales said. "Sometimes when we say it takes an act of Congress, sometimes we have to take that seriously."
Well this is interesting folks!!!!
Loading comments...