I know you'll hate to hear this at this time but; in an interview with Les Alexander he was asked about the rumors about the Rockets leaving the city. He said he would deal with nothing other than the Drexler retirement for tonight but he just gave out some vibes that he is leaving! Les will be handed a new arena with nothing coming out of his bank account; which likely will not happen in houston. If Les does not get his deal done in the next month or 2 (which already might be too late as of now) the Rockets are going to move to Baltimore. NOOOOOOOOO!!!! Not another Oilers to Nashville situation!!! This just stings so bad if the Rockets move. Baltimore stole an NFL team, don't take away our NBA team.
It's understandable why Les didn't want to discuss it. Think about it, if he says no the Rockets are not moving then he loses all his playing cards. If he says yes were moving then he loses money during their remandier in Houston, Fans wouldn't dare show up. It's a sure bet he'll dodge all questions pertaining the issue until the next vote, if there is one.
I saw that same interview with Bob Allen, when he asked him about Baltimore. He did what anyone would do in his situation, not answer and avoid the question as much as possible. I honestly, did not catch the vibes you are talking about, just a shrew buisness man making the right moves. If he says, no he is not moving, than he lost all his leverage. If he says he is moving, then you no what that means. Don't read too much into that interview, just a man that was celebrating the retirement of Drexler's jersey, and that should be the only thing he should be answering at that time. Sometimes, the press doesn't know when to ask certain questions and when not to, that wasn't the time for that question, and Bob Allen got the answer he deserved: "I am not answering that question!"
I've heard a lot of stuff on the Rockets possibly moving, but the two legitimate sources who have contacted me on it say the same thing: It is not good right now.
The Rockets have 3 more years left on their lease. If Les Alexander only gives the voters one chance (a lousy one at that), then takes my team away from me, I will do something very irrational. ------------------ I have a dream.........his name's Hakeem.
It's the fact that Les has very little to tie him to houston. Why would he go out of his way to keep the team here in houston. The deal he get will have to be mighty good and we houstonians (those of us who live here) are not the huge sports fanatics as a whole such as some other cities to dish out the money. Really it doesn't look good for the Rockets to stay. You guy's saying the vibe is not there, you are the same guys saying that "there is a better deal". Now that is just stupid. The deal really was good for houston. Those of you in houston, how many times do you check into a hotel in houston other than when you exterminate your home? Man, I have yet to see the better deal. This whole better deal was a bitter quarel between two old men doing business. Believe me they don't give a damb about the game. It's only dollar figures to them, so don't go on saying he's bluffing; cuz he will bite you in da butt when you least expect it. There is NO honor in the business world. The only loyalty goes out to Mr. Washington printed paper made from cotton!!!!! He's bluffing, if that's your tought your really fooling yourself.
Dreamer, Thats excactly what I was thinking. Look I dont know how long the Rockets have been here but it's been a hell uv a long time, I know they've been here all 23 years of my life. If Les gives the fans one lousy vote (I don't care how good it was) and giggles his way to Baltimore after all the history and memories with this team and city then it had nothing to do with the Houston Rockets and everything to do with one man's personal feelings being hurt. Now if there is another vote and it fails as well then it's understandable if he want's to saddle up to Baltimore. [This message has been edited by ROCKETBOOSTER (edited February 03, 2000).]
Les is in complete control of the Rockets' destiny right now. He can play the wounded hero all of the way out of town, and leave you w/ a Hockey team that you'll resent. You'd better hope that Francis has never been privy to such talk of going to Baltimore. Baltimore is a college hoop team whose fans will actually get out of the seats to support their team. A free stadium? NASA being 15 miles away? I can't believe that Houston actually gave away the referendum... on the same day that SAS approved theirs by a landslide. If I weren't a long distance fan, settled to the sports bar trips, and cable games that I squeak by on... I'd cry. Just pray that in 5 years from now, you guys aren't all yelling at your fathers for having taken the coolest thing away from Houston... those Houston Rockets
Didn't we (Houston) steal the team from San Diego??? Maybe it's payback time with them leaving for Baltimore. I hope I'm wrong. Old School
Les Simply cannot gamble on another referendum being voted down. This would seriously hurt his bank account. He will not give the voters another chance; and cry all you want, I vote for it but not enough of you (in general) voted for the referendum by either not voting at all or voting no!!! This is the real world people. It's not the same stuff you learned in college and for some of you learning in High school. Business men are business men because they don't lose money. Loyalty is out the window. Sure they want you to be loyal to them but they aren't loyal to you!!!!!! 1 + 1 =2 ; wrong, not in the business world. For those of you who don't know you easily disprove that with Synergy. And the vibe was there. He apparently looked upset and very business like. I've see the guy on several occasions and when he's upset or lying its easy to figure out something is wrong. He doesn't have what you may call a poker face. But, when you've got his smarts you don't need it to step on the little people!!!! (I do admire the man though as a business man, but not as a fan) He'll make millions with or without a move but he's gonna get what he wants, in houston or if not, elsewhere!!!!
If I'm not wrong they left San Diego, because they couldn't get anyone to go to the games. It was before the NBA gained very much popularity... They came here in 1971. Their first year in the league was 1967-68. I don't think their fans had too much time to grow very fond of them, especially since they went 119 - 209 between '68 and '71 (.363 winning percentage) ------------------ I have a dream.........his name's Hakeem. [This message has been edited by DREAMer (edited February 04, 2000).]
I wish I had the option to vote. It doesn't help if you lived in a different city. ------------------ Was that a cross over that made you buckle at your ankles? [This message has been edited by Steve Phrancis (edited February 04, 2000).]
Hey dreamer, I'll do something irrationale too, I'll break down and CRY like a little girl Then I'll say they heck with this Bull **** sports moving crap and quit all sports cold turkey!!! And you can take that to the Bank!!!!!
Well rocketbooster we would all have a ton of free time again. Being a fan really is a part time job which involves dedication. Without the Rockets probably you, me, or some other person finds enough free time that we could invent the next big invention to benefit mankind and make our own UFO's. Oh, those already exist, but its a secret? But, seriously after the Oilers left, now I go to mass more than I would before. Not as many excusses. The power of the mind will be unleashed. Who know, maybe vince mchman, owner of the WWF will come up with the XBA(the extreme basketball assosition) where body slams will be legal. Now that would kick A$$. Imagine players going to dunk, then they get clothlined, WOW!!!
Who needs the Rockets when we may have a new WWF Football team. I can't believe I just said that. Old School
I don't know any of the specifics, so don't flame me if I am wrong... I think there is a reason why Les may want to stay and that is Hockey. I remember reading/hearing the NHL was thinking seriously of Houston being one of the top cities to receive an expansion team. I don't remember baltimore being one of those cities. I believe that if Les is serious (which I thought he was) about having a Hockey team along with the Rockets & Comets, he will have a much much better chance if he stays in Houston. If the Rockets leave, I will give my every effort to make sure that Satan doesn't get his NHL Hockey team.
Great idea! Henceforth, Les Alexander should be known on this board as "Satan." Of course, if the Rockets stay... I think "Great One" would do nicely.
