The New Jersey Nets were officially sold Friday to a Brooklyn developer intent on moving them across the Hudson River -- a move immediately hailed in New York for returning big-time sports to the borough.
"It's taken 47 years, but today we can finally say we've corrected the great mistake of '57," said Brooklyn borough president Marty Markowitz, referring to the baseball Dodgers' defection to California.
PHOTO: EPA
New owner Bruce Ratner was joined at a gala news conference by an assortment of politicians, Brooklyn-born ex-Knicks star Bernard King, and rapper Jay-Z, a fellow investor. At King's invitation, all donned "Brooklyn Nets" jerseys.
"It's a great day for all of us," said Ratner in his first public comments since the sale was announced Wednesday. "It's a great day for Brooklyn."
Ratner spoke shortly after the Nets' former owners, YankeeNets, voted in a teleconference to approve the deal. The rest of the NBA owners must approve the deal as well.
While best known as the spurned home of baseball's Dodgers, Brooklyn has produced a fair number of basketball stars: coaches Lenny Wilkens of the New York Knicks and Larry Brown of the Detroit Pistons, current Knicks guard Stephon Marbury, and ex-NBA greats Chris Mullin and Billy Cunningham.
But lurking behind the celebration were threats from neighborhood groups regarding the construction of the proposed arena. Ratner estimates about 150 homes would be affected, although neighbors fear the number will be closer to 1,000.
"Until meaningful discussions with the community are granted, we cannot wholeheartedly support this proposition," said the Reverend Herbert Daughtry, a veteran activist whose church sits two blocks from the proposed site. "We know that all that glitters is not gold."
Ratner promised that he would involve local residents as the US$2.5 billion project, with its 19,000-seat area, moves toward completion.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the project would generate an estimated US$400 million in annual economic activity, and create 10,000 new jobs during its construction. The project would also include 4,500 units of residential housing and 190,000m2 of commercial office space.
Work on the arena would begin next year and finish in time for the 2006 NBA season, leaving the lame duck Nets to play the next two seasons in New Jersey.
The presence of Bloomberg and Governor George Pataki signaled city and state support for the Frank Gehry-designed arena.
Ratner needs approval from both for infrastructure changes, tax breaks and condemnations of neighboring homes that could end up costing hundreds of millions of dollars.
But such roadblocks took a backseat to the announcement that the sale had gone through, and the first hurdle to relocating the Nets had been cleared.
"Its a proud day for Brooklyn," said Jay-Z. "I never got a chance to experience the Dodgers. This is the new Dodgers -- the Nets."
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely