Sonics Fans File Class Action Suit Against Ownership

Sorry Kurt, Sorry Tom. Sneak Peak for the faithful.

October 1, 2007, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Advisory: Sonics Fans File Lawsuit Against Team

What: Monday, October 1, 2007 at approximately 11am a complaint was filed in King County Superior Court against the Professional Basketball Club, LLC.

This complaint was filed by Mr. Michael Myers of Myers & Company, P.L.L.C. on behalf of Ms. Carolyn Bechtel and Mr. Patrick Sheehy, both of who are season ticket holders of the team. The complaint alleges misleading advertising, Consumer Protection Act Violations, and other deceptive actions by the Oklahoma-based Sonics ownership as part of the team's 2007 marketing campaign.

Attached: Copy of Complaint from Myers & Co. P.L.L.C.
Statement from Save Our Sonics and Storm
Copy of subject advertising
Appropriate biographies and background information

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, OR INTERVIEW REQUESTS PLEASE CONTACT MR. BRIAN ROBINSON OR MR. STEVEN PYEATT AT THE NUMBERS ABOVE

STATEMENT FROM SAVE OUR SONICS AND STORM:

Several weeks ago Ms. Carolyn Bechtel of Seattle, Washington contacted our organization. As a season ticket holder she expressed concern over a season ticket renewal offer which she felt was deceptive based on ownerships actions.

It was our pleasure to assist Ms. Bechtel as well as Mr. Patrick Sheehy by putting them in touch with Mr. Michael Myers of Myers & Company, P.L.L.C. who will be representing them along with other season ticket holders in this matter. Concurrent to these lawsuits, Save Our Sonics & Storm anticipates that various season ticket holders will be filing complaints with the Washington State Attorney General's Office for consumer protection act violations by the Sonics ownership. We are confident that the Attorney General's Office will take these complaints very seriously.

While we cannot speak for Ms. Bechtel, Mr. Sheehy, or their legal representation, we applaud their actions. At the heart of this matter are the intentions and actions of current ownership. It is our belief that through the discovery process, the public will gain significant insight as to the events that involve this ownership group and specifically the ownership's efforts, or lack thereof, to remain in the Seattle region beyond the 2007/2008 NBA season.

Shortly after the conclusion of the 2006/2007-basketball season all Sonics’ season ticket holders were offered an “Unprecedented Commitment” should they make the decision to renew their existing season ticket package. In an enclosed letter Sonics’ Chairman Clayton I. Bennett states, “At a time when we are asking for your season ticket renewal, it is of paramount importance that we establish our commitment to you, our most passionate and supportive fan.” Within that same letter he makes an unequivocal guarantee of fixed ticket pricing through the 2010 NBA season. Since that time it has become obvious that the Sonics are not able to guarantee this products availability and have in fact taken direct action to deny it to their customers with recent attempts to breach their existing lease.

As stated in Mr. Bennett’s letter season ticket holders are “the foundation of any franchise”, as well as “the most passionate and supportive fans.” That this type of deceptive solicitation may have abused their loyalty is unacceptable and should be an embarrassment to the entire National Basketball Association.

Season ticket holders who would like more information about this action may contact our organization for further instructions by sending an e-mail to volunteer@saveoursonics.org.

GO SONICS AND WELCOME KEVIN DURANT!!!
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