Originally published April 22, 2008 at 12:00 AM | Page modified April 23, 2008 at 12:32 AM
Schultz files suit against Sonics owners; another e-mail disclosed
Howard Schultz filed a lawsuit today in federal court to rescind his July 2006 sale of the Sonics to the Oklahoma City-based group led by...
Seattle Times staff reporter
Howard Schultz filed a lawsuit today in federal court to rescind his July 2006 sale of the Sonics to the Oklahoma City-based group led by Clay Bennett, saying that Bennett lied to him and that e-mails prove it.
Schultz's lawsuit discloses a new e-mail, written two days before the sale, in which Bennett tells his prospective ownership group that he could simply sell the team in a "sweet flip" if an arena deal was reached here and they were forced to stay in Seattle.
As a result, the suit claims that the Oklahoma City group "never intended to own a team that would continue playing in Seattle and that Mr. Bennett lied."
Previous e-mails, already publicly disclosed, were included in the suit to show that the Oklahoma City buyers were intent on owning an NBA team in Oklahoma City and not Seattle.
The suit, filed by attorney Richard Yarmuth, is a 12-page complaint for "relief arising out of fraud and misrepresentation." It asks that the court deprive the Oklahoma City group "the fruits of its deception."
Neither Schultz nor Yarmuth would comment on the suit, filed late today in U.S. District Court.
Pearse Edwards, a spokesman for Gov. Christine Gregoire, said she had spoken with Schultz by phone in the past week and was generally supportive of his lawsuit.
Percy Allen: 206-464-2278 or pallen@seattletimes.com
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
NEW - 09:44 PM
Blazers earn 2nd straight victory
NBA | Winless Nets are still challenge for Celtics
NBA notebook | Iverson gets OK to leave the Grizzlies
New-look lineup lifts Trail Blazers
NBA | Bulls squeak past Cavaliers

Mourners gather at KeyArena for slain officer's memorial
Mourners gathered at KeyArena for the memorial service of Seattle police Officer Timothy Brenton on November 6, 2009.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- Flags were key link to cop slaying, bombings
- Suspect shot as city mourns slain officer
- Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
- Briefs | Soccer: New Mexico suspends hair-pulling player Elizabeth Lambert
- How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
- 3 Cascade Mountain passes close due to snow; more rain, wind expected Sunday
- Huskies suffer another heartbreaking loss to UCLA
- The birth of 'Grunge,' in photos by Michael Lavine
- McGinn pulling away as late ballots come in
- Using anti-shooter tactics, civilian Army police officer brought down gunman
- U.S. House passes health plan
378 - Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
299 - Grading the game
161 - Referendum 71 show's Washington's strategy for marriage equality is working
161 - Beavers open as 10-point favorites against Huskies
95 - How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
94 - Sounders FC-Dynamo playoff Game 2 thread
81 - Fort Hood shooting suspect had shown troubling signs
75 - Game thread: Detroit Lions at Seattle Seahawks, Nov. 8
74 - Landmark health bill passes House on close vote
72
- Suspect shot as city mourns slain officer
- Flags were key link to cop slaying, bombings
- The birth of 'Grunge,' in photos by Michael Lavine
- Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
- 10 ways to take control of your health
- Tlingit heritage helps glass artist Preston Singletary break new ground
- 10 investing missteps to avoid
- How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
- How do innovators think?
- Danny Westneat | Lee the Horse Logger found slow wagon shrank tumor





