A clandestine undertaking on behalf of Israel, the Jets and the Jews.

 
Nets 2004-05 Preview

In today's Times, Nets exec Rod Thorn says that when Bruce (the Rat) Ratner sold Kenyon Martin to Denver, that Jason Kidd would almost certainly respond by demanding to be traded was not a consideration. Obviously, all The Rat cares about is money.

I'm sick of hearing defenses of The Rat. Yes, attendance is lousy. Yes, the Nets are losing money. None of this, however, is new. Ratner knew of all this when he bought the team for $300 million. He bought the Nets only because it will make him a windfall on his real estate project in Brooklyn. If he had any decency, he'd have kept the Nets competitive. The money he'd lose on the team would be far less than the money he will make on the massive real estate development.

Even more pathetic is that now the Nets are paying big money to non-impact players like Jason Collins ($6 million a year) and even to Thorn, who signed an extension for $5 million a year. If saving money was imperative, why not let Collins go after his contract expires at the end of this season and keep Martin? It's obvious that the Nets didn't even have a plan for the post-Martin era. The only plan is to save money and destroy the team.

If Kidd comes back and Alonzo Mourning contributes, the Nets can have a .500 season and squeak into the playoffs, but they aren't a team that can get past the first round. More likely, the Nets will win 37 or 38 games and Kidd will be traded at the trading deadline. The Rat will be rid of Kidd's contract, which of course is the main thing.

I plan to stick to my decision not to attend any Nets home games. Even if I'm given free tickets (and tickets can be obtained for almost nothing on eBay and Craigs List), I'd likely get thirsty and buy a drink, thereby benefiting The Rat. So sadly, I likely have attended my last Nets game at the Meadowlands.

Of course, it is okay to attend Nets road games. While I'm not a fan of the Dolans, it's certainly preferable to go to a Knicks vs. Nets game at MSG. It's also fine to support the team on the road. Just don't go to home games and inadvertently support The Rat.
posted on 11/02/2004