06/16/08: NBA Basketball - "Save Our Sonics" Rally
U.S. Federal Building - Seattle, WA
The showdown between the city of Seattle and the filthy Sonics owners started in federal court today, and the grassroots "Save Our Sonics" group organized a rally in front of the courthouse. Sonics greats Gary Payton and Xavier McDaniel were supposed to show up and show their support for the cause. I got to the rally about half an hour before the player appearances, and wasn't really sure where to be. There was a roped off path for attorneys and court people to walk through. I got a spot at the front of the ropes in the middle of the plaza, which was almost completely packed with about 3,000 fans. After hanging out there for awhile I realized the organizers' microphone was actually back by the street corner, so I took a chance and went over there hoping that the organizers wouldn't move the speeches back to the steps of the federal building. Luckily this didn't happen - when the speeches started I was very close to the action. Spencer Hawes, a Seattle native, spoke first. I immediately kicked myself for not bringing anything for him. Next up was Xavier "X-Man" McDaniel, one of the Sonics' stars from the mid-80s, and finally Gary Payton (who had to stand on top of a newspaper dispenser so he could address the crowd). Seattle media was in front of me, but after they got their scoop they made a hasty exit out of the packed crowd. When they interviewed McDaniel on the local Fox station, I had to duck a little so my head wouldn't be in the bottom of the picture! I got the X-Man to sign first, and gave out a nice graph. At that point, Gary finished his interviews and started signing a few. I knew this probably wouldn't last long, so I got in good position and after some strategic maneuvers in the crowd I was right in front of him. Right after he signed mine (he was using the same black Sharpie for everyone), he started saying he had to get going. GP signed some more as he made his way out, and then crossed 7th Avenue while three dozen or so fans followed him wanting autographs or handshakes. The Glove continued to walk and sign for several blocks until he got to the Westin Hotel. I didn't really feel like trying to double him up since there was a crowd following him (and in a couple of cases crossing against a green light and holding up afternoon traffic). I'm glad I got GP and hope there's basketball here next season, however unlikely that may be.
Seattle
Xavier McDaniel 1/1 card
Gary Payton 1/1 card
I shot some video of Gary Payton signing as people followed him for a few blocks... I would have gotten more if my camera had not run out of memory:
YouTube - Gary Payton: Save Our Sonics Rally
