28 Comments
Jul 8, 2022Liked by John Canzano

You have to take anything, with significant suspicion, that the NY Post prints. It's a rag that's owned by Rupert Murdoch. It's the Fox news of newspapers.

In any case, I hope the story has some truth to it and that the NBA "forces" the sale of the Blazers. The franchise has been poorly managed since the Allen group took over.

If Jody Allen had any class, she'd sell tomorrow to Phil Knight; otherwise, this saga could have a very bad ending.

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Jul 8, 2022Liked by John Canzano

Stay on it John. She must sell the team before it’s too late.

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I’m not saying they’re wrong (idk). But accepting a ny post story as your gospel to form opinions? Hmmm

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There we go again…money and greed raising it’s ugly head. Why can’t a respectable offer be considered, a deal completed and Allen say, “Whew, one less thing to worry about”.

We all know how Knight loves Oregon and everything related to it. Sell him the team.

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You have new life, and a new and improved voice JC...column's are way better. Stay on it for NW sports. Glad I subscribed.

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Jul 8, 2022·edited Jul 8, 2022

John.. what a stinkpot this has become... and I fear the stench will put off local fans for years to come. I'm not sure Larry Miller is a credible player in this tawdry drama. If there's a whiff of truth to the allegations involving Jody Allen-- and her radio silence regarding Phil Knight -- I think two scenarios might play out: He will never acquire the Trail Blazers or Jody might sell the franchise far outside the region. In the first instance Portlanders will never see Sir Galahad (Knight) retrieve the Holy Grail (the team); Jody Allen will have her pyrrhic victory. Either way, I see a bad TV movie emerging.

This is an embarrassment.

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Too stupid for words!

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Selling the team to Phil would revive the franchise and give hope for the future. It's what we need to have happen.

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I would love to see Paul Allen buy the Trailblazers. Jody Allen just wants to be difficult.

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I’m sure the Commissioner is disgusted as well. Perhaps the probate court in Portland could be persuaded to wind the trust down more quickly. 🙏

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Blazer fans need to voice their distain with their wallets... cancel season tickets, don't attend games, don't buy merch. Yes it's unfair to the players, yes it forces us to sacrifice our entertainment. The alternative is far worse...they drag this out and sell to a outside entity who moves the team or just cashes checks and continues to mis-manage the team.

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If the Blazers were not for sale, why would they put a press release out saying that? The press release draws more attention to the topic, at a time when the story of Phil's offer had almost completely died down. So why revive a story that had left the public's consciousness when the offer was reported on June 2nd and the press release that the team wasn't for sale was July 5th?

Because the Blazers are obviously for sale and Vulcan is trying to drive the price up. That makes business sense, however the negotiation is being orchestrated by neophytes. What it does demonstrate to anyone interested in purchasing the team, is the lack of negotiation skills and business acumen the Vulcan’s and Jody possess. Jody, if you want a better offer, here is a path. Meet with Phil. Explain to him he is well into his sunset years and you are under no time pressure to sell. If he wants to see his vision come to fruition, he will need to offer you more money and tell him how much more.

As to the N.Y. Post planted article, that doesn't even declare that Larry Miller worked for Nike and has a relationship with Phil, not putting much credence into it. It is simply Phil negotiating through the press just like Jody is. Time for the two of them to have an adult conversation. You don't have to like someone to negotiate with them so get over yourselves and talk.

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You hit it John, the Blazers, like Sacramento, already have no pulse!

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founding

There are so many sides to this soap opera. We'll never know but....what if Jody and Paul had a secret, contentious brother/sister relationship? What if he appointed her trustee of his estate to get back at her? Now, what if her lack of urgency in selling both teams is her way at getting back at Paul? Unfortunately, the NBA can't force her to sell. Like Fred below said, I don't worry about the validity of these articles--the fact remains that (unfortunately) Dame will most likely have to endure playing on a mediocre team for the remainder of his career in Portland. Our one bright side is that Joe Cronin still has the bandwidth to do his job well--find the best possible talent that will give the team the best possible chance at winning!!

A championship? No.

A team for the fans to enjoy?

Let's hope and pray!!

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why would you expect a person who has unlimited wealth and no accountability to act responsibly? Follow the money. Does she actually lose money if the Blazers are sold? If so, 20 years seems a reasonable amount of time to live the 'high' life.

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I feel ill

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