[Orlando, FL] The ugly, disappointing NBA lockout continues, despite word of a possible compromise this week. All games scheduled on or before Nov. 30, 2011 have been cancelled.
This is not good news for Florida’s professional basketball fans. The Orlando Magic were hoping to get at least one more good season out of superstar center Dwight Howard before he bolts for a bigger market. And for Heat fans, the sting of last season’s loss to the Dallas Mavericks can only be eclipsed by an exciting run this season.
Both teams are eager to let the fans know that they are doing everything they can to make 2011-2012 happen.
“We share your frustration that an agreement has not been reached,” said Orlando Magic president Alex Martins in a prepared statement, careful not to throw any jabs mid-negotiation. “Unfortunately, after making some progress last week, we have not been able to bridge the gap that separates us from the players’ union.”
OK, that was a little bit of a jab.
On the Heat side of things, ESPN reports that owner Micky Arison has been fined a half a million dollars by the NBA for using his Twitter account “as a sounding board about the lockout.” Owners are under strict orders to not discuss the NBA lockout. Arison tweeted nonetheless, hence the hefty fine.
Ouch.
With no actual basketball to talk up, the Magic staff has resorted to sending out press releases for anything, especially those community happenings that make the organization look good in the face of a public relations nightmare that is a NBA lockout.
“Adonal Foyle brings his KLF Athletics & Academics Camps to Walt Disney Clubhouse of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida in Pine Hills”
“Orlando Magic ‘Take Over’ Lake Brantley High School as part of the Magic Volunteer Program”
“Magic Overtime with Dante and Galante returns for its fourth season on Sun Sports.”
“Orlando Magic Coaches and Staff Celebrate Halloween with Central Florida Residents.” (photo above)
All recent press releases from the Orlando Magic during the NBA Lockout.
The team has even resorted to breaking out the time machine, showing “classic” games to fill the broadcast void. Tomorrow night, catch the Orlando Magic vs. the Chicago Bulls on Sun Sports in a game where Jordan scored 52 points.
Classic? Yes. But the numbers will show that fans would rather watch games live then on twenty-plus year tape delay.
By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate
Image: Magic Head Coach Stan Van Gundy hands out candy to guests at the Magic’s “Flick-or-Treat” Halloween Party at the Amway Center on Sunday, October 30. (Photo by Gary Bassing). Resources: Orlando Magic press releases, ESPN more reading:
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I honestly don’t care how this gets done, but this new CBA deal better get done quick. I’ve paid the money to see games, i’ve paid for jerseys, i’ve supported this league even through the last lockout. Apparently it was all for nothing. These owners and players don’t care about us. It’s all about the money. And the player’s “Basketball never stops” commercial just isn’t going to cut it. I want basketball. I beleive that if the majority of basketball fans make any kind of effort to send letters to the NBA, or contact it the NBA lockout would end. We HAVE to make it clear that these lockouts every 10 years can’t continue, that it’s unnaceptable for them to be taking advantage of us and to just assume that we’ll be back when play resumes. It’s not fair, and they need to know it! If us fans don’t do anything, and we just gradually sart coming back to the game within a few years, i bet you’ll see more of the same lockouts every 10 years. It’s time for fans to take a stamd.
Right now it seems to be in a standstill and unfortunately the real individuals hurting from this aren’t the players but the nba arena working class and surrounding businesses.
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