Raptors seats are no bargain
Fast food for thought . . .
• If Buffalo lands a Toronto Raptors preseason game then let’s use the night to celebrate our basketball heritage. Bring in Bob McAdoo, Randy Smith, maybe Ernie DiGregorio and Bob Kaufmann, and acknowledge their place in Buffalo sports history. And while we’re at it, let’s raise McAdoo’s No. 11 to the rafters at HSBC Arena in recognition of all he achieved as a Brave and beyond.
As for hosting a Raptors regular-season game, I peg the chances at almost nil unless the state’s going to subsidize the event with its abundant gasoline tax revenues. The cheapest lower-bowl seat in the Air Canada Centre goes for $70 . . . and that’s the season-ticket price. Sideview seats fetch $144 a game in the season package. Bring in the Lakers and Kobe Bryant and Buffalo fans might take the financial hit. Otherwise, forget it. Remember, there’s a reason the Bills are shifting some games up north.
• The low-cost approach the Buffalo Sabres have adopted since last summer fortifies the persistent rumor that the team is on the selling block. I know the subject has been beaten to death, but don’t you wish we could rewind the clock 18 months and see the franchise take another shot at re-signing Chris Drury, Daniel Briere and Brian Campbell? Those three would have cost about $15 million apiece per season, about the same price as five Jeff Fingers.
So much for the lockout bringing salaries into line. Finger has played 94 games in the NHL. He’s 28. The Maple Leafs gave him four years and $14 million. Could it be any clearer why they haven’t won the Stanley Cup since 1967.
• I’ll cling to the hunch expressed on the day he “retired.” Brett Favre suits up this season.
• A couple of ESPN broadcasters scoffed at the notion of Tiger Woods playing if golf were made an Olympic sport. I’m not so sure. One, he’d like the challenge. Two, excusing himself from Olympic competition would put a stain on his multimillion-dollar image.
• Something tells me Chicago Blackhawks jerseys are about to become the league’s newest hot commodity. The signing of Brian Campbell further validates a franchise on the rapid rise. Plus, the Blackhawks uniform is the most eye-catching in all of sports. And now there’s speculation the NHL will play an outdoor game in Chicago this winter. I’m thinking Blackhawks-Capitals, Patty Kane and Alexander Ovechkin. Not that I’m a fan of outdoor games.
• I’m inclined to think a contract should be binding, but I have no problem with Jason Peters holding out for money commensurate with his accomplishments. I’d feel differently if the league guaranteed player contracts on their end. Why should Peters honor a deal when the Buffalo Bills have the option of terminating him at any time? Guaranteed contracts might be the olive branch needed to help solve the next round of labor negotiations.
• The LPGA has to find ways to bridge the disconnect between the fan and the glut of Korean players on tour. We need to know more about these women since it’s evident they’ll be the circuit’s major force for years to come.
• Have I made it clear that men’s volleyball would be a good fit at the University at Buffalo? The thought came when West Seneca’s Matt Anderson committed to play in Korea after leading Penn State to the national championship.
• The contract extension Phillip Fulmer signed with Tennessee averages $3 million a year over the next seven seasons and makes him — get this — only the fourth-highest paid football coach in the SEC. Of course, the frugal Oakland Athletics just gave a $4.25 million signing bonus to 16-year-old Dominican pitcher Michael Inoa.
Happy (financial) Independence Day.
