The Salt Lake Tribune has an article today stating that Jazz owner Larry H. Miller is still a patient at the University of Utah Medical Center, nearly a month after being admitted. Not many people have hospital stays for a month unless they are 1) really sick or 2) in detox. While I suppose it's within the realm of possibility that he has a closeted addiction of some sort, the chances of that are slim enough that we can rule out #2. Interestingly, he will not be participating in the upcoming contract negotiations with Deron Williams. This contract is pivotal to both the Jazz's immediate and long-term future, and "The White Rhino" has a reputation for having a hands-on management style, so his absence gives further credence to the notion that his health is not so hot.
Although the Jazz are on no one's short list of franchises to relocate, the recent move of the Seattle Supersonics franchise, a team once beloved by the Emerald City, shows that nobody is invulnerable. It is well known that Miller is absolutely committed to keeping the team in Salt Lake. But in his absence (God forbid), a combination of poor management, economic downturn, and the citizenry's penchant for fiscal conservatism, especially when it comes to raising taxes (i.e., money needed for a new stadium), could produce a perfect storm grave enough to renege on this once-solid commitment, either by his family or a new owner. If the situation ever became that dire, let's hope that the owner, whoever it is, has a solid relationship with the First Lady of Utah.
Although the Jazz are on no one's short list of franchises to relocate, the recent move of the Seattle Supersonics franchise, a team once beloved by the Emerald City, shows that nobody is invulnerable. It is well known that Miller is absolutely committed to keeping the team in Salt Lake. But in his absence (God forbid), a combination of poor management, economic downturn, and the citizenry's penchant for fiscal conservatism, especially when it comes to raising taxes (i.e., money needed for a new stadium), could produce a perfect storm grave enough to renege on this once-solid commitment, either by his family or a new owner. If the situation ever became that dire, let's hope that the owner, whoever it is, has a solid relationship with the First Lady of Utah.
While this doom-and-gloom scenario is only something to talk about in the mid-July sports dead zone, a question remains. That question is posed no better than by Larry H.'s mother, Lorraine, who asked him, "How the hell are you going to get out of this?"
However he does it, everyone here at The Cowhide Globe wishes Larry H. Miller a full and speedy recovery because, despite his faults, we know this guy, and we need this guy.
3 comments:
A month in the hospital is not good news at all. And let's remember that when he first went in, one of Larry's son's was not exactly optimistic about the situation.
Speaking of Larry's sons, they're in line to take over the team according to a report published last year. I have to say, I don't think that's a good thing. If the big man were to exit the picture, I think you'd see a lot of bickering/fighting for control (a la the Steinbrenners running the Yankees for their dad) or general ineptitude (a la W running the country for his dad).
Jon Huntsman Sr. is known to have interest in the Jazz, a checkbook to make that interest a reality and a desire to keep the team in Utah. I'd much prefer that course to three years of terrible trades and signings followed by a franchise relocation to Tampa.
I vote for the arena being renamed Huntsman Chemical Arena as soon as possible. Let's move on up from used car dealer to Fortune 500 CEO. Soon we'll have so much cash we'll be throwing the full mid-level exception to Tyrone Lue or Ricky Davis.
Solid post...this is definitely concerning. Huntsman Sr. might have to become our backstop. I'm not sure how much I trust the Miller JV team. Hopefully Larry H. will get better soon!
Post a Comment