Las Vegas Mayor Disses NBA 'hip-hopper' Fans - *Update* - The Original Source

According to the Las Vegas Sun (sorry, don't have a link), when asked about potential security issues surrounding the NBA All-Star Game (to be hosted by his city), said LV Mayor Oscar Goodman:

“I don’t want to see some gangbangers or hip-hoppers knocking over a jewelry store at Fashion Show mall.”

Hmmmm. I'm sure David Stern will be thrilled to hear this. Nice way for a mayor to endear himself to the league, a league which he hopes will soon have a team in his city.

Yes, the NBA has many 'hip-hop' fans, as well as players. I'm sure plenty of 'hip-hoppers' will be in the area (not to mention courtside and throughout the arena) for the event Michael Wilbon has dubbed 'Black Thanksgiving.'

Here's the thing, however: Pretty much anyone with the coin to go and see the game (and drop some $100+ dollar bills at the casinos), be they 'hip-hoppers' or Mozart fans, isn't going to be looking to knock over any jewelry stores.

Here's a link to J.A. Adande's blog, where I learned of this. Adande makes some pertinent observations relative to the mayor's comments.

http://adandeblog.typepad.com/overtime/2007/02/allstar_the_dia.html

 

Re: Las Vegas Mayor Disses NBA

The NBA -- hell, every sporting organization -- needs Vegas far, far more than Vegas needs it.

 

Re: Las Vegas Mayor Disses NBA Fans

It's true, JJ. But, man, that was dumb. And the mayor is a noted PR wizard.

 

Re: Las Vegas Mayor Disses NBA Fans

But the leagues refuse to admit it.

 

Re: Las Vegas Mayor Disses NBA Fans

I actually heard today that Stern was really backing off of the whole 'we're concerned about gambling' talking points when discussing Las Vegas recently. He must be waking up to the reality Double J mentioned.

 

Re: Las Vegas Mayor Disses NBA Fans

I'm curious as to why everyone thinks Vegas would make such a great town for a sports team. It doesn't seem to me like it would really support a team all that well.

It strikes me as a place that would suffer the same fate as the Florida Marlins. So few people are actually from there, that those who do live there often already have team allegiances that have nothing to do with their new home city. Vegas, I would think, is the same way. Yes, it's got a growing population, but most people who live there are transplants who already have allegiances to other franchises.

As far as the tourists going to games there, well some might, but it would hardly be a great home atmosphere.

 

Re: Las Vegas Mayor Disses NBA 'hip-hopper' Fans

You make some excellent points, Big Pern. Sounds a lot like Phoenix, with all it's transplants (ask the Cardinals how well supported they are).

The one difference I see is Vegas is all about The Event, and tourists. Most of the people who head to Vegas have money to spend, and they want to be part of the scene and be noticed. A pro team would seem a good place to get that 'adrenaline rush' many tourists want.

And with the growing population, some people will go to the games just to have something besides casinos to do, IMO.

 

Re: Las Vegas Mayor Disses NBA 'hip-hopper' Fans

I see what you're saying, Rok, and I think some tourists would go, but again, I compare it to South Florida. I was there last weekend with a chance to go to a Panthers game for half-price. I love hockey, especially live, and yet I didn't go. Tourists aren't flocking to Marlins games. The Dolphins don't even sell out every game. I just don't see why Vegas would be any different.

 

Re: Las Vegas Mayor Disses NBA 'hip-hopper' Fans

It's a good question, BP. My first answer would be "Well, there's no ocean in Vegas." But then again, there's no ocean in Atlanta, either, to keep people away from Hawks games.

 

Re: Las Vegas Mayor Disses NBA 'hip-hopper' Fans

It would've been fun to see how the NBA thug crew would've dealt with former Vegas mayor Jan Jones (tres blonde, glam, and currently a casino whore with a VP title for Harrah's).

 

Re: Las Vegas Mayor Disses NBA 'hip-hopper' Fans

This is coming from a "role model" (Goodman) who reportedly told a fourth grade class that his favorite hobby was drinking scotch.

 

Re: Las Vegas Mayor Disses NBA 'hip-hopper' Fans

Goodman wouldn't say something like that to 4th graders! He actually said it was drinking gin.

If a pro franchise would work in Vegas, I think an NBA team is it. The games would be promoted as 41 special events. The casinos would hook big sports fans up with suites and coourtside seats as comps. A baseball team would have too many games - it doesn't have that same level of buzz that the NBA does.