Don't Forget That Clay Bennett Is a Hero

As virulent the hate for Clay Bennett and his team of business ninjas has been in NBA fan circles (and in, um, Seattle), the man is a hero somewhere: Oklahoma. A familiar refrain from Sooner State fans and those sympathetic to the region has been "don't blame the fans, we deserve a franchise." The sentiment's honest, and while some of us may snicker when the Thunder fail to sell out in the first two weeks of the team's history the OKC fan base is honorable and deserving.

But because of the deep, deep mistrust of Bennett and the distaste his deceitful flight caused, to see regional magazine Oklahoma Today bestow the owner with an "Oklahoman of the Year" award raises more hackles than champagne glasses. Deadspin posted a press release from Today touting Bennett's work to bring the NBA to the state. Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry has a stabbing quote.

"Clay Bennett had the resourcefulness, tenacity, and acumen to make that dream a reality," says Governor Henry.

"Resourcefulness" is one way to put it. I can think of a few others.

In the end, recognition like this reinforces the import of the NBA. Cities and regions desperately fight for the honor of hosting a team, and getting one by hook or crook earns you accolades. Seattlites and anti-Bennett hoops fans may vomit at the note, but David Stern is one happy fellow right now.

(Also of note is the list of previous winners of Oklahoman of the Year. Toby Keith, regrettable family band Hanson, and the 2000 Oklahoma University football team. Elite company. Will Rogers won Oklahoman of the Twentieth Century. Bennett's competition for the next big one figures to be Carrie Underwood or Barry Sanders Jr.)