Quotes by Mick Cornett

“If this team is going to return to Oklahoma City next season, it needs to be because the city of New Orleans is not yet ready. We have not been negotiating for next year, and it wouldnt be appropriate to do so until they determine that they cannot play in New Orleans. And I havent heard that word yet.”

“I walked out of there with the clear perception that there was really nothing in the citys future concerning the NBA. Ive been trying all along to get a tenant for our sports arena. It was built for an NBA or NHL team.”

“Ive said all along, no way we would be in any competition with Louisiana. If the games can be played there (New Orleans), thats where they should be played. But if they couldnt be played there, I was very interested in trying to be a temporary relocation center for the team. This team is absolutely going back to New Orleans.”

“Were growing, weve prospered and all we needed was just a chance. The old image of Oklahoma City being a minor-league city is outdated. Weve always been a great place to live with low-cost housing, virtually no traffic congestion, fresh water and clear air. But weve never been perceived as a great place to vacation. All our positives started to mushroom up in the last 18 months.”

“Im concerned that the worst may be yet to come. Theres no rain in the forecast.”

“Its extremely dry and about every other day its extremely windy. You put those in a combination and its a dangerous combination. Im concerned it may get worse before it gets better.”

“They made it clear that they liked what they saw and that our arena was appropriate for NBA games.”

“In Oklahoma City, we know all about tragedy. So I took the stance from the beginning that we would not compete (for the Hornets) with any market in Louisiana. When I contacted the league, I made it clear that if the team decided not to play in Baton Rouge or New Orleans, only then would we be interested. Its my belief that if this team can, then it should go back to New Orleans. Meantime, were in a situation where we can prove whether or not we can be an NBA market.”

The bottom line is that we have entered an age when local communities need to invest in themselves. Federal and state dollars are becoming more and more scarce for American cities. Political and civic leaders in local communities need to make a compelling case for this investment.

Im learning a lot about the culture of weight loss. I didnt know there were bloggers out there who were proud to be fat.

Weve got to get people out of their cars, out of those drive-thru windows, get them walking, get them in parks and get them more active.