LEO的圓球看熱鬧

Dear Hornets Fans,
（親愛的黃蜂球迷：）

The Hornets family announced yesterday that the NBA will move forward with the purchase of 100 percent of our franchise. This is a positive move for the Hornets and assures stability and adequate funding for our team.
（黃蜂球團昨天宣布：NBA將以100％股權接手球隊。因為黃蜂因此獲得穩定發展與資金來源的保證，所以這是個正面的改變。）

We are confident that we are building our organization into a best-in-class franchise, and we are developing a philosophy that is focused on winning, performing at the highest levels and using our resources to make a difference in the community in which we live and work.
（我們確信正在打造一隻頂級球隊中；而且正形塑全心求勝、展現最高水準身手的理念；俾在我們生存、工作的聯盟中得以獨特。）

George Shinn has been an exceptional owner for the franchise throughout the 22 years the Hornets have been in existence, and Gary Chouest has been extremely supportive as minority owner over the last few seasons. We plan to continue to build upon the culture they created. Our team will remain focused on two main goals:
（球隊肇建以來，身為老闆的喬治．辛恩貢獻卓著歷22年；擁有相對少數股權的蓋瑞．喬斯特也在近幾個球季展現高度支持。我們計畫在他們創造的文化基礎上持續建設。我們的球隊將專注於兩個主要目標──）

●We will continue to build a legacy in the local community by maintaining a championship-caliber team on the court and through our numerous community initiatives off the court,
（●對球隊所在地，我們將持續增益原有貢獻──球場上，保持爭冠競爭力；球場外，貫徹履行大量社區服務的規劃。）

●We will continue to develop a path and plan for a local owner to bring an NBA Championship to New Orleans and the state of Louisiana.
（●我們將持續尋覓一位能帶給紐奧良與路易斯安那州冠軍的當地老闆。）

We have a strong working partnership with the NBA, and they understand and support our business and basketball philosophies. We have a talented staff in place working toward a common goal, and we will continue to get better.
（我們與聯盟有深厚的合作關係；他們理解並支持我們的運作與籃球理念。我們擁有為共同目標努力不懈的強力團隊；我們將精益求精。）

Our focus remains to create fun, exciting and memorable experiences; build a legacy in our community with integrity and passion and serve as global ambassadors for our hometown of New Orleans. Your continued support is crucial to the overall success of our franchise, now more than ever.
（我們仍將焦點擺在為球迷創造歡樂、激動與永難忘懷的體驗上；以誠懇、熱情，為社區創造價值；並為我們的紐奧良家園擔任形象大使。您不斷的支持，原本就是我們球隊全方位成功的關鍵；如今更形重要。）

We are proud to call New Orleans home, and look forward to building on the momentum of this exciting season!
（我們以能棲住紐奧良為榮！剩餘球季裡，我們將乘著當前的氣勢，百尺竿頭，更進一步。）

GEAUX HORNETS!

Hugh Weber（New Orleans Homets President）
Jac Sperling（NBA Governor）

注：目前應Davie Stern之請管理黃蜂的，是生長於紐奧爾良的體育律師、NHL明尼蘇達荒野（Minnesota Wild）副主席Jac Sperling。

Sperling任務是妝點黃蜂賣相，然後……當然就是賣掉！被墨西哥灣漏油事件搞得無心旁顧的Gary Chouest，也未必不會回心轉意。

〔Interesting question〕如果遲遲未能脫手，且黃蜂必須繳豪華稅，那……誰來繳呢？

By LEO 2010.12.13