From the Katz Group this afternoon, a short and sweet statement on Council's decision yesterday afternoon to cease arena negotiations.
We are concerned about the implications of the motion passed yesterday by City Council. We do not yet have a view on what comes next, but we remain hopeful that there is a solution that achieves the mutual goal of securing the Oilers’ long-term sustainability in Edmonton.
I don't know about you but sustainability is quickly becoming one of my least favourite words. The way it's being used by the Katz Group is nothing more than emotional blackmail intended to make fans fear that the team will relocate if we don't capitulate to the demands of the Katz Group. That isn't a fair way to conduct negations with the City and it isn't fair to treat the people of Edmonton who have supported this team through the last six seasons with sell-out after sell-out despite the fact that the on-ice product was ridiculously subpar.
The Oilers make piles of money currently and all signs indicate that for the foreseeable future they will continue to make piles of money. The future is unknown but with the data we have today the idea that the Oilers are somehow not sustainable stretches the limits of reason in my opinion. And if the Katz Group wants to continue to push this idea then the only reasonable thing to do is offer proof. Generally speaking I will take people at their word but when hundreds of millions of dollars are at stake I'm not so generous.