Facilities Venues

ROCKETS' RED GLARE: WILL TRADING OLAJUWON RUIN ARENA HOPES?

6.30.1999

          Houston political observers speculate that if the
     Rockets trade C Hakeem Olajuwon, "such a move would diminish
     the chances of voters supporting an arena referendum,"
     according to John Williams of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE.   But
     some feel trading Olajuwon "could help the referendum's
     chances" if fans believe it would help the team.  Williams:
     "Either way, the timing is risky."  A Harris County-wide
     referendum will be conducted in November, provided Rockets
     Owner Les Alexander and the Harris County-Houston Sports
     Authority can put together a financing plan "during the next
     two weeks."  Political consultant Mark McKinnon said that
     "going into a referendum situation, it would not be my
     recommendation to trade a popular player" because "the
     margin of victory is usually too small to risk such a move." 
     McKinnon: "It could mean thousands of votes, which could
     change an outcome" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 6/30).

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