Ratner Speaks For First Time On Plans For Nets Ownership

Ratner Combats Negative Press By Speaking Out On Plans For First Time

Prospective Nets Owner Bruce Ratner on Friday spoke "for the first time about his intentions for the Nets," according to Brad Parks of the Newark STAR-LEDGER. Ratner, who met with the team's beat writers, said of reports that he will cut salaries to save money: "It's not accurate. It's not the way this team is going to be run. I'm actually of the opposite nature. I'm in a business where you have to spend money in order to create something, and that's what I plan to do here." Parks wrote Ratner is "fully cognizant he's probably going to lose money by the truck load for the next four to five years." Ratner: "I don't want to discuss specifics. But obviously we went into this with our eyes wide open and fully aware of the economic situation." Ratner "plans to be an involved but not overbearing owner. He said he manages by consensus-building, not by edict. He wants to be accessible to the public." The Nets will have 3,000 tickets priced at $15 for each game next season in hopes of improving attendance (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 7/3).

MEET THE NEW BOSS: More Ratner: "It's about bringing this team to a new arena, civic pride, responsibility and a place we think they can flourish in terms of involvement and excitement. I mean, my God, Brooklyn and sports!" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 7/4). Ratner: "This is not a business venture to make money. We will spend what is necessary" (N.Y. POST, 7/3). Ratner, on re-signing F Kenyon Martin: "We're going to do the very best we can to keep (Martin) obviously. Of course, I (make) the final decision. (CEO Rod Thorn and GM Ed Stefanski) will come to some kind of recommendation and we will make a consensus decision." With regards to Thorn, who is in the final year of his contract, Ratner indicated that he will wait until his purchase is approved to make a decision (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 7/3).