“Senator Says Calls Marlins Baseball Team Terrorists”

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The Florida Marlins are asking the state Legislature for $60 million to help get a new stadium and keep the team in South Florida.

In a letter to state House Speaker Allan Bense, Marlins President David Samson says that not only does the team need a new ballpark with a retractable roof because of rain delays and fan "discomfort," but also because the team's stadium lease will not be renewed after 2010.

Samson is seeking $2 million a year for 30 years. He said that money would allow the team to borrow $30 million right away and "close the current funding gap" toward a $360 million stadium.

The Marlins have deadlocked with city and county officials over plans to build a 38,000-seat, retractable roof stadium near the Orange Bowl. The Marlins have offered to pay $192 million of the projected price tag with taxpayers picking up the rest.

"This entire transaction, and in fact the future of baseball in South Florida, hinges on securing a sales tax rebate from the state," Samson wrote.

Samson's letter describes the money as a "rebate," but, under state law, the money is actually a subsidy that does not depend on how much sales tax revenue the stadium generates.

"I was very disappointed that they publicly announced the negotiations and discussions with Las Vegas, and I don't negotiate with terrorists."

- Rep. Tom Lee

Samson also asked that an existing $2 million-a-year subsidy for the Marlins at the newly named Dolphins Stadium -- formerly Pro Player Stadium -- be reassigned to the Miami Dolphins and owner Wayne Huizenga, who once owned the Marlins and is the team's landlord. State law prohibits a team from getting more than one subsidy.

The letter comes after Marlins officials visited Las Vegas in December, meeting with Mayor Oscar Goodman about a possible move.

Bense, R-Panama City, said Wednesday that he has not studied the Marlins' new request but plans to review it.

Senate President Tom Lee, R-Brandon, appeared less receptive. "I thought that we already appropriated money to help them move to Vegas," he said. "I was very disappointed that they publicly announced the negotiations and discussions with Las Vegas, and I don't negotiate with terrorists."

Marlins have been seeking the state's help in securing a stadium for several years. But more urgency was added to the latest push for a ballpark after Pro Player Stadium officials told the Marlins last month they won't be allowed to play there after the 2010 season.

In 2000, Gov. Jeb Bush rejected an attempt by the Marlins under then-owner John Henry to build a new park using a tax on cruise ship passengers. In 2001, a $240 million tax break for a new park died on the final day of the legislative session.

An attempt last year by the Marlins to get the $60 million subsidy also failed.

Source
http://www.channelcincinnati.com/sports/4110822/detail.html

Terrorist is an overused word to describe professional sporteams whose owners hold cities hostage when it comes to money and building stadiums. And though nothing was mentioned about moving the team to another city, when the city fathers don't come across with the financial resources, the owners move their teams to another city that will pay the owners what they want.

You would think owners would have enough capital to improve the existing stadium or build a new one rather than expect taxpayers to fork over the money.

The justification for a retractable roof on a rainy day and the game is delayed and the fans feeling uncomfortable. After all these years of fans sitting in all kinds of weather, including bitter cold temperatures, why all of a sudden is the owner concerned about their comfort?