I think that is pretty well taken out of context. At one point in the article says Asked if he was sorry he came, Vanderbeek said, "Right now, I have to be." So hes frustrated overall, but I don't think he truly regrets coming to Newark. Seems like The Star Ledger is making a mountain out of a mole hill with one sentence he said.
It's all grandstanding between Vanderbeek and Booker. Both are saying things they don't really mean. The team isn't going anywhere regardless of what Vanderbeek says.
It's all grandstanding between Vanderbeek and Booker. Both are saying things they don't really mean. The team isn't going anywhere regardless of what Vanderbeek says.
Where did he say he wants to leave?
from the article: But in the same breath, he said he has no intention of leaving.
"We plan on being here. The mayor can say whatever he wants," Vanderbeek said. "I’m a big boy."
Where did he say he wants to leave?
from the article: But in the same breath, he said he has no intention of leaving.
"We plan on being here. The mayor can say whatever he wants," Vanderbeek said. "I’m a big boy."
He didn't say he wants to leave, he says he regrets coming in the first place, and his public spat with the mayor might make some people believe they could go elsewhere in NJ. I've seen some misguided people who think they might go back to the Meadowlands. But they're in Newark now and that isn't going to change. Vanderbeek acknowledges it.
Like I said before, if I'm a big business owner and if a city mayor publicly scrutinized me by name calling even though I'm helping put revenue into that city which needs alot of it, I'd be regretful for moving there too. It's just bad business sense from the mayor/city. But that doesn't mean he wants to get out if he had the chance as he knows it's been a big boon for the city and beneficial for the Devils, so it could be taken out of context. He immediately said he has no desire to leave. It's hard and idiotic to do anyway.
There is no reason Booker shouldn't expect the money JVB promised all those years ago. He wants that money so he can put it back in the city and continue the progress that he's made; JVB just wants the money to put it back in his pocket. The people don't benefit from that money being in someones bank account. They sure as hell do if it's being put back into public programs.
Vanderkook should threaten to go back to the Meadowlands and use it as leverage. He should try to get Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross to once again show interest in taking over that silly American Dream project (formerly Xanadu). It was a good idea, but came about 10 years too late.
There already is a rail link and the soon to be shopping mall will have those stupid restaurants that everybody screams about.
It's a dilapidated arena, but it's still in good shape and very serviceable. It's still nicer that MSG and way nicer than NMC.
Perhaps Vanderkook can threaten to refurbish the Izod Center and stick it to Booker, trying to call his bluff.
I loathe both parties, but I find it imperative that the team doesn't move to Seattle, Portland, Houston, Toronto, Hamilton or Las Vegas, which probably will eventually happen.
I know I *****ed about merging threads a day or two ago, but this article definitely doesn't need it's own thread. Pretty clear to me he only said this because of Booker's garbage lately. People can think what they want though
