Mayor's Move To Keep Kings May Establish Political Future

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) -- Mayor Kevin Johnson has faced blistering criticism for his approach to the possibility of the Kings leaving Sacramento, but his bombshell pitch to NBA executives may prove to be a turning point in his political career.

The Maloof brothers, the co-owners of the Kings, appeared to be disappointed and frustrated after learning that Mayor Johnson told the NBA board of governors in New York City that he had shored up millions of dollars in financing to keep Sacramento an NBA town.

The Maloofs seemed most upset at the news that billionaire Ron Burkle, owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins, may be interested in buying the Kings.

"Tell Ron Burkle he can go back to where he came from," Gavin Maloof said Friday.

Brother George Maloof said the plan was "not very cool" and dismissed the idea outright. "We told them a month ago we weren't interested, then all of a sudden they show up the night before?"

Mayor Johnson had been criticized for earlier comments that some said sounded like he was throwing in the towel -- "I don't think Sacramento can influence their decision," he said in March -- but others said the Mayor came out swinging this week.

"He went to New York and hit the ball out of the park," said KHTK 1140 AM radio host Carmichael Dave, who has spearheaded a fan-driven fundraising movement to keep the Kings in Sacramento.

"If he follows through with what he said to the Maloofs a couple days ago and the Kings end up staying, I think he's going to have political tenure," Dave added. "He'll be able to write his own ticket for years in this region."