Seattle Sportswriter Issues Apology to Oklahoma City

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A Seattle sportswriter has had a change of heart and has issued an apology to Oklahoma City.

The Washington writer had some nasty things to say about Oklahoma City last year, but on Monday he wrote an editorial titled, "Oklahoma City, you have my apologies."

When Oklahoma City scored an NBA team last year, it didn't take long for national media to cry foul, especially in Seattle.

"So it's been a year since the Sonics left and changed their name to the Thunder in Oklahoma City and it hasn't been smooth sailing there," said KONG-TV newscaster Carolyn Douglas during an interview with NEWS 9 on the Thunder's year anniversary in Oklahoma City.

John McGrath, a writer for Tacoma Washington's News Tribune, was one of those who trashed the city but after an overnight stay in downtown Oklahoma City, he had an apology in his column.

Read John McGraths editorial "Oklahoma City, you have my apologies"

McGrath's column stated, I "understand why The Sporting News recently ranked Oklahoma City as the 37th best sports market in the U.S." The article continued stating "Oklahoma City built a stadium that's done more than create electricity in Bricktown."

Then came McGrath's apology: "I'm sorry, Oklahoma City. When the Sonics relocated to the American Heartland, I put the place down with knee-jerk stereotypes. You know, a dusty, boring, smelly cowtown in the middle of nowhere, full of tobacco-spitting hicks unworthy of appreciating any sporting event that didn’t include ropes and horses. This is nonsense. Oklahoma City is a thriving metropolis capable of supporting an NBA franchise."

And McGrath's apology has been accepted by city leaders.

"I think there has been some time and they had some time to get used to the fact that they no longer have an NBA team and time heals all wounds," said Jim Cowan, director of the Bricktown Association

Even Oklahoma City's mayor appreciated McGrath's words.

"Here's a guy who comes from that culture and comes into this one and says, 'Wow, You ought to take a look at this time.' You know, quality of life can be defined in a lot of ways.

A spokesman for the Thunder said the team is very proud of all the sports facilities this city has to offer and are glad to see McGrath enjoyed his stay here and hope he returns soon.