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After MOU And Murray Resignation, Questions Remain About KeyArena Remodel

Courtesy of Oak View Group

This week’s resignation of Seattle Mayor Ed Murray has a lot of people wondering about the fate of the proposed remodel of KeyArena.

The news of the latest allegations of sexual abuse against Murray, which he denies, came just as he was to celebrate the signing of a draft Memorandum of Understanding with the Oak View Group, on its planned redevelopment of The Key.

KNKX sports commentator Art Thiel talked about what impact Murray's abrupt resignation might have on the proposal.

"As far as consequences go, they are probably minimal," Thiel said.

"The mayor had already done his part by agreeing to make this deal. And this draft Memorandum was signed between the office and OVG (Oak View Group), so it's going to go forward."

"Now it's the responsibility of the Seattle City Council to vet this project and vote in favor or vote to deny."

"So, the mayor's influence might have been significant had he not already decided not to run for re-election."

Details of the draft Memorandum of  Understanding are included in a story from Sportspress Northwest.

Also in this week's commentary, Thiel discussed developer Chris Hansen's proposed sports arena in Seattle's SoDo district, which is still alive. Although Art said it's "on life support."

Never miss an episode again. Subscribe to Sports With Art Thiel with iTunes orGoogle Play now. You can find Art Thiel's work at Sportspress Northwest and Crosscut.com.

Kirsten Kendrick hosts Morning Edition on KNKX and the sports interview series "Going Deep," talking with folks tied to sports in our region about what drives them — as professionals and people.
Art Thiel is a co-founder and writer for the rising sports website Sportspress Northwest. In 2003 Thiel wrote the definitive book about the Seattle Mariners, “Out of Left Field,” which became a regional bestseller. In 2009, along with Steve Rudman and KJR 950 afternoon host Mike Gastineau, Thiel authored “The Great Book of Seattle Sports Lists,” a cross between historylink.org and Mad Magazine that has become mandatory reading for any sports fan who has an indoor bathroom.