Aba Adds Mexican Team To Chicago: The Cometas De Chicago

[The Sweeper]

http://www.abalive.com/news/releases/?newsid=2007041106002

11-Apr-2007
Indianapolis, IN -- The American Basketball Association today announced that it has added a Mexican team to begin play in November in Chicago.

According to Joe Newman, ABA CEO, "We are very pleased and proud that Javier Haggar will be bringing his very exciting Cometas basketball team to Chicago to join the ABA. Our Beijing, China team that plays in Los Angeles has had great success; we feel that Chicago's huge Hispanic population will support Javier's team with the same enthusiasm and the team will draw tremendous crowds wherever it plays."

"I am very excited about this opportunity," stated Haggar. "I have followed the ABA closely. Our Cometas team began participating in the 2003 LNBP league, the top professional league in Mexico and we finished third in our first season, fifth in our second season. The last two were not as good as we lost our coach and some key players, but we have a very young and talented team and feel that we can compete and take on the challenge in the ABA. We will draw from a huge selection of top players and will be very competitive."

Haggar is a well-known Chicago business man who has been in the restaurant business in Oak Park, IL for 31 years and also has 25 years in private investigations. Additional plans, tryouts, and other information will be available shortly.

For more information email cometasqro@gmail.com, perron13@aol.com, or call (708) 473-9249.
-------------------

Is this in addition to the Throwbacks??

[WHAFAN]

Being a life long Chicagoan, I can promise you that this team will last weeks at best. There is absolutely no way anyone will care about this fiasco. Although I do have a wonderful opening night promotion for them.

{Removed by admin}

Private Investigations and restaurants equals basketball team owner? He'll need to investigate the disappearing fans and the disappearance of his team. Perhaps free taco night will draw a crowd in the 20's or 30's. Good luck Chump......I mean El Chumpo !!

[QC_Hawks_fan]

This team may just be profitable.
Placed in the Little Village/Pilsen part of Chicago and loaded with Mexican Nationals they could very easily draw a following.
I hope the security is better than that of the Cook County Prison which just happens to be a few blocks from the Pilsen area.

I'm curious as to which restaurants Javier Haggar operates. I found the answer, his family operates/owns Lalo's. Very good authentic Mexican food, not the junk you get at the national franchises.
Good luck.

[QC_Hawks_fan]

{Removed by admin}

Isn't it a persons constitutional right to be an idiot. He (WHAFAN) most definitely sounds like a life long Chicagoan, still carrying the prejudices of his neighborhood and upbringing. Is it Nature or Nurture?

ABA06er, if you believe that prejudice and ignorance are dead in America's society, well you must live in the perfect world. May I have a ticket to this magical place you live in? One way please.

[QC_Hawks_fan]

[QUOTE=ABA06er;42688]QC RiverHawks , I believe you just said it is ok to be racist as long as you have grown up around it.

I never said it was acceptable to have a prejudice. My questions was "is it nature or nurture?"

[Fells]

All I wonder is how a minor league team competes with all of the other options in the area. You have the Blackhawks, Bulls, and other major college teams, so how does an ABA team compete?

Somehow, I think this topic is basketball, and not racism. For the sake of my dwindling sanity, can we keep this on basketball?

[Fells]

[QUOTE=ABA06er;42688]QC RiverHawks , I believe you just said it is ok to be racist as long as you have grown up around it.

I never said it was acceptable to have a prejudice. My questions was "is it nature or nurture?"

And you do bring up a valid point about nature versus nurture. This is something I studied when I was in college, and wondered if racism is based on home environment, or society. I am NOT trying to start that discussion here, just backing up QC.

[WHAFAN]

Comparing me to Don Imus? Check this fact out. Imus says something stupid....Jesse Jackson pops out of nowhere like usual, tells sponsors of the Imus Show that if you don't pull sponsorship, black folks will boycott your products. Isn't this the perfect example of blackmail? Do what we want or else? Isn't that illegal?

[preeths]

aba06er, this is your one and only warning on this subject. If you have a question about board moderation, you will PM or email me about it, not post on the board multiple times. This board is for discussing minor league sports, not board moderation. Everyone, let's stay on topic here.

[preeths]

ABA06er will take a short vacation from the boards.

[Minor League Man]

ABA06er will take a short vacation from the boards.
And now we can move on to the topic of basketball.

[Sam Hill]

"...we feel that Chicago's huge Hispanic population will support Javier's team with the same enthusiasm and the team will draw tremendous crowds wherever it plays."

Just like the Hollywood Fame did!

ABA06er will take a short vacation from the boards.

Under that name, anyway.

In any case, bravo.

[Minor League Man]

One question: Aer the Throwbacks still going to play next year?

If so, we could have a potential rivalry going on...

[WHAFAN]

There are no minor leagues teams playing in the actual city of Chicago. There are quite a few in the suburbs that do very well. The Wolves of the AHL are a model organization and draw huge crowds at the Allstate Arena. The Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates is home to the Chicago Hounds of the UHL and the Shamrox of the indoor lacrosse league. There are the Kane County Cougars and Schaumburg Flyers for minor league baseball.

I do not believe that its an accident that these teams all are outside of the city limits. Chicago has fans for the Cubs, Sox, Bears, Bulls, and a few Hawks fans. Minor league basketball played in a part of the city most folks dare not go will be a complete failure. I am 100% certain of this. We've had 4 ABA teams in the last 7 years, and I bet not more than 100 people knew anything about them at all. The Rockstars played at a very nice arena at Northeastern Illinois University. The place was a ghost town for ABA games. No one cared, and no one will care.

[a1sports]

A restaurant owner and a private investigator. I bet out of the two, he is very good at being a restaurant owner, Becuase as a private investigator he sure didnt check out Senor Joe.

They will be plaing at a high school that seats 250 people. More than enough room for an ABA team.

[Minor League Man]

A restaurant owner and a private investigator. I bet out of the two, he is very good at being a restaurant owner, Becuase as a private investigator he sure didnt check out Senor Joe.

They will be plaing at a high school that seats 250 people. More than enough room for an ABA team.
Especially in this part of this failed ABA market!

[preeths]

Call me naive, but shouldn't a market reservation fee...oh, I don't know... actually reserve a market? If someone else can set up shop within weeks in the same market the Throwbacks purportedly represent, why did they pay to be a part of the league?

[The Sweeper]

So, there's a possibilty of three Chicgo area teams in the ABA next season...The Mexican Team, the Chicago Throwbacks, and the Aurora Force (if they continue play).

[WHAFAN]

With 3 ABA teams in the Chicago area, there will be more players than fans. An ABA tam in Chicago couldn't sell out a phone booth. The Rockstars were in "existence" for a few months and you couldn't find a word about them on TV, radio or a newspaper. No one cares and no one will. I'm completely 100% baffled and amazed that these owners can't see the ABA for what it is. Fish rot from the head..........and Joe has the eyeballs and toupee.

[panchess]

...but like the CBA's Atlanta Krunk, targeting a "rifle-shot" audience in a large metropolitan area might work with a good business team and model (like Mexican players that might attract a following, or have one with local people).

Not saying that is the case here, but unlike 99% of the ABA's owners, this guy seems to have some basketball management experience, even if it is in Mexico.

I have wondered more than once if the "Beijing" team could be recruited to the CBA and draw better with some better competition. With a good footprint in the West, it could work.

[rams80]

Aye Carumba!

[nksports]

Call me naive, but shouldn't a market reservation fee...oh, I don't know... actually reserve a market? If someone else can set up shop within weeks in the same market the Throwbacks purportedly represent, why did they pay to be a part of the league?

They reserved different markets — one got one block, one got another block.

I have always thought minor league sports in a large city could be done on a neighboorhood level — I'll use New York for an example, a Queens team or a Richmond team — but outside of a few minor league baseball teams, it really hasn't worked.
The appeal of a minor league team in a large market would be affordability to fans. Depending on the sport, you can spend more than $200 on tickets alone for a family of four. A minor league team in the same sport might cost $40 for the same family, but again, there have only been a few success stories for that model.

[Sam Hill]

I do not believe that its an accident that these teams all are outside of the city limits.

No, it's not an accident.

Because, as far as I know, there aren't any suitable minor-league venues anywhere within the city limits of Chicago. Because it makes no sense to build one there given the limited available space and what it would cost to do so.

It's not a matter of them saying "Oh, we'd better stay as far away as we can from the third-largest city in the country."

[WHAFAN]

It's no accident that Chicago doesn't have minor league sports arenas. With a choice of major league teams in every sport, no one really cares about minor leagues. An ABA team will fold within 3 months in Chicago. How many people are willing to risk their money on this when at least 4 have failed already? I don't care how good the team is, how good the coach is, or what league they play in.

If you have an inground pool in your back yard, would you be very excited to go next door and play in the garden hose sprinkler??

[Ken, Steelheads fan]

...but like the CBA's Atlanta Krunk, targeting a "rifle-shot" audience in a large metropolitan area might work with a good business team and model (like Mexican players that might attract a following, or have one with local people).

Not saying that is the case here, but unlike 99% of the ABA's owners, this guy seems to have some basketball management experience, even if it is in Mexico.

I have wondered more than once if the "Beijing" team could be recruited to the CBA and draw better with some better competition. With a good footprint in the West, it could work.

panchess,
You're right on the money about a Mexican team in Chicago. Forget about the Krunk though. If they're counting on young African-Americans to keep their franchise afloat, then they're sunk already. Not enough disposable income for that demographic.

I've spent a lot of time in the Pilsen/Little Village community. Located in the heart of Chicago, but at the same time isolated (culturally and physically)from the rest of the city. Mexican pride would certainly draw fans and give this team a better chance of survival than any other "so-called" Chicago ABA team. However, many of the residents of Pilsen make African-Americans look like mega-rich Harvard grads. There are an awful lot of very, very poor and poorly educated people in that community.

Professional basketball will be a risk of major proportions considering the economics and the fact that soccer and baseball are the sports of choice in Pilsen. Cultural pride could trump all though. Who knows?

[WHAFAN]

Not to sound racist, like previously mentioned, but I'm still scratching my head over the Mexican folks interest in basketball. Especially in Chicago. 99% are either Cubs fans, Sox fans or Chicago Fire soccer fans. Basketball doesn't seem to be a huge attraction for these people in Chicago.

Isn't the fact that there is going to be a Mexican team, catering to Mexican people in Chicago seem racist?

It's funny that if there was an all white team, looking for all white fans in a white neighborhood, we'd be called the Klan. When other races gather together, its called national pride. If whites do it, we're racist bigots. Help me understand this. Is there a White History Month? White Pride Parade? Personally, I'm sick and tired of seeing the flag of Mexico flying from peoples front porches and cars. If your so proud of where you came from, why are you here?

[LASportsFan]

Not to sound racist, like previously mentioned, but I'm still scratching my head over the Mexican folks interest in basketball. Especially in Chicago. 99% are either Cubs fans, Sox fans or Chicago Fire soccer fans. Basketball doesn't seem to be a huge attraction for these people in Chicago.

Isn't the fact that there is going to be a Mexican team, catering to Mexican people in Chicago seem racist?

It's funny that if there was an all white team, looking for all white fans in a white neighborhood, we'd be called the Klan. When other races gather together, its called national pride. If whites do it, we're racist bigots. Help me understand this. Is there a White History Month? White Pride Parade? Personally, I'm sick and tired of seeing the flag of Mexico flying from peoples front porches and cars. If your so proud of where you came from, why are you here?


WHAFAN, I agree with you 100% I couldn't have said it any better. This topic has furiated me for years. I've actually seen several cars in the L.A. area with decals depicting Calvin pissing on the American flag. These cars were driven by Mexicans. If you're going to have have no respect for this country and blatently DISRESPECT it, then go back to your own country.

Can you imagine the backlash that you'd get if you announce an European-heritage team? You'd fair far worse than Imus. America was founded on the idea of this being a melting pot. Either assimilate into what has developed as American culture, or leave if you don't like it. I don't want to hear about Mexican cultural month or Mexican pride day or whatever. If you're that proud of who you are and can't assimilate into this culture, then go back to your home country where you're the majority and everyone is of that culture.

[TheStandard]

Plain and simple the team will not last the whole season. A week for sure. Two weeks yes. The season??? No.

[bectond]

Not to sound racist, like previously mentioned, but I'm still scratching my head over the Mexican folks interest in basketball. Especially in Chicago. 99% are either Cubs fans, Sox fans or Chicago Fire soccer fans. Basketball doesn't seem to be a huge attraction for these people in Chicago.

Isn't the fact that there is going to be a Mexican team, catering to Mexican people in Chicago seem racist?

It's funny that if there was an all white team, looking for all white fans in a white neighborhood, we'd be called the Klan. When other races gather together, its called national pride. If whites do it, we're racist bigots. Help me understand this. Is there a White History Month? White Pride Parade? Personally, I'm sick and tired of seeing the flag of Mexico flying from peoples front porches and cars. If your so proud of where you came from, why are you here?

excuse me buddy, but WHAFAN your starting to sound insane. MLB, NBA and NFL were a klan leagues (your words) for many years, remember Jackie Robinson. They were racist bigot white only leagues, if you don't believe me you can look it up. I'm sure Mexican fall league teams are full of whites, blacks and hispanics, they are not Mexican only leagues. I liked all your post up until this one. Why would a Mexican flying a Mexican flag from their porch upset you? They came here for the same reason your family came here (to find work and a better life). If I moved to Canada to get a job are you telling me I should never wave an American flag again. Your not making any sense man. chill out dude, go back to ragging the ABA, stay off of social issues. You even have Rocket boy joining in and we all know he is a moron.

[Pounder]

Then there's Chivas USA. Someone please tell Ante Razov and Jonathan Bornstein that they're Hispanic. :D

It's called "catering to a Hispanic market" to some degree, probably including the PA speaking Spanish, selling tickets through Panderias and the like, but that's probably the extent of it. If you paid attention to the issue with the Houston Astros some years ago, even though Drayton McLane didn't actually say things attributed to him, the point is that Hispanic audiences believe that there is racism against them, and that goes as far as ticket pricing policies with the majors. Somewhere down the line, catering to them will be better business than some think.

[LASportsFan]

excuse me buddy, but WHAFAN your starting to sound insane. MLB, NBA and NFL were a klan leagues (your words) for many years, remember Jackie Robinson. They were racist bigot white only leagues, if you don't believe me you can look it up. I'm sure Mexican fall league teams are full of whites, blacks and hispanics, they are not Mexican only leagues. I liked all your post up until this one. Why would a Mexican flying a Mexican flag from their porch upset you? They came here for the same reason your family came here (to find work and a better life). If I moved to Canada to get a job are you telling me I should never wave an American flag again. Your not making any sense man. chill out dude, go back to ragging the ABA, stay off of social issues. You even have Rocket boy joining in and we all know he is a moron.

I'm of German heritage, and NO, I do NOT drive around with German flags on my car or have any in my home. I am an AMERICAN because I live in the USA. It's fine to have national pride. Have pride for the NATION the you LIVE IN!!!!!!!!!!!! If you live in Canada and rely on Canada for your existence, then you should not be waving an American flag. If you're employed by a Canadian company, buy products from Canadian vendors, live in a Canadian city, pay Canadian taxes, and all of the rest, then you are now a Canadian and not an American. You should have some pride and RESPECT for the country that is supporting your well being.

Yes, the U.S. pro leagues were very racist back in their early years. That is NOT THE POINT OF THESE POSTS. You're completely missing the point. Those entire leagues were racist (which is very bad), which HAS BEEN CORRECTED. Now, are you backing up a similar movement where individual teams in modern U.S. society can cater to just one race? Are you suggesting that reverse discrimination is OK?

Bectond, you're starting to sound pretty insane yourself. I've started to lose respect for you.

[psbf]

in what direction this thread is going, but if I recall, a poster mentioned the local Chicago teams earlier in the thread. One that was left out was the Chicago Fire(now play at Toyota Park), as long as soccer is being mentioned.

[bectond]

I'm of German heritage, and NO, I do NOT drive around with German flags on my car or have any in my home. I am an AMERICAN because I live in the USA. It's fine to have national pride. Have pride for the NATION the you LIVE IN!!!!!!!!!!!! If you live in Canada and rely on Canada for your existence, then you should not be waving an American flag. If you're employed by a Canadian company, buy products from Canadian vendors, live in a Canadian city, pay Canadian taxes, and all of the rest, then you are now a Canadian and not an American. You should have some pride and RESPECT for the country that is supporting your well being.
.

first off rocket boy if I took a job in Canada, I would not pay Canadian taxes moron. You don't have to change citizenship to work in Canada. I'd still pay U.S. taxes. geeze

The Mexican League is not Hispanic only, I repeat the Mexican League is not Hispanic only. The teams are very diverse, moving one of those teams to Chicago won't change that. That is my point... these teams are not Mexican only and the owner will not keep whites from attending games. WHAFAN is a good poster unlike yourself. I enjoy almost all his post, but this time he was bordering on sounding el-loco. He was missing the point... The owner lives in Chicago, he owns a team in Mexico during the fall. He wants to relocate his team to the area he resides during their off-season so he can watch his investment. That is it... Bringing up flags on porches just does not have anything to do with the issue. And you need to stop sniffing so much glue dude.

[LASportsFan]

first off rocket boy if I took a job in Canada, I would not pay Canadian taxes moron. You don't have to change citizenship to work in Canada. I'd still pay U.S. taxes. geeze

The Mexican League is not Hispanic only, I repeat the Mexican League is not Hispanic only. The teams are very diverse, moving one of those teams to Chicago won't change that. That is my point... these teams are not Mexican only and the owner will not keep whites from attending games. WHAFAN is a good poster unlike yourself. I enjoy almost all his post, but this time he was bordering on sounding el-loco. He was missing the point... The owner lives in Chicago, he owns a team in Mexico during the fall. He wants to relocate his team to the area he resides during their off-season so he can watch his investment. That is it... Bringing up flags on porches just does not have anything to do with the issue. And you need to stop sniffing so much glue dude.

Bectond, I love the personal attacks. Calling me "rocket boy" just makes me quiver in my boots.

Thanks for mentioning the glue. I'm almost completely out. I'll have to stop by the store later on my way home from the rocket factory so that I'll have a fresh supply of glue to sniff tonight.

[preeths]

All right, let's get back on topic. No more personal attacks or insults from anyone.

[Fells]

{Deleted by admin}

And another thread that has gone straight down the proverbial toilet......

[Fells]

{Deleted by admin}

Ummmmmmmmm, this is a message board and a privately owned company so the owner can delete what he wants. Look at the Constitution, free speech doesn't apply here.

[preeths]

WHAFAN, my post to stay on topic wasn't just a suggestion. How do you ignore that and then wonder why your post gets deleted?

[WHAFAN]

I guess we all have to agree or we get axed. Isn't this type of behavior the reason we all criticize Joe Newman? Seems strange doesn't it?

[preeths]

Uh no, stay on topic and there won't be any problems.

[Fells]

{Removed by admin}

Hey Paul? Can ya let me know when King Snarky here is done so I can read about basketball in peace?

[The Magician]

Have an update on the Cometas De Chicago Team?