
Ask the CEO
January 31, 2006 - American Basketball Association (ABA) News Release
Question from ML, DL, BR, TM and about 50 others (questions combined): "What happened in Hawaii? The stories coming from there are so negative. The team started. Then stopped. Then started again. Then stopped again. Why?"
Answer: Thanks to all of you for your questions and comments (some not very nice). Obviously, there is a lot of interest in the Hawaii Mega Force. I am sorry that it turned out as it has. First, let me say that Orrys Williams, the Mega Force owner, is a fine man. He has a long and distinguished career in both sports and the aerospace industry. He is an honest and decent man; a good father, a good husband and a quality individual. We have great respect for him. He is also a senior citizen, an African-American, and an entepreneur. He loves Hawaii. Owning a professional basketball team was a lifelong dream and we were very pleased when he finally was able to achieve his dream.
When we admitted the Mega Force into the league, it was with the clear understanding that flights to and from Hawaii would be at substantially reduced rates by airlines serving Hawaii. The ABA and Mr. Williams went into the season believing that this critical element in their acceptance was in place. In fact, it wasn't. And flights were at least three times higher than estimated or quoted - making it almost impossible for mainland teams to travel to Hawaii and vice versa, for Hawaii to come to the mainland. Games were missed and this started a whole series of events including cancelled games in both Hawaii and on the mainland. It upset all of the teams. Hawaii was suspended. In December, we thought we had the flight problem worked out and re-instated the Mega Force. It simply did not work. And it was necessary to suspend Hawaii for the season.
This is a very sad and tragic time for everyone - for Hawaii, the players, the coaches, the fans, the media, the other ABA teams - and most of all for the Williams family. Missing games is one thing. Have a lifelong dream shattered another. Interest in the team in Hawaii is incredible. We should have an ABA team there. We have been approached by another group and have been asked for the opportunity to return next season. They have assured us that they can overcome the problems of this season - both the travel/airline problem - and the bad PR problem. We are seriously considering it. However, we want to apologize to everyone for all of the turmoil this has caused and hope that you now understand why the situation is what it is. Hopefully we will return to Hawaii next season. If you have a question, email joenewman@abalive.com.
Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.
American Basketball Association Stories from January 31, 2006
- Phantom franchises - OSC Original by Dan Krieger
- RazorSharks' attendance continues to climb - Rochester RazorSharks
- Two ABA coaches head best coaches list - ABA
- Buffalo to continue at Park in February - Buffalo Silverbacks
- Mississippi has new name, new game - Mississippi Miracles
- RazorSharks looking for 11th straight win this weekend - Rochester RazorSharks
- Alley Cats get even - Indiana AlleyCats
- ABA Adds Two to All-Star Teams - ABA
- ABA Salutes Brebeuf Jesuit High School - ABA
- Ask the CEO - ABA
- Pit Bulls Hit Trifecta - Miami Majesty
- Skyrockets Defeat Dragons - Minot Skyrockets
- Maywood Pleased With Aoshen Olympian Success - ABA
- Nighthawks Continue to Roll - Maryland NightHawks
- Xplosion to Host Catholic Schools Night - Pittsburgh Xplosion
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
