Seattle council approves arena

Facilities: A wealthy hedge-fund manager won approval Monday for his plan to bring professional men’s basketball and hockey back to Seattle, with initially skeptical City Council members agreeing to put up $200 million for a new arena after he promised to personally guarantee the city’s debt.

Council members voted 6-2 to approve Chris Hansen’s (pictured) plan for a $490 million arena near the Seahawks and Mariners stadiums south of downtown.

“I was a skeptic when this came forward because I was worried about our taxpayers,” said Councilwoman Sally Bagshaw. “The fact that we have a personal guarantee from Mr. Hansen … that makes a big difference.

“At the end, we’re going to have something the city is proud of.”

The Edmonton Oilers are one NHL team already discussing possible relocation to Seattle after plans for a proposed $475 million arena in Edmonton were thrown into doubt earlier this month. Oilers representatives were in Seattle for discussions on Monday.

Associated Press

Marshall, Sapp trade barbs

NFL: Chicago Bears receiver Brandon Marshall criticized former NFL star Warren Sapp for calling him a “retard” in a radio interview.

That struck a chord with Marshall, who has acknowledged receiving treatment for borderline personality disorder and anger management.

He fired back Monday in an online video. He said he can’t discuss finances with Sapp “because he filed for bankruptcy,” or marriage “because he filed for divorce.” Marshall also says he can’t speak to him about becoming a father some day because “he’s not active in his children’s life.”

This was in response to an interview with the “The Dan Patrick Show” in which Sapp, an NFL Network analyst, blasted Marshall for “talking about Shannon Sharpe” and allegedly not knowing this: “He’s the first 100-catch receiver (tight end) back to back, retard.”

Associated Press