I know there was a lot of negativity today in the city Council Chambers, but here’s why I think it was such a huge WIN for @RaysBaseball
The Rays now have a blueprint of what they need to do to get the necessary votes or get the $80 million in CIT funds from somewhere else. They’re not gonna let this deal die over 80 million.
Further, a no today, would have likely lost the state money to rebuild Hillsborough College and therefore killed the deal. So in that sense, it was a huge win and they can continue to negotiate and change the deal and get Maniscalco to vote Yes. Now they know the pathway forward.
I thought @kenbabby incredibly effective in his answers to the council. And I thought Charlie Miranda was incredibly rude to Babby. Very disrespectful to a man representing an ownership group that wants to invest eight to $10 billion into his city. Some of these city council folks were absolutely embarrassing. Their lack of basic economics is astounding. It’s also clear to me. They put their political motives ahead of the people. Shameful.
I’m still very confident this deal gets done, but there is still much work to be done. Babby showed today how willing the Rays are to compromise and give back but at some point they may have to look elsewhere and collect the $2 billion they could get from 10 other cities. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that and our elected officials can get their act together. The county, which is the most important group seems to understand how great this deal is for the people they will get this done. I think my man Palermo brought the passion many of us feel after today.
Throughout his career, Lavonte David performed on par with Bobby Wagner and Luke Kuechly, but earned FAR less national recognition.
One of the most criminally underrated players ever, but he was consistently a steady, elite presence for the Bucs and he deserves his flowers.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is going to be the BEST World Cup of All Time!
I’m excited to announce that I will be joining Fox Sports in the United States this summer to cover the World Cup.
You’re Welcome America - #ZLATANonFOX
Interviewing a bunch of NHL players today. Jack Hughes was first. GREAT personality..natural performer..great energy and instantly likeable..X Game athlete vibe…NHL should push/promote him forward Hard…