Mayor Kevin Johnson Gets Brisk Farewell From Sacramento Kings
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SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — It was a grand finale moment that seemed more awkward than an honor.
In a brand new arena that could have housed a spectacular farewell for Mayor Kevin Johnson, the mayor got an autographed basketball from Kings owner Vivek Ranadive. And after the two-minute time out ended, the ceremony was over. Johnson left without speaking to reporters.
It was a surprise for fans watching the brief tribute at center court.
"I wasn't expecting it," Kings fan Ramon Rivera said. "I wasn't expecting the time. I don't know how long it should have been."
Kings fan Mary Rost believes PR surrounding resurfacing allegations of Johnson's sexual misconduct that led ESPN to shelve a planned Sacramento Kings "30 For 30" documentary is playing a role in the mayor's unceremonious farewell.
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"We all have things in our past that we've done, and we've all grown, and matured and become better people for it and that's what happened to him," Rost said.
The Kings' tribute to Johnson followed last week's request by Sacramento council members to have the Kings raise a Mayor KJ jersey In the Golden 1 Center, to hang with past Kings greats whose numbers are retired.
"I think they should name the court after him," Kings fan Danny Beckham said.
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A new building. A new owner. But the old Sacramento kings saga is never-ending.
City of Sacramento Vice Mayor Rick Jennings says he'll continue working with the Kings in hopes of a bigger tribute in the future.
Mayor Johnson will hand over mayoral powers to Mayor-Elect Daryl Steinberg on Tuesday.