The Junkies were the last ones to get a chance to react to the news that Virginia lawmakers were voting (and later successfully voted) to pass along a resolution to bring the Caps and Wizards to NoVa as tenants in a new arena at the center of a development in the Potomac Yard area of Alexandria.
It's just Bish and EB this week, but as two Bowie boys who grew up watching both teams play at the Cap Center in Landover before moving to DC proper, well, they understand the name of the game.
"Leonsis was talking about his property deal, and says it's the worst in professional sports," Bish said. "He's paying $14 million a year in interest and $9 million in principal, and maintenance costs the year before cost $13 million. There's also a big crime issue there as well, so Mayor Bowser, not sure what you're gonna do, but it looks like both teams are moving to Virginia."
"That would be devastating to that area. It's already dicey with crime, but it's going to go back to what it was before they built it: poop," EB replied. "You're going to always want the best situation for yourself, but it's a shame, because that was kind of Abe's legacy in revitalizing Chinatown – I understand they'll still have events, but if you take the teams away, that's going to be a disaster."
And, it's entirely possible to make this happen sooner than later.
"Monumental's lease with Capital One Arena runs through 2047, but Leonsis can get out of it in four years if he pays off a bond on the lease that would be about $36 million," Bish said.
"I don't blame either side," EB replied. "I feel sympathy for Ted if he feels like he's got the worst deal in sports, but I also feel bad for DC…the city's got so many issues, and they don't just have $600 million laying around. It's sad because we're going through a crazy time, but it's really revitalized that area, and I'd hate to see it go."
Logistics of getting to Alexandria aside, how big of a disaster do you think it would be? Take a listen above to both EB and Bish's full take on the situation, and their responses to your calls this morning on the potential move!
