The condition of the Kingdome was another negative factor looming for the owners as they headed toward the late 1980s. The family met for a vote. John and another relative were the only two voting to continue ownership.
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They set the price at $80 million, and bidders flocked, including Bill Cosby and Hollywood types Marvin Davis and Jerry Perenchio (whose Bel Air mansion was used for the external scenes on The Beverly Hillbillies).
“But they all wanted to move the team,” Nordstrom said. “I did not even entertain the guys who wanted to move it.”
When California land developer Ken Behring began sniffing, Nordstrom told him his no-relocation caveat. “He said he was not even thinking about it. OK, then. And, by gosh, he sends a check for $80 million.”
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By 1995, Nordstrom was hearing the rumors that Behring was going to move the team to Southern California.
“So I called him and said I needed to talk to him about the rumors, and he said, OK, I’m in town,” Nordstrom said.
Those still dyspeptic at the memory of Behring will be incensed anew at this Nordstrom recollection that has never appeared in print.
“So, he came over to my house, sat in my living room, and said, ‘I’m not going to move the team, that’s all just rumors.’ OK, I’ll take your word for it,” Nordstrom said. “It turned out, at that very moment, the moving vans were up in Kirkland (at the team headquarters).”
He lied to your face?
“How could that so-and-so say that to me?” Nordstrom said. “I was absolutely furious.”
