Go support the Schonz'

The intersection of sports and politics often occurs in a negative context. When elected officials get in the middle of the problems of professional sports, be it the Major League Baseball steroid hearings to the more recent "Spygate" dust up, it's usually bad news for everyone involved.

But sometimes the power of the bully pulpit is used for good. Case in point: Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard will introduce a resolution urging the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame to honor Bill Schonely with the with the Curt Gowdy Award for his outstanding contribution to the game of basketball as a member of the broadcast media.

From the City of Portland press release:

“Coining the term ‘Rip City’ is certainly something that most people identify with Mr. Schonely,” said Commissioner Randy Leonard, “But my favorite Bill Schonely-ism is when he described a slam dunk as ‘climbing the Golden Staircase.’ The imagery he used and his energy were a big part of truly experiencing a Blazers game.”

You can read Leonard's resolution here. And if you're interested in viewing the proceedings or even testifying on Bill’s behalf, the resolution will take place in the Council chambers on the 2nd floor of City Hall (1221 SW Fourth Ave.). The resolution will be introduced no earlier than 9:45 a.m. The city council session begins at 9:30 a.m.