I believe Chris Hansen when he says he's sorry. Why wouldn't I?

I believe Chris Hansen when he says he will try to keep STOP from using signatures he paid $80,000 for in an effort to delay Sacramento's arena project. Why wouldn't I?

I believe Chris Hansen when he says he never meant to poach a team. Why wouldn't I?

I believe Chris Hansen when he says he regretted trying to take the Kings once he realized what incredible support the team has in the community. Why wouldn't I?

I believe Chris Hansen when he wishes Sacramento luck in getting the arena done. Why wouldn't I?

When has Chris Hansen ever shown himself to be anything but honest, principled and completely forthcoming? Why would anyone ever think Chris Hansen was lying to make himself look better? When has he ever done that? Why would anyone think this is all just the necessary steps toward image rehabilitation while deep down he really wants to stick Sacramento in the eye again? Why would anyone not trust Chris Hansen to do the right thing and burn those signatures? Has he ever done anything to show himself a calculating, dirty player in this game? Has he ever gone beyond the pale to force relocation? Has he ever tried to leverage legal means behind the scenes while saying something totally different in public? Has he ever lied you?

Oh. Wait —

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Hansen or his lawyers apparently have the signatures. I, for one, will believe he is a changed man if he delivers the petitions he paid for to DowntownArena.org, not STOP. Then the DowntownArena.org folks can hold a recorded ritual burning so that all Sacramentans can enjoy the sight of $80,000 of Chris Hansen's money getting set on fire.

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