Cannon Firing Line
At what point do we hear 'U-N-C-L-E"?
By Ellis G. Cannon
PSR Publisher

That's where we are with the Penguins' arena not-so-mini drama that is seemingly on track to finally be played out this month. All parties involved have spoken of this final phase as being of the highest priority, with only a short window of both opportunity and necessity before final resolution. So, after years of haggling, silence and recent elbow exchanges, it would appear we're about finished.

One question that will then arise is whether the relief of finally getting this off the front pages exceeds the actual consummation of a deal.

Make no mistake, as weary as the Penguins are with the entire issue, the general public may be even more wiped out. Expect to hear that once the deal is announced.

Such a reaction is understandable considering the attention the arena issue has received. And that's just for fans. Imagine what it's like to be surrounded by every step of this nearly endless process if you're not a fan. To them, it's been interminable.

Not that how this sector considers the issue should define the merits, or demerits, of whatever is worked out. Let's face it, even if that group soured on this years ago, they'll still be in line to take advantage of a new building - directly or indirectly.

That's been the point all along, of course, or at least it should have been, although the Penguins' approach as the casino announcement was being made in December signaled they were in the arena business for themselves, first and foremost. There was nothing wrong with that from a business perspective. For sure, the Pens needed and wanted a new building and they went about marketing that idea through a simple, and successful public message - we get slots, you get a building.

On the other hand, what happened when that private business message was taken to the public forum and advanced through the media was enough to make those non-cult hockey members among us throw their hands in the air. If nothing else, having a new arena deal announced will have put that, and the accompanying hysteria, in the rear view mirror once and for all. That probably could not come soon enough, regardless of where you stand on the issue.

Who cries "U-N-C-L-E," of course, will probably get as confusing as the twists and turns have been. Both the Penguins and government officials had an enormous amount to lose and yet they had no choice but to get this done. You can expect, as with any good settlement, a lack of total satisfaction for both corners. And they'll be plenty of PR spin out there, too.

Both parties had Achilles heals here, and the other knew it. The Penguins, and Mario, didn't really want to move. Mario isn't Donald Trump. The NHL really didn't want the Penguins to move; the last thing the league needed was anything that would contribute to an international perspective that they don't have their house in order. And the politicos, after distancing themselves from prior regimes' failures to get this done and without any interest of having that happen on their political watches, made it clear from the outset they weren't going to let the Penguins leave.

So how you stand on who cries "U-N-C-L-E" will depend, as Professor Fox said in law school, on where you sit. It all depends on your point of view.

And you should know soon enough.

Ellis Cannon's SportsLine Pittsburgh" airs weeknights, 6-8 p.m., on FM NewsTalk 104.7. Ellis is also a regular contributor on the "#1 Cochran Sports Showdown" aired Sundays at 11:35 on KDKA-TV.