National Basketball Association

Maloof rips Sacramento city government

Published Mar. 28, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Sacramento Kings owner Joe Maloof has made his first public comment about his franchise's possible relocation to Anaheim, criticizing a letter sent between the cities' governments.

Maloof spoke briefly Monday night to the Orange County Register after a Sacramento city official wrote to Anaheim's city manager asking Anaheim to stop negotiations with the Kings.

The letter claims the move could irreparably harm Sacramento if the Kings default on a $73 million loan from the city. The letter also asks Anaheim not to authorize $75 million in bonds Tuesday to aid the move.

Maloof told the newspaper he wishes Sacramento and Mayor Kevin Johnson wouldn't interfere in his business, saying the team has never missed a payment on its loan.