Editorial
Today, we are calling on the National Basketball League, owner Larry Kestelman and the new owner of the now so-called The Hawks to: Put It Back.
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Restore the region's name, Illawarra, back into the name of the Hawks, our one truly national sporting team.
No scratch that. It's not a call, it's an impassioned plea and a call to arms for all Illawarra Hawkheads.
By removing the team's locality you are striking at the heart of our club and are alienating the very fans who have stuck by you even during a period of horrendous team ownership we've seen over the last couple of years.
The Illawarra and our basketball fans have stuck by you through it all and now you want to risk that base support in the hope that your actions will speak louder than words?
It is time to start listening to the people of this region if you want to truly engage with the supporter base you already have and build on that.
The Cairns Taipans, Brisbane Bullets, Sydney Kings, Perth Wildcats, Adelaide 36ers, South East Melbourne Phoenix, Melbourne United and NZ Breakers. And The Hawks? Come on. This region knows exactly what it feels like to lose a team's identity as it did with the Dragons and it hates it.
Hawks supporters have been prepared to accept the loss of some games to Canberra, but to lose its identity is something many will not be prepared to cop. It is simply a bridge too far.
The Illawarra Hawks are a great source of pride to see the name of this region showcased around the country. If you think that will be accepted gladly on the basis we still have a team you are mistaken.
And most alarmingly, it became apparent very quickly this was not a decision of the new owners' choosing. It was done under the direction of the NBL.
So. Today our front page says 'PUT IT BACK' and we will continue our Put It Back campaign until the Illawarra returns to the identity of the Foundation Club. We will shout it from the rooftops and at games, petition and will not relent until our region is returned.
Over to you The Hawks and Mr Kestelman. The ball is in your court.
