The New Jersey Nets are moving to Brooklyn, but Garden State Gov. Chris Christie says he won’t lose any sleep over the NBA franchise’s relocation.
Instead, he may help the team pack.
“I’m not going to the Nets game tonight, and my message to the Nets is goodbye,” Christie said at a Monday press conference, shrugging his shoulders. “You don’t want to stay, we don’t want you. I mean, seriously, I’m not going to be in the business of begging people to stay here.”
The Nets, with a 22-43 record, played their final game in the state of New Jersey Monday evening — a 105-87 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers at the Prudential Center. After 36 years in the Garden State, the franchise’s destination next season is the $1 billion Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Christie’s message to the Nets: Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
“That’s one of the most beautiful arenas in America that they’ve had the chance to play in,” he argued. “It’s in one of the country’s most vibrant cities, and they want to leave here and go to Brooklyn? Good riddance. See ya later.” (RELATED: More on Chris Christie)
Christie said the Nets are leaving behind the infrastructure for NBA franchises that may consider relocating in the future.
“There will be no tears shed on my part tonight,” he said.
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