He did. Although we were pretty focused on the work in those days, Paul maintained his curiosity in other subjects. And after he left the company, he began to explore those interests in a way that only Paul could. One time we were watching a Seattle SuperSonics basketball game together. Paul turned to me and asked if I thought someone could just buy a team. I thought he was joking! Nobody who went to school with us would ever pegged Paul as a future sports owner. But in 1988, he purchased the Portland Trailblazers. And then the Seattle Seahawks a few years later.
Yes but they followed it with Seahawks- But in 1988, he purchased the Portland Trailblazers. And then the Seattle Seahawks a few years later. The Seahawks proved to be a valuable asset down the line, but that’s not why he bought the team. The owner at the time had announced the Seahawks were moving to Southern California. The city was devastated. Local officials approached Paul. They knew he was the only sports-minded person in town who could afford to keep them in town. Paul wasn’t a big football fan at the time. Plus, the team was pretty bad. But he wanted to help Seattle—so he took a risk and became the Seahawks new owner. Clearly, it paid off.
You were also very quick on your response. I went back and read what i wrote and changed the wording to "As Much". Sorry i will do better next time Big Dawg.
Bill Gates thoughts are an excellent tribute to the lasting achievements of Paul Allen, and appropriately emphasize the importance that the Allen Institute is likely to have on science! Thanks Sly for posting this!
FWIW.....semi-related... https://au.news.yahoo.com/ken-behri...-and-philanthropist-dies-at-91-195916141.html