Jazz Fans Find New Arena Name Toxic

Taking a break from his acting duties on the Muppets and Law & Order, Mehmet Okur capped off a so-so performance against the Sonics by hitting the game-winner from three-point land. Okur finished with 12 points and five boards, helping the Jazz right their ship after losing three of their previous four games.

With the 14-4 Jazz once again sporting the best record in the league, you'd think all of the fans in Utah would be ecstatic, right? Not exactly, though for reasons that have absolutely nothing to do with what's going on the court. Earlier this month, team owner Larry Miller re-sold the naming rights to the Delta Center, re-branding it "EnergySolutions Arena." And the most vocal opponents of the new name are motivated by more than just nostalgia.

You see, apparently having an arena named after a toxic waste disposal company is offensive to some residents, at least those worried about the long-term effects of their state turning into a dumping ground for low-level radiation. Opposition has grown in the form of public protests and a petition drive, as well as the creation of the website DontDumpTheJazz.com. As a result, Miller has been backed into full-fledged spin mode:

"There's a lot of stuff on our roads, our highways and our railroads that are more dangerous" than low-level nuclear radiation.
"You wouldn't want to build your house on it, but it's not a real threat to you in the way higher levels of nuclear waste would be," Miller said. "And that's all they intend to deal with."

With reassurances like that, it's shocking (shocking!) that everyone isn't happy. Miller has promised to keep the dialog open on this issue, though it's easy for him to say that considering the check is already cashed.

So what will the fans actually call the place? A reader poll in the Salt Lake Tribune has Radium Stadium, The Tox Box and the Glow Dome out in the front, though my personal favorite is Nukeback Mountain, which works on so many different levels in regards to Miller.