Yes, I know I'm acting like a jilted lover. But that's just the way I feel. I've given the Kings my money, my loyalty, and my passion for 25 years. I've squandered my youth on this team And I'm not going to let him -- excuse me, the team, leave me for that tanned young hard body that is Anaheim without a fight.

We don't owe the Maloofs a dignified departure. Remember the other day when fans packed the arena to show their support?  What did the Maloof's do... suited the team up in retro Royals uniforms to test market their new Anaheim persona,  a calculated kick in the teeth that demands a response.

Sacramento should send a message to the grand poobahs of the NBA. Don't go quietly, throw some elbows, kick, scream, bite, jab and yes, hit below the belt if that's what it takes.

To those who are pushing a petition drive to force a vote in Anaheim I say go for it.

To Sen. Darrell Steinberg who's introduced a bill to bar teams from leaving one California city before paying off their loans to another California city, I say go for it.

To Sacramento officials who insist the Maloofs pay off their loans before absconding with their team, I say go for it.

And to the Kings,  those scrappy young players who leave it on the court night after night and, sadly, may play their last game in Sacramento against the Lakers, next week,  I say Beat LA!

Ginger Rutland writes for the Sacramento Bee Opinion pages.