Sources close to the situation anticipate a quick resolution, as to whether Bobcats managing partner Michael Jordan or ex-Houston Rockets president George Postolos will close a deal with majority owner Bob Johnson.
Jordan’s window of first-refusal to buy the team is close to expiration, sources say, and he was still recruiting partners this week to invest $260 million or more to complete a purchase of Charlotte’s NBA franchise.
Jordan has repeatedly declined interview requests on his effort to buy the team. Postolos, who now leads a Houston-based consulting firm, declined comment when reached Wednesday.
Postolos has patiently pursued this team, on behalf of various investors, since at least last spring. In that span, Johnson has placed the team up for sale, briefly pulled it off the market, and then re-engaged the sale process at roughly the start of the new year.
Responding to an Observer question Feb. 13, NBA Commissioner David Stern said he anticipated a Bobcats sale to be completed within 60 days. Any sale to a new owner would have to go through an approval process with the league’s other 29 owners.
Johnson has lost tens of millions on the team since agreeing in 2002 to pay a $300 million expansion fee to the NBA. Most of the team’s net value is still tied up in debt, and the sale price is expected to be considerably less than Johnson’s initial investment – the $300 million to the NBA, plus about $30 million in working capital.
Despite those losses, the Bobcats are paying more than $68 million in player salaries this season, attempting to reach the playoffs for the first time. As recently as last week, the team added about $800,000 to the payroll by trading a future second-round pick to the San Antonio Spurs for center Theo Ratliff.
The Bobcats also made a trade with the Chicago Bulls, exchanging guards Flip Murray and Acie Law for power forward Tyrus Thomas. That deal addressed a weakness – depth at power forward – but it robbed the team of a third point guard and Murray’s scoring off the bench.
One solution to that problem could be signing combo guard Larry Hughes, who was waived late Tuesday by the Sacramento Kings after Hughes negotiated a buyout of his contract.
A source familiar with the situation said Hughes would like to sign with the Bobcats. Hughes played in Philadelphia for Bobcats coach Larry Brown and worked with Bobcats general manager Rod Higgins when Higgins was in management roles in Washington and Golden State.
Higgins and Brown both declined comment on Hughes, who would clear waivers late today.
Signing Hughes to a veteran-minimum contract in time to be playoff-eligible would cost the Bobcats about $240,000 the rest of the season, a number that would still keep them below the threshold to pay the NBA’s luxury tax. Jordan and Higgins have said the team has no intention of being a tax-paying franchise this season.
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On Tuesday, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association tips off its weeklong, 20-game basketball tournament at Time Warner Cable Arena. The event, now in its fifth year in Charlotte and 65th overall, has become a moneymaker for local hotels and restaurants, particularly uptown.
In 2009, the CIAA tourney generated an economic impact of $38.2 million, according to the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. Tourism leaders say the men’s and women’s basketball event is valuable not just because of how much spending it brings, but also for the time when that spending occurs. Late winter is typically a slow time of year for visitors to the area, making the college basketball influx all the more important. Presiding over the tournament and the 11 member schools is Leon Kerry, the CIAA commissioner.
At 61, Kerry has been the face of the Division II conference for the past 20 years. During that time, the CIAA tournament has become one of the most popular in the nation, often eclipsed only by the much larger Atlantic Coast Conference and the Big East. Basketball is just part of the CIAA event, which includes reunions, fashion shows, fan festivals and even a health fair this year. Ticket sales gross nearly $2 million annually. Terms of the contract here call for the CIAA to use the arena rent-free while paying a maintenance fee; anchor tenant the Charlotte Bobcats keep concession revenue. A consortium comprising the city, county and several major companies (Duke Energy, Corp. Bank of America Corp., Wells Fargo & Co.) makes an annual $1 million donation to the conference’s scholarship fund.
A 2010 schedule that features 13 bouts, including seven home dates at the Grady Cole Center, has been announced by the Charlotte Roller Girls. The season runs from February through December and features competition with teams from Philadelphia (PA), Baltimore (MD), Richmond (VA), Roanoke (VA), Virginia Beach, (VA), Athens (GA), Augusta (GA), Columbia (SC), Raleigh and Wilmington. The home season kicks off on March 6.
The Charlotte Roller Girls have two interleague teams, the All-Stars and B Dazzlers. The All-Stars, who have competed in every interleague home bout since 2008, are made up of the league’s most veteran players. The league’s less experienced and developing skaters make up the B Dazzlers. For the first time in league history, the B Dazzlers, will make a home appearance.
“We are super excited to announce our 2010 schedule,” said Charlotte Roller Girls president Emily Kupprion. “It’s jammed with bouts that are sure to thrill both first-time roller derby fans and as well as those who are well versed in the sport. If you have not yet checked out a Charlotte Roller Girls bout, you’re missing out on some of the most exciting sporting events in the city – perhaps on this planet.”
The 2010 season begins on February 21 when the B Dazzlers travel to Augusta to take on the Soul City Sirens. For the second consecutive year, the B Dazzlers will launch the Charlotte Roller Girls season.
On March 6, the Charlotte Roller Girls’ home season kicks off when its All-Stars battle the Raleigh-based Carolina Bootleggers. It marks the first time these two Carolina-based leagues have faced off.
The B Dazzlers will make their home debut on April 10 when they take on the Columbia Quadsquad Miss B-Havers in the first bout of a rare doubleheader event. The second bout of the night will feature the All-Stars and the Virginia Beach-based Dominion Derby Girls.
On May 1, the All-Stars will compete in its third straight home bout when it takes on the Night Terrors, a team with the Baltimore-based Charm City Roller Girls.
The B Dazzlers head back on the road on May 16 when they travel to Roanoke to battle with the Star City Roller Girls.
The All-Stars take on the Richland County Regulators at home on May 23. The Regulators, based in Columbia, competed against the B Dazzlers in 2009 but have yet to face the All-Stars.
On June 12, the All-Stars will host Poe’s Punishers, a team with the Richmond-based River City Rollergirls at home. These two teams last battled in 2009.
The B Dazzlers face the Columbia Quadsquad Miss B-Havers for a second time in 2010 on June 26. This round will take place in Columbia.
On July 10, the All-Stars will take on the Cape Fear Roller Girls of Wilmington at home. These two teams, who have developed a strong yet friendly rivalry, have faced off twice before.
The final home bout of 2010 will take place on August 14 when, for the first time, the All-Stars will battle against the Independence Dolls of the Philadelphia-based Philly Roller Girls.
To close out the season, the All-Stars will make two road trips. On November 6, they will travel to Athens to compete against the Classic City Rollergirls and on December 4, they will head to Richmond to face Poe’s Punishers for a second time.
Tickets for the March 6 home bout featuring the Charlotte Roller Girls All-Stars and the Carolina Bootleggers are on sale now for $10 at here or in person at The Common Market. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $14. The Grady Cole Center is located at 310 N. Kings Drive.
Roller derby experienced a revival in 2001 and has been gathering speed ever since. This new generation of roller derby pays homage to its theatrical roots but is a non scripted, competitive sport which follows the rules and regulations of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA). Modern day roller derby is a fast-paced, hard-hitting sport that focuses on genuine athleticism. Today, more than 400 all-female flat track roller derby leagues are found in cities across the globe.
Organized in 2006, the Charlotte Roller Girls is an all-female flat track roller derby league formed with the purpose of promoting the sport of roller derby and enriching the Charlotte community. It is a not-for-profit organization that donates its time and a portion of bout proceeds to local charitable causes. Its 2010 season runs from February through December.
2010 Charlotte Roller Girls Schedule
(Home Bouts in Bold)
| Feb 21 | CLTRG B Dazzlers vs. Soul City Sirens |
| Mar 6 | Carolina Bootleggers vs. CLTRG All-Stars |
| Apr 10 | Columbia Quadsquad Miss B-Havers vs. CLTRG B Dazzlers |
| Dominion Derby Girls vs. CLTRG All-Stars | |
| May 1 |
Charm City Roller Girls Night Terrors vs. CLTRG All-Stars |
| May 16 | CLTRG B Dazzlers vs. Star City Roller Girls |
| May 23 | Richland County Regulators vs. CLTRG All-Stars |
| Jun 12 | River City Rollergirls vs. CLTRG All-Stars |
| Jun 26 | CLTRG B Dazzlers vs. Columbia Quadsquad Miss B-Havers |
| Jul 10 | Cape Fear Roller Girls vs. CLTRG All-Stars |
| Aug 14 | Philly Roller Girls Independence Dolls vs. CLTRG All-Stars |
| Nov 6 | CLTRG All-Stars vs. Classic City Rollergirls |
| Dec 4 | CLTRG All-Stars vs. River City Rollergirls |
Home bouts held @
Grady Cole Center
310 N. Kings Drive
Charlotte, NC
An advanced football workshop designed for women and men, Football 201 will provide a continuation of topics covered in Football 101 and introduce fans to new subjects – such as basic formations, film breakdown, the salary cap, free agency, scouting and NFL Draft – all taught by Panthers players. Attending a previous Football 101 Workshop is recommended in order to register for Football 201.
The cost of the program is $50 per person or $600 for a reserved table of 10. The event includes a party in the team store, wine and beer reception on the club level, buffet dinner, fashion show, classroom session and gift. Proceeds from the event will benefit Carolina Panthers Charities.
Those wishing to attend can register online instantly using a credit card or can mail a check made payable to Carolina Panthers Charities with a note card containing your name, address, phone number and e-mail address to: Football 201, 800 South Mint Street, Charlotte, NC, 28202. Upon receipt of registration and payment, participants will be mailed a confirmation letter and ticket. Space is limited and available on a first come first serve basis.
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Contact: | Craig Bailey | |
| Sports Media & Events | |||
| 704.552.9405 (office) | |||
| 704.904.8306 (mobile) | |||
| cb@sportsmediaandevents.com |
Charlotte Roller Girls to Hold Free Exhibition at Ayrsley Grand Cinemas 14;
Coincides with Whip It Release
Charlotte, N.C. (September 27, 2009) – On Friday, October 2, the Charlotte Roller Girls will hold a free exhibition bout in front of the Ayrsley Grand Cinemas 14 to celebrate the opening night of Whip It, a roller derby themed movie directed by and staring Drew Barrymore. The exhibition runs from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., weather permitting.
“Our entire organization is a buzz over the release of Whip It,” said Charlotte Roller Girls league president Emily Kupprion. “This movie will bring the sport of roller derby to the forefront and we want to take this opportunity to let the movie goers know that Charlotte has its own roller derby league. Nearly all of our players will be on hand showcasing their skills and the awesomeness of roller derby.”
In addition to the exhibition, Whip It and Charlotte Roller Girls items will be given away, while supplies last.
“Ayrsley Grand Cinema is the only theater in the city that is offering live roller derby action and a great roller derby movie,” added Kupprion. “We don’t have a home bout until December 6 so this is the only chance to see the Charlotte Roller Girls for a while. It’s going to be a fun night for everyone.”
The Ayrsley Grand Cinemas 14 is located at 9110 Kings Parade Boulevard near the South Tryon Street/I-485 interchange. For show times and further information, visit www.ayrsleycinemas.com .
The Charlotte Roller Girls return to action on December 6 at the Grady Cole Center when it holds a special fan appreciation night. Many sports have them. Major League Baseball has the Home Run Derby, NASCAR has the All-Star Race, NHL has the Winter Classic and now the Charlotte Roller Girls have the Battle of the Ages: Cougars vs. Kittens.
All your favorite Charlotte Roller Girls will battle head-to-head in a competition that will seek to answer the question – youth or experience? The nearly 40 players in the league will be split into two teams based upon age. Those aged 34 and under will make up the Kittens while those 35 and older will be the Cougars.
Doors open at 5:15 p.m. with the bout starting at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at www.charlotterollergirls.com or in person at The Common Market. The Grady Cole Center is located at 310 N. Kings Drive. Access to the after party event, held at the Dilworth Neighborhood Grille 911 E. Morehead Street, is included with the purchase of every adult ticket.
Roller derby’s resurgence began in 2001 and has been gathering speed ever since. Modern day roller derby is a fast-paced, hard-hitting sport that focuses on genuine athleticism. This new generation of roller derby pays homage to its theatrical roots but is a non scripted, competitive sport which follows the rules and regulations of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA). Today, more than 250 female flat track roller derby leagues are found in cities across the country.
Organized in 2006, the Charlotte Roller Girls is an all-female flat track roller derby league formed with the purpose of promoting the sport of roller derby and enriching the Charlotte community. It is a not-for-profit organization that donates its time and a portion of bout proceeds to local charitable causes. Its 2009 season runs from February through December.
# # #
For further information on the Charlotte Roller Girls, including the 2009 media guide, visit sportsmediaandevents.com/mediacenter. Photos available upon request.
No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge to Debut Next Season
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. and MOORESVILLE, N.C., Sept. 16 /PRNewswire/ – Discount Tire has reached a multi-year agreement with Penske Racing and driver Brad Keselowski beginning with the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series. Discount Tire will serve as the primary sponsor for at least 26 races in next season’s Nationwide Series on the Penske Racing No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge Charger driven by Brad Keselowski. Earlier this month, Penske Racing announced that Keselowski will join the team and compete in full-season efforts in both the Nationwide and Cup Series, beginning next season.
“We are looking forward to beginning our relationship with the Penske Racing team,” said Bruce T. Halle, founder and chairman of Discount Tire, which has been a sponsor in NASCAR since 2004. “Roger Penske and his team have built a winning tradition. Our goal is to compete for race wins and championships with Penske Racing and we can’t wait to see the first green flag in 2010.”
“I look forward to representing Discount Tire and its over 750 retail locations as the company is a winner in its industry,” said Brad Keselowski. “Like me, Discount Tire was born in Michigan, and that definitely adds special meaning for this new relationship.”
In addition to its Nationwide Series partnership with the team, Discount Tire will also become an associate sponsor on both the No. 12 Penske Dodge driven by Keselowski, as well as the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge driven by Kurt Busch, in the NASCAR Cup Series next season.
“Penske Racing welcomes Discount Tire as a key partner in our NASCAR program,” said Roger Penske. “Brad (Keselowski) is a proven winner and he will be a serious contender for the Nationwide Series championship next season. Discount Tire is a leader in tire retailing and an experienced NASCAR sponsor, and together we have created a powerful lineup for 2010 and beyond.”
Discount Tire will also join the winning Penske Racing IndyCar Series program as an associate sponsor on the team’s Indianapolis 500 entries next season.
About Discount Tire
With more than 750 stores in 22 states, Discount Tire, also known as America’s Tire in Oregon and parts of California, has grown to become the world’s largest independent tire and wheel retailer. The company was founded in 1960 when founder Bruce T. Halle opened the first store on Stadium Boulevard in Ann Arbor, Mich. Discount Tire also sponsors Formula D racing. News, driver appearances, show car schedules and racing schedules can be found at www.discounttiremotorsports.com. For more information about Discount Tire and America’s Tire visit www.discounttire.com.
About Penske Racing
In 2009, Penske Racing competes in the NASCAR Cup Series with former Cup Series champion Kurt Busch and the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge, former three-time IndyCar Series champion Sam Hornish Jr. in the No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge and David Stremme in the No. 12 Penske Dodge. The team also competes in the NASCAR Nationwide Series with Justin Allgaier, the 2008 ARCA RE/MAX Series champion, driving the No. 12 Verizon Wireless Dodge. Brad Keselowski will join the team for the 2010 season, racing in the Cup Series with the No. 12 Penske Dodge, along with the No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge entry in the Nationwide Series. Competing in a variety of disciplines, cars owned and prepared by Penske Racing have produced more than 300 major race wins, over 350 pole positions and 22 national championships. For more information about Penske Racing, please visit www.penskeracing.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS: Joseph Valdez or Lauren Pokras (480) 998-2600 The Lavidge Company jvaldez@lavidge.com or lpokras@lavidge.com
Jonathan Gibson (704) 799-8301 Penske Racing jonathan.gibson@penskeracing.com
Posted September 1st, 2009 by traineral
Charlotte Fitness Professional, Alfred (Trainer Al) Smith connects with NFL Hall of Famer, Joe (Joe D) DeLamielleure and Velocity Sports Performance to create a winning combination. Exciting RUBBERBAND BOOTCAMP revolutionizes the way people look at Weight loss and fitness!
CHARLOTTE, NC SEPTEMBER 01, 2009: The RUBBERBAND BOOT CAMP features “JOE D BANDS”, rubber band like resistance bands created and designed by the NFL hall of famer. Participants are challenged in a variety of creative ways to ensure that there is synergy of cardiovascular, strength, and endurance based exercises to help individuals lose weight, improve health, and maintain flexibility and safety. “You will be melting fat, building muscle, and increasing your energy levels all in one workout!” said Trainer Al, lead instructor of the RUBBERBAND BOOT CAMP.
The use of resistance bands is a not a new phenomenon; however, benefits of using bands are not commonly expressed, and resistance band training has yet to receive its just due as a primary tool for helping individuals attain their weight loss and fitness goals. The portability, convenience, and affordability of the band also makes it a “no excuse” weapon to combat the oft sited reasons for lack of exercise amongst most Americans: (not enough time), (risk of injury) (lack of equipment), and (intimidating exercise programs).
“A band provides strength, cardio, and flexibility; all in one. There is no other exercise product that does that. You can train an elite athlete to an obese kid; all with the same product”, said Joe “Joe D” DeLamielleure.
The RUBBERBAND BOOTCAMP is designed to assist participants with improving every facet of their health by providing the necessary tools needed to overcome the struggles associated with losing weight and maintaining good health and fitness levels:
No more DIETING…the Rubberband Boot Camp fitness program teaches you successful methods to improve your eating. Plus your body will burn fat like a furnace with high octane 700+ calorie scorching “JOE D” Resistance Band workouts
Put Your Fat Hormones to rest! No more storing fat in your stomach, hips and thighs! Stress Busting tactics will help you manage your stress.
Get the added motivation and push you need to help you attain the toned body you’re dying for. Your instructor is ready to help you ”Stretch beyond Limits!”
One of the most important features of the RUBBERBAND BOOT CAMP fitness program is its standard of safety. ”Why do they give you a band when you are rehabbing an injury?” Joe D asks. ”Early on and throughout much of my career, I used towels and ropes for strength and flexibility training. In the early 1990s, I learned about exercise bands while coaching at Liberty University. Soon I had the players I coached using them, and we immediately saw dramatic decreases in down time from injuries. I mean dramatic drops. Our guys stayed healthy”, said Joe D
Although Joe works with a number of teams, “Joe D” bands can be used by anyone for better training and fitness, not just collegiate and pro athletes. And the better the band, the better the benefits, which is why Hall of Fame Fitness, through much research and development, has created superior stretch bands that unlike competitors’ bands, boast smooth edges and contain no latex, which has peeling tendencies. Joe himself says, “Our product is of the highest quality. I know that from trying all of the competition over the last 15 years.”
About Joe DeLamielleure
Joe DeLamielleure was born in 1951 in Detroit, Michigan. He was an All-American at Michigan State, and in 1973, was chosen by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the NFL draft. Right away, Joe played an integral part of the esteemed “Electric Company,” which, doing its offensive line job well, paved the way for O.J. Simpson to rush for 2,003 yards during the 1973 season.
Joe played with the Bills for most of his football career, which lasted through the mid-80s. In 1980, he was traded to the Cleveland Browns, but was back with the Bills in 1985 when he finished his NFL ride. Joe was inducted into the Class of 2003 NFL Hall of Fame, and currently calls Charlotte his home.
Career Highlights:
· Six times Pro Bowl selection (1975-1980)
· Nine times All-Pro selection (1974-1981 and 1983)
· NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
· Pro Football Hall of Fame
-End-
Press Contact:
Alfred (Trainer Al) Smith
10820 Morgan Creek Dr #107
Charlotte, Nc 28273
traineral@therubberbandbootcamp.com
7047126566
http://www.therubberbandbootcamp.com
Continuing facility repairs at the Grady Cole Center has forced the Charlotte Roller Girls to reschedule its final home bout of the 2009 season. The bout, originally scheduled to be held on September 12, has been moved to December 6. Tickets already purchased will be honored on December 6.
“We did everything in our power to hold the last home bout of the year on its original date but too many factors were out of our control,” said Charlotte Roller Girls league president Cress Barnes. “We sincerely apologize to all our fans. To thank everyone for putting up with this inconvenience, we are making December 6 a special fan appreciation night in true roller derby style. This will be a night no one will want to miss.”
Bout details and advance ticket sales information will be announced at a later date. The Grady Cole Center is located at 310 N. Kings Drive.
It’s another exciting season for the Carolina Panthers!