Jordan Officially Approved as New Owner for Cats [Archive]

spectre

03-18-2010, 10:25 AM

He's certainly saying the right things to try and quiet the most vocal critics.

I look forward to bringing my kids and family here and building a legacy as an owner. He mentions how Carolina is home to him multiple times.

We also have to remember that this group has only been together for a few weeks, and they're learning to play with each other on the fly, in the midst of a playoff push. Continuity is the biggest thing, and I think we'll get that moving forward. I want to do everything I can to keep this franchise going in the right direction.I like that a lot. Since LB we've almost totally remade our roster the first season and now we've made multiple trades this year. If we can re-sign the FAs and keep LB from playing too much we should expect even more success.

bobcats.com: Are you willing to pay the luxury tax in order to add an impact player?

Michael Jordan: Right now, no. I’m not sure we need to take that risk at this time. If we become a perennial playoff team, then it may make sense to exceed the luxury tax, but it will depend on the situation. We’re not going to exceed the luxury tax just for the sake of it. But if there's a player who can make a real difference for us and that puts us into luxury tax territory, then it’s something we might consider.
Great answer. He's not requiring us to be a "contender" as the Chicago Bulls' owners are, but a "perennial playoff team".

Looks to me like we're right at that now. Again though; I do not think we have to actually pay the tax in order to keep our FAs.

Felton for Prez

03-18-2010, 10:34 AM

That would be tonight at 6 EDT.

Anyone going? I'm thinking about it.

BigMike

03-18-2010, 11:28 AM

bobcats.com: are you interested in extending larry brown’s contract?
michael jordan: larry has supported me and i support larry. One of the reasons that larry came here is because of our relationship. I want to keep larry as long as he’ll stay here.

i.l.b.i.t

--

ALong13

03-18-2010, 11:53 AM

http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2010/03/17/20100317_mj_approval.nba/

NBA.com talks about him becoming owner, they believe him calling FA could be a benefit to signing players.

---------

I look forward to the press conference and seeing what he has to say. I also like his answer on the luxary cap, hopefully we can keep Thomas and Felton as I feel we need both guys.

mj4life

03-18-2010, 11:57 AM

I'm liking what i hear from MJ so far. unlike many in the media i do not believe MJ needs to live here full time just be involved in the community. i think you will see Fred Whitfield take on a more visible role with MJ closing the deal and possibly someone like James Worthy coming on board to sell the team to the community

King Taharqa

03-18-2010, 02:50 PM

Nice interview. I trust MJ to make the best decisions for this franchise, and as a diehard fan for the past 6 years, he doesnt have to buy a house in Ballanytne or sit courtside every game for me to believe in this team or what we're trying to accomplish. As long as he takes care of the product on the floor, everything else will come in due time. Notice during these past 8 games the critics are very very quiet. You win, you mute the haters.

mj4life

03-18-2010, 03:07 PM

yeah the critics have started to subside it just amazes me how some people keep coming up with tired and lame excuses as to why they won't support the team or won't go to the arena, just get over it and support anything that brings a positive to the city.

teej

03-18-2010, 05:27 PM

I think NBATV is going to run the Press Conference live too. If you have slow internet, that's probably better. I saw it on the bottom line there, but I'm not positive.

teej

03-18-2010, 05:46 PM

http://www.foxsportscarolinas.com//pages/liveevents_pressconference

It's on, they haven't staarted yet but it's on.

rsxnova

03-18-2010, 06:14 PM

Jordon interview on ESPN now!

ALong13

03-18-2010, 06:27 PM

"I Want to bring entertainment to Chicago...I'm sorry Charlotte...well Chicago too, I want to bring entertainment everywhere..."

Nice coverup...and he just comfirmed, he's not coming back to play...and he also pretty much confirmed that he would be at more practices and helping player with the team. I also like the fact that he wants to be a friend and boss to the players. Keeps them comfortable as well as under control. He also wants to help the team and younger players through advice, practice, or just playing around.

So far so good..

teej

03-18-2010, 06:36 PM

He's either going to really make this team better, or he's got a career in Hollywood, because he sold me.

Great job MJ.

ALong13

03-18-2010, 06:36 PM

They just said Bob Johnson was going to a minority investor still...almost like switching roles. I'm fine with that as long he is not calling the shots anymore. MJ was impressive to me in this press conference. I like that he's being positive about the outlook and plans to have a hands-on approach. He's ready become a face in the community. That speaks volumes after Bob Johnson did little for it.

110oldeast

03-18-2010, 06:48 PM

Folks Bob Johnson runs direct parallel to Sam Vincent in a way that has NOTHING to do with performance or approval rating.

Sam Vincent was a holdover until Jordan and LB could convince LB's wife Shelley to co-sign on him coming to Charlotte to coach.

Bob Johnson and MJ have been together on this thing FROM THE JUMP. BJ was never trying to be with the Cats long-term. He was in a better position to buy the team as MJ prepared himself to be a majority owner.

For this reason, I don't despise BJ as much as many folks do. If he didn't get the team and the Belkin clusterfuck did, there is no MJ ownership now. Now, don't get me wrong, BJ was hoping to get a little change before the transition. But he bought this as a way of holding it for MJ.

And I doubt David Stern is completely in the dark on this either.

spectre

03-18-2010, 07:01 PM

I've always suspected one of Johnson's chief motivations in buying the Bobcats was to get Jordan in business with him.

Agreed 110...Belkin/Bird would have been a nightmare.

polarcat

03-18-2010, 10:02 PM

I didn't see the news conference but just read the summary on the observer's website. I did notice a couple of times in the article that Jordan was open to changing the name away from the Bobcats if enough public support backs it.

http://pushpull.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/arte.jpg

Ezell

03-18-2010, 10:28 PM

Fuck a name change....
"flight" is so so so so lame.
I don't get it.

ALong13

03-18-2010, 10:38 PM

Interesting...in his one-on-one interview posted on bobcats.com he stated:

bobcats.com: Will you be changing the team name?

Michael Jordan: It’s an option we could consider down the road. We’ll evaluate everything, but for now, no.

I don't think he really wants to change it, and I hope they don't...I can't stand the Flight nor the Dragons.

King Taharqa

03-18-2010, 10:39 PM

Fuck a name change....
"flight" is so so so so lame.
I don't get it.

The name change issue is being pressed by the Charlotte Observer, a very racist yet subtle newspaper I might add. They helped spread the urban legend that the team is named after Johnson to rile up people and make them angry. Funny thing is, its kinda worked. Its nothing more than veiled bigotry.

teej

03-18-2010, 10:45 PM

The name change issue is being pressed by the Charlotte Observer, a very racist yet subtle newspaper I might add. They helped spread the urban legend that the team is named after Johnson to rile up people and make them angry. Funny thing is, its kinda worked. Its nothing more than veiled bigotry.

If the team isn't named after Bob, than why did he pick it? The logo ripped off the Grizzlies and T'Wolves, so it's nothing original. It's no better than Flight, Dragons, Cougars, or anything else.

If someone proposed Yankees or Red Sox, or Lakers or Seltics (Purposely misspelled), or Steelers or Redskins today, they'd be laughed at. But these are the top moneymakers. It's all about the team, not the name. If the Flight win three rings, they'll be cooler than the Raptors, Wolves, Grizzlies, Kings, etc. There isn't a perfect name.

King Taharqa

03-18-2010, 10:50 PM

If the team isn't named after Bob, than why did he pick it? The logo ripped off the Grizzlies and T'Wolves, so it's nothing original. It's no better than Flight, Dragons, Cougars, or anything else.

He didnt pick it, the fans did. And even if he did, so what? Does it piss people off that Duke Energy is named after their founder? This is the only scenario Ive ever seen where the founder of a business was scrutinized for possibly naming his business after himself and people holding a grudge about it 6 years later. Gee I wonder why? VEILED BIGOTRY. The Observer has led the charge well.

spectre

03-18-2010, 10:54 PM

Wanting a name change is just more of those butt hurt Charlotteans feeling like they're owed something by the NBA. If they won't come see the team because of the name then they won't come if it's changed.

Agreed King...the Observer is playing Enquirer and has been pushing this. More evidence: notice all those blog posts/articles Bonnell kept pushing about LB looking for other jobs. Did he ever write about what MJ just said...that it was more looking for an alternative option in case Postolos bought the team?

Course not...that headline wouldn't "shock" people into reading their crap.

I learned more info about our actual players listening to the Clips' feed the other night than I usually do from the Observer other than injury info. What fan wouldn't want to hear that story about TT coming into LB's office? Guess it wasn't flashy enough for the haters the Observer is trying to entertain.

King Taharqa

03-18-2010, 11:01 PM

Wanting a name change is just more of those butt hurt Charlotteans feeling like they're owed something by the NBA. If they won't come see the team because of the name then they won't come if it's changed.

Which is so obvious. Hey I think the Panthers mascott Sir Purr sucks, but Im not asking them to makeover their organization before I support them. The people pushing this the hardest are not the die hards, they're the 2010 bandwagoners who are late to the party we've been at the past 6 years.

Agreed King...the Observer is playing Enquirer and has been pushing this. More evidence: notice all those blog posts/articles Bonnell kept pushing about LB looking for other jobs. Did he ever write about what MJ just said...that it was more looking for an alternative option in case Postolos bought the team?

Course not...that headline wouldn't "shock" people into reading their crap.

I learned more info about our actual players listening to the Clips' feed the other night than I usually do from the Observer other than injury info. What fan wouldn't want to hear that story about TT coming into LB's office? Guess it wasn't flashy enough for the haters the Observer is trying to entertain.

The Observer staff still has close ties to Shinn and are major apologists for the Hornets. When I saw Bonnell put in his story last week "Bob Johnson has made us long for Shinn again" I knew what time it was.

SWedd523

03-18-2010, 11:14 PM

Bob Johnson never picked the team name. People submitted their ideas to the Observer (I believe), and they narrowed it down for people in the community to vote on.

teej

03-18-2010, 11:15 PM

He didnt pick it, the fans did. And even if he did, so what? Does it piss people off that Duke Energy is named after their founder? This is the only scenario Ive ever seen where the founder of a business was scrutinized for possibly naming his business after himself and people holding a grudge about it 6 years later. Gee I wonder why? VEILED BIGOTRY. The Observer has led the charge well.

There's a difference between naming Bob's Plumbing after yourself versus a major sports franchise seen by millions of people who are possibly going to buy jerseys, hats, shirts, and other items with your name on it. It's the height of arrogance. It'd be no different if MJ changed the name to the Jumpmen.

I have no beef with the name now that Bob isn't the main owner, I think it should stay, I don't like the Observer, I don't like Bob, and I'm glad that both are losing money.

And did anyone see Bob introduce MJ? God, he was such a prick.

teej

03-18-2010, 11:18 PM

Bob Johnson never picked the team name. People submitted their ideas to the Observer (I believe), and they narrowed it down for people in the community to vote on.

They let people vote, but Bob ultimately picked the name. There's no way they would have let it go to the league office without running it by him. And I highly doubt "Bobcats" beat out "Flight" in a vote in Charlotte based on anything and everything I've read.

Maybe the name "Bobcats" had enough votes for Bob to go on with it...:rolleyes:

King Taharqa

03-18-2010, 11:23 PM

It's the height of arrogance. It'd be no different if MJ changed the name to the Jumpmen.

...Or if William Duke named his energy company after himself, or a University he gave alot of money too? Or Edward Dilworth Latta naming an entire suburb after himself as well as a public park? What about Smokey Bissell naming Ballantyne after his aunt? These are all examples of "arrogance" being displayed locally, without much fanfare or resistance from the locals.

polarcat

03-18-2010, 11:41 PM

I was under the impression that it was a nod to Johnson.... Bob's Cats. I didn't realize the people came up with the name, and voted on it. Johnson was a terrible owner and outside of helping bring basketball to this area, I'm glad he's out. In my opinion (which is all it is on a message board) the name Bobcats is an ego move by Bob Johnson. As for Duke, Ballantyne, etc those are companies not sports teams (I get that sports is a business) and outside of the Browns (which the original Cleveland team was founded a looooong time ago) I don't know of any sports teams named after the owner. At this point, who cares....Bobcats Shmobcats. We are winning and there aren't a whole lot of names out there that make anymore sense than a Bobcat.

teej

03-18-2010, 11:42 PM

...Or if William Duke named his energy company after himself, or a University he gave alot of money too? Or Edward Dilworth Latta naming an entire suburb after himself as well as a public park? What about Smokey Bissell naming Ballantyne after his aunt? These are all examples of "arrogance" being displayed locally, without much fanfare or resistance from the locals.

Actually, Duke Energy is named after James Buchanan Duke, posthumously, it was formerly known as the Southern Power Company when he was alive. Also, Duke University was named after him when he died, it was previously Trinity College. He also sent money to Davidson, Furman, Johnson C. Smith, and mulitple hospitals and churches.

The Latta guy looks like a jerk after reading about him.

I have no problem with naming something after an aunt.

It's naming something after yourself, while alive, that I have a problem with. I wouldn't go out and form the city of TJville, would I? But if I formed Elizabeth City, after my mom, or Thomasville, after my dad, that's doing something to honor my family. Not me.

teej

03-18-2010, 11:48 PM

Johnson was a terrible owner and outside of helping bring basketball to this area, I'm glad he's out. In my opinion (which is all it is on a message board) the name Bobcats is an ego move by Bob Johnson. As for Duke, Ballantyne, etc those are companies not sports teams (I get that sports is a business) and outside of the Browns (which the original Cleveland team was founded a looooong time ago) I don't know of any sports teams named after the owner.

Agreed. Except Paul Brown didn't own the Browns, and objected to them being named after him. The team he owned was the Bengals.

The Cleveland Browns were founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-America_Football_Conference), under businessman Arthur B "Mickey" McBride (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_B._McBride).[4] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Browns#cite_note-returntoglorythestoryoftheclevelandbrowns-3) Not long after gaining the franchise, McBride named Ohio State Buckeyes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohio_State_Buckeyes) coach Paul Brown (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Brown) as vice president, general manager and head coach. The franchise conducted a team naming contest in 1945. The most popular submission was "Browns" in recognition of Paul Brown, already an established and popular figure in Ohio sports. Brown at first objected to the name and the team selected from the contest entries the name "Panthers". However, after an area businessman informed the team that he owned the rights to the name Cleveland Panthers from an earlier failed football team (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Panthers), Brown rescinded his objection and agreed to the use of his name

ND22

03-18-2010, 11:57 PM

This is a big day in Bobcats history, in fact maybe the biggest moment ever for the franchise. MJ sounded so sincere in that press conference, it gave me goosebumps. Congrats to Jordan, and congrats to the franchise. Here's to keep the name, and making the playoffs!

teej

03-19-2010, 12:17 AM

http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/03/18/396103/video-michael-jordans-news-conference.html

It's missing a few minutes but you get most of what MJ had to say.

King Taharqa

03-19-2010, 12:27 AM

Actually, Duke Energy is named after James Buchanan Duke, posthumously, it was formerly known as the Southern Power Company when he was alive. Also, Duke University was named after him when he died, it was previously Trinity College. He also sent money to Davidson, Furman, Johnson C. Smith, and mulitple hospitals and churches.

James B. Duke was alive when the company was renamed Duke Power Company in his honor. He gave money to schools but he also ran businesses that discriminated against blacks and co-sponsored Jim Crow America. Duke had his faults like any man, he is not absolute. He was a rich businessman very much of his time first & foremost, much like Robert L. Johnson.

The Latta guy looks like a jerk after reading about him.

Latta & Charlotte Observer founder DA Tompkins are huge figures in the "segregation" of the city of Charlotte that has shaped this city into what it is today.

I have no problem with naming something after an aunt.

I have no problem with naming something after whatever you want if you put up all the money.

It's naming something after yourself, while alive, that I have a problem with. I wouldn't go out and form the city of TJville, would I? But if I formed Elizabeth City, after my mom, or Thomasville, after my dad, that's doing something to honor my family. Not me.

Thats your opinion, which should be respected.

At the end of the day, our logo is not a headshot of Robert L. Johnson. And Bob Johnson has been a good owner for this franchise. Getting our arena built uptown, getting Mike involved and ultimately in a position to take over, spending money on our guys and FAs. Im very proud of the legacy he has left behind for us of an athletic hard working blue collar team thats involved in the community. You can do alot worse than Bob Johnson as an NBA owner.

King Taharqa

03-19-2010, 12:30 AM

teej

03-19-2010, 12:53 AM

James B. Duke was alive when the company was renamed Duke Power Company in his honor. He gave money to schools but he also ran businesses that discriminated against blacks and co-sponsored Jim Crow America. Duke had his faults like any man, he is not absolute. He was a rich businessman very much of his time first & foremost, much like Robert L. Johnson.

What I read said it became Duke power after the mid-1920's. Duke died in '25. Maybe the info is wrong, but he was either dead or dying when it was renamed. I have no knowledge of his racism, and while condemnable it would be, it's not like it was unheard of at the time.

At the end of the day, our logo is not a headshot of Robert L. Johnson. And Bob Johnson has been a good owner for this franchise. Getting our arena built uptown, getting Mike involved and ultimately in a position to take over, spending money on our guys and FAs. Im very proud of the legacy he has left behind for us of an athletic hard working blue collar team thats involved in the community. You can do alot worse than Bob Johnson as an NBA owner.

What? The team is losing 30 million this year, we have less than 10k (more like 5k) STH's, Bob had nothing to do with the arena being built, that was pre-determined by McCrory and the NBA, and while MJ has been good, it's not like the Bobcats are well-respected in Charlotte. I wouldn't say Bob has even been average. He's spent money, and lots of it, and I thank him for trying, but he had no clue what he was doing and it showed.

You may be able to do a lot worse, but you can sure as hell do a lot better.

King, are you Bob's assistant or something?

King Taharqa

03-19-2010, 01:04 AM

King, are you Bob's assistant or something?

I was going to ask you the same thing. You seem to know his inner most thoughts and intentions.

Michael Jordan did not fall from the sky. Larry Brown did not hire himself. All Star forward Gerald Wallace hasnt been paying his own salary the past 6 years. You cant ignore the fact Bob Johnson has his imprint all over this team. And last I checked, no pro sports team in Mecklenburg County has ever won a title or chip, so you could argue all 3 that have been here dont know what they are doing. I love how Michael today said the ultimate goal is not just to be a "playoff contender" but to WIN. You might not like Bob Johnson, but for some strange reason you passionately love his basketball team. If that aint a great businessman, I dont know what is.

vorbis

03-19-2010, 03:39 AM

anyways, Michael Jordan rocks. He's stepping up and it looks like he's going to be a great face of the franchise and of the city/region. We'll see if the actions match the words.

JamieMcNeill

03-19-2010, 09:01 AM

Michael Jordan did not fall from the sky.

True but how hard is it to think- Hmm I need a hugely famous guy to help me?? Oh maybe the greatest player of all time who IS a North Carolinian AND wants to own a franchise.

Larry Brown did not hire himself.

Yea Jordan did.

All Star forward Gerald Wallace hasnt been paying his own salary the past 6 years.

Yea but having money doesn't mean Johnson did a good idea. There are hundreds of people who could have paid that salary. Doesnt make Johnson special.

You cant ignore the fact Bob Johnson has his imprint all over this team.

Is that supposed to be a good thing?

And last I checked, no pro sports team in Mecklenburg County has ever won a title or chip, so you could argue all 3 that have been here dont know what they are doing.

You could but that would be stupid since people people respected the Hornets and respect the Panthers. They have also both had infinitely more success. Also, Carolina sports are about Carolina, so why limit it to Mecklenburg pro sports? The Canes won the cup. It's not about Carolina. It's about the Bobcats. But heres to some change with the new ownership

Thank you Bob Johnson for bringing basketball back to Charlotte. It's been real. Too bad you treated us like trust fund kids that you could continue to pay for without having to interact with.

King Taharqa

03-19-2010, 10:07 AM

True but how hard is it to think- Hmm I need a hugely famous guy to help me?? Oh maybe the greatest player of all time who IS a North Carolinian AND wants to own a franchise.

Ask George Shinn. Him not being able to get Jordan involved in the Hornets was the final nail in the coffin for them moving from Charlotte. If its so easy, why didnt any other owner bring in MJ to become owner to be?

Yea Jordan did.

Then why did Bob say he hired him in his press conference yesterday? And why has he been paying Larry Brown's salary the past 2 years? Jordan definitely brought Larry in, but had to get Bob's blessing first to make it happen.

Yea but having money doesn't mean Johnson did a good idea. There are hundreds of people who could have paid that salary. Doesnt make Johnson special.

Re-signing your players once they become FA's is not something every NBA owner does. In fact, George Shinn made a habit of not doing it when the Hornets were here. From Zo on down Shinn either ended up trading or letting every significant FA he had walk away. The one he did re-sign, LJ, he ended up trading as well. DO NOT DISCOUNT the fact Bob has this team right on the threshold of the luxury tax and has always demonstrated he will spend money to bring guys in to help us win. Not every NBA owner does that.

Is that supposed to be a good thing?

Explain why its a bad one outside of you personally disliking him? We are in a playoff hunt right now correct?

You could but that would be stupid since people people respected the Hornets and respect the Panthers. They have also both had infinitely more success.

The Panthers have never had back to back winning seasons nor won a Super Bowl. They like the Bobcats are a sub .500 franchise with a 1-15 year in their history. There are just as many people in the city of Charlotte and the state of NC that look at the Panthers as a joke as they are that "respect" them. Trust me, as a die hard fan of them Ive met more than my fair share of people who think they are a crap organization and have clowned me for rooting for them. And "respect" without a ring means nothing. Tell a Saints fan how much that "respect" means right now, so they could laugh at you. The object is to WIN not just "represent the state" you play in well.

Also, Carolina sports are about Carolina, so why limit it to Mecklenburg pro sports? The Canes won the cup. It's not about Carolina. It's about the Bobcats. But heres to some change with the new ownership

Because the team is named "Charlotte". I wont give Charlotte credit for the Canes winning a title, that happened 2 hours away and got very little fanfare here. I remember the same Observer people get their Bob Johnson stories from bashing them and saying the Canes winning the title was unimportant and irrelevant. I disagree and are proud the Canes won a title, but that doesnt have much to do with the city of Charlotte. Should people in Philly celebrate if the Steelers win a title since both are in PA? Should Dolphins fans be happy if the Bucs or Jags win it all since they all are in FLA?

Thank you Bob Johnson for bringing basketball back to Charlotte. It's been real. Too bad you treated us like trust fund kids that you could continue to pay for without having to interact with.

Not every fan needs their pro owner to "coddle" them. Ive never met any sports owner here in Charlotte or felt the need to gaze at them at games I went to, to know they care. The fact that thats the biggest criticism of Bob "he's not at the games, he's not trying to be a Charlottean" speaks volumes. It could be, "he doesnt re-sign his players, he brings in too many players with character issues" like we used to say about Shinn or what people in Indy are saying about Bird right now "he doesnt have a plan, he doesnt know what he's doing".

110oldeast

03-19-2010, 01:21 PM

polarcat

03-21-2010, 04:51 PM

Classy move Bob! So glad you are not the man as the face of this franchise anymore.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/03/21/1327317/ex-bobcats-owner-blasts-charlotte.html

tondi

03-21-2010, 05:12 PM

Bob sounds pretty pissy for a guy who bought the team for somebody else. I guess when his usual business model of "being black" and then demanding handouts from others for being so didn't work in Charlotte, it made him bitter.

Bob should stick to doing nothing other than being black for a living. It seems to be all he is good at.

Ezell

03-22-2010, 02:35 AM

Im suprised he wasen't holding on to the team for Al Sharpton...

teej

03-22-2010, 10:05 AM

Calling King Taharqa, calling King Taharqa...

Your favorite owner just trashed your city...again.

I'm just not buying this whole "he bought it for MJ" crap. He lost his billionaire status over the last year, and while part of that was in his hotels in the Caribbean, losing over $100 million on the Bobcats didn't help.

And being forced by his creditors to sell by the end of February? That's not exactly holding it for MJ...

BRNC

03-22-2010, 11:41 AM

Felton for Prez

03-22-2010, 01:33 PM

Long live the King!

I again will take it a step further for folks on here. Bob Johnson did not buy this team for Bob Johnson. He and Michael have been together on this for the jump. He was in a position to take his OWN money buy it himself as Michael got into position to become an owner. Again, I am willing to bet that David Stern himself was well aware of this when Johnson was awarded the team.

Michael Jordan didn't come rescue us from Bob Johnson. Bob Johnson bought a team that Michael wanted but was not yet ready to be able to take, serving as a catalyst for Michael taking the team.

Does anyone know how much George P was willing to pay for the Bobcats? I am interested b/c I would not be shocked if Jordan couldn't have gotten it at a lower price, but out of fairness to the man who reserved it for him paid 275 million.

And before anyone tries to throw any out of touch with the City my way, I grew up here, went to Hornets games as a kid through adolescence, as my dad and cousin's dad split season tix UNTIL they got pissed at Shinn for not signing back Zo.

Bob Johnson did a good amount of thin[g]s wrong, but he is nowhere near what folks have tried to make him out to be.

A few questions/thoughts:
1. Why couldn't Jordan buy the team originally? Why did Bob have to front him? Its not as if Jordan didn't have the money back then or perhaps MJ made a killing in Vegas over the past few yrs and can now afford it. Your argument doesn't make any sense.
2. I'd bet Postolos bid exactly what Jordan did. What I read was the MJ just had to match the offer (think restrictred FA type arrangement). Given that the team was losing money and the price was below the original value, the other creditors wouldn't give MJ a discount. It simply wouldn't happen.
3. I agree with the bolded part. However, he also didn't do himself any favors. He clearly had (has) a sense of entitlement that has nothing to do with race and everything to do with having things handed to you for several years.
4. His speech over the weekend, while potentially accurate, was nothing more than sour grapes from a beaten man. Rightly or wrongly, he didn't play "the game" the right way, lost money and is bitter about it. That doesn't make him a monster, it just makes him a sore loser.

mj4life

03-22-2010, 07:14 PM

A few questions/thoughts:
1. Why couldn't Jordan buy the team originally? Why did Bob have to front him? Its not as if Jordan didn't have the money back then or perhaps MJ made a killing in Vegas over the past few yrs and can now afford it. Your argument doesn't make any sense.
2. I'd bet Postolos bid exactly what Jordan did. What I read was the MJ just had to match the offer (think restrictred FA type arrangement). Given that the team was losing money and the price was below the original value, the other creditors wouldn't give MJ a discount. It simply wouldn't happen.
3. I agree with the bolded part. However, he also didn't do himself any favors. He clearly had (has) a sense of entitlement that has nothing to do with race and everything to do with having things handed to you for several years.
4. His speech over the weekend, while potentially accurate, was nothing more than sour grapes from a beaten man. Rightly or wrongly, he didn't play "the game" the right way, lost money and is bitter about it. That doesn't make him a monster, it just makes him a sore loser.
5. every town has a way of doing business or a group of influential people or groups. it matters alot when you need them to pay 70 to 100 dollars a game you expect . 6. you put your team on tv where most sports bars can't get them as well as half the city doesn't help. 7. you don't spend much time here and you hire people who don't know the town either BRILLANT.8. you price your product as if you have a championship team 9. the city gives you one of the best arena deals in the nba yet you lose money 10. your to arrogant to think to have grassroots effort with organizations like the ymca and the airport is the largest hub for us airways yet neither was involved with the team until recently and you wonder why the city turned it back on you

JamieMcNeill

03-22-2010, 07:59 PM

King Taharqa

03-23-2010, 08:23 PM

Calling King Taharqa, calling King Taharqa...

Your favorite owner just trashed your city...again.

Bob hit the nail on the head again. This city is "incestuous" it is "arrogant" and it doesnt do enough to support small businesses. You go to other cities like Atlanta, Dallas, DC, New York, LA, you see people from all walks of life being represented in the business community. A city like Charlotte is pretty monolithic, plain jane, and just doesnt have the diversity you would expect a city of its size to have. Transplants who move here from those cities and areas I described speak on the lack of mixed culture and diversity here ALL THE TIME. The newspaper and most people are too lazy and afraid to tackle the issue he spoke on, but he was dead on with what he spoke about.

King Taharqa

03-23-2010, 08:34 PM

MJ and (unfortunately) BJ made ESPN First Cup today...I wish Tom Sorensen had given more space to what MJ had to say rather than dwelling on BJ...oh well...:confused:

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/14441/first-cup-monday-100

Tom Sorenson is a one dimensional "shock writer". All his articles read the same, he's always pissed about something. He's always speaking for the city or for Charlotteans as our self appointed mouthpiece, which is laughable because the "whine & cheese" mentality he walks around with doesnt speak for me or the vast majority of the people here. Most of the things he's mad about, the average joe blow on the street could care less about.

teej

03-23-2010, 11:45 PM

Bob hit the nail on the head again. This city is "incestuous" it is "arrogant" and it doesnt do enough to support small businesses. You go to other cities like Atlanta, Dallas, DC, New York, LA, you see people from all walks of life being represented in the business community. A city like Charlotte is pretty monolithic, plain jane, and just doesnt have the diversity you would expect a city of its size to have. Transplants who move here from those cities and areas I described speak on the lack of mixed culture and diversity here ALL THE TIME. The newspaper and most people are too lazy and afraid to tackle the issue he spoke on, but he was dead on with what he spoke about.

What exactly would you like Charlotte to do?

CNNmoney.com put it as the 8th best city to start a business. Charlotte has a black mayor, Anthony Foxx. I don't really see your point.

And if you look, Charlotte is built on banking, which is a "plain jane" business. Unless you'd like BofA to go away, and pretty much all of Charlotte's money with it, I don't think much will change until a cultural economy springs up. Los Angeles and New York both have huge money in the film and music industries. DC draws in everyone because of politics. Dallas has the third most Fortune 500 company HQs within it's city limits (behind NYC and Houston). 75 percent of Fortune 1000 companies have a major prescence in Atlanta, and it trails only Chicago and Minneapolis for the most metro Fortune 500 company HQ's. Those all bring diversity with them.

Charlotte's just a big "small town" that happens to be NC's biggest state. Raliegh is where the culture's at, if that's what you want.

mj4life

03-24-2010, 12:04 AM

Bob hit the nail on the head again. This city is "incestuous" it is "arrogant" and it doesnt do enough to support small businesses. You go to other cities like Atlanta, Dallas, DC, New York, LA, you see people from all walks of life being represented in the business community. A city like Charlotte is pretty monolithic, plain jane, and just doesnt have the diversity you would expect a city of its size to have. Transplants who move here from those cities and areas I described speak on the lack of mixed culture and diversity here ALL THE TIME. The newspaper and most people are too lazy and afraid to tackle the issue he spoke on, but he was dead on with what he spoke about.
yeah diversity here could be better but name one city where there is not a group of people whom you have to deal with to get things done? as far as incestous, I think dc would qualify more than any city. again bob made poor choices(c-set,news 14,ticket prices)and wants to blame the corporate elite of charlotte .He hires out of town people to run the team and they do little to even try to work with the corporate community. many companies have tried to do things with the bobcats but they up until recently have not wanted to work with them. the ymca and us airways comes to mind, these two should have been first on the list of organizations the cats would want to partner with. one of the best hires made by the cats was Fred Whitfield, he understands the city,has worked to streamline the organization, made the best of the arena naming rights/tv contract, and has added sponsers this team needs to survive and thrive in this city

teej

03-24-2010, 12:14 AM

one of the best hires made by the cats was Fred Whitfield, he understands the city,has worked to streamline the organization, made the best of the arena naming rights/tv contract, and has steadly added sponsers this team needs to survive and thrive in this city

And in a surprising turn of events, that's a Michael Jordan hire! :rolleyes:

BJ hired Tapscott and Bickerstaff, both were as good as gone when MJ came in. Mainly because he saw they weren't helping.

Felton for Prez

03-24-2010, 12:21 AM

Bob hit the nail on the head again. This city is "incestuous" it is "arrogant" and it doesnt do enough to support small businesses. You go to other cities like Atlanta, Dallas, DC, New York, LA, you see people from all walks of life being represented in the business community. A city like Charlotte is pretty monolithic, plain jane, and just doesnt have the diversity you would expect a city of its size to have. Transplants who move here from those cities and areas I described speak on the lack of mixed culture and diversity here ALL THE TIME. The newspaper and most people are too lazy and afraid to tackle the issue he spoke on, but he was dead on with what he spoke about.

Is this something new or something that a business man should research prior to spending $300mm+? This is my big problem with Bob's argument. It's not that I disagree with his gripes it's that he didn't do the due diligence prior to purchasing the team that he needed to do. He expected the city/businesses/etc to embrace him and the team regardless of what he did. That is a poor choice that would have been cured had he done some research. The Monday Morning QBing of this situation is comical to me because nothing has changed since he bought the team. Smart business people would know the environment they are entering. Do you really thing MJ gives a rats ass about how the people in CLT feel about him or the team? Hell no. But he's learned from Bob's mistakes and issued that letter to the city. He's playing the game. Is the ethically right or wrong? Who cares. Its what he need to do to succeed. Good for MJ, shame on Bob for not doing his diligence.

teej

03-24-2010, 12:32 AM

Is this something new or something that a business man should research prior to spending $300mm+? This is my big problem with Bob's argument. It's not that I disagree with his gripes it's that he didn't do the due diligence prior to purchasing the team that he needed to do. He expected the city/businesses/etc to embrace him and the team regardless of what he did. That is a poor choice that would have been cured had he done some research. The Monday Morning QBing of this situation is comical to me because nothing has changed since he bought the team. Smart business people would know the environment they are entering. Do you really thing MJ gives a rats ass about how the people in CLT feel about him or the team? Hell no. But he's learned from Bob's mistakes and issued that letter to the city. He's playing the game. Is the ethically right or wrong? Who cares. Its what he need to do to succeed. Good for MJ, shame on Bob for not doing his diligence.

:yeahthat:

And whether he was accurate or not, the fact that he can't let go shows a lot about his lack of character.

I'm just trying to figure out how the hell he got to be a billionaire in the first place. He doesn't seem like a smart guy. Hopefully the money he's lost here will show him not everything in life is a handout. Even when you're a minority in the entertainment industry. Dumbass.

spectre

03-24-2010, 07:42 AM

King Taharqa

03-24-2010, 10:02 AM

yeah diversity here could be better but name one city where there is not a group of people whom you have to deal with to get things done?

the ymca and us airways comes to mind, these two should have been first on the list of organizations the cats would want to partner with. one of the best hires made by the cats was Fred Whitfield, he understands the city,has worked to streamline the organization, made the best of the arena naming rights/tv contract, and has added sponsers this team needs to survive and thrive in this city

I know Bob's been partnering with the YMCA since 2006 and they list him as a big donor on their website. One of the first moves he made when he came to charlotte was to donate 1 million dollars to a local YMCA in 2004. Of course this move got very little publicity, as most positive things he's done around the city.

mj4life

03-24-2010, 10:05 AM

What's the term even animals understand...don't crap in your food bowl, or something like that? Dude is still a minority owner and his "good friend" MJ has a lot of work cut out for him trying to make this franchise successful.

Totally idiotic to say this regardless of whether it's true or not.
Bob should check himself. A local company here that specializes in helping people roll over 401 k's was bought out by bob shortly after he got here. the person who started the company was forced out by him and most of the employees have been gradually laid off(and yes this was a minority owned business that had several fortune 500 clients)just like the bobcats bob put alot of money but did little to support or nurture it yet he has brass to want call out other people

CatNation

03-24-2010, 10:10 AM

King Taharqa

03-24-2010, 10:16 AM

What exactly would you like Charlotte to do?

CNNmoney.com put it as the 8th best city to start a business. Charlotte has a black mayor, Anthony Foxx. I don't really see your point.

And Mayor Foxx is portrayed locally much like any other upwardly mobile black person here (like Bob, like MJ before Larry came out and lobbied for him) as a potential robber baron who is incompetent, not trustworthy, and is a snake. Wash, rinse, recycle, repeat, its always the same story and that comes from the lack of diversity. People are not used to dealing with and doing business with people from all walks of life. Most major cities that is not the case.

And if you look, Charlotte is built on banking, which is a "plain jane" business. Unless you'd like BofA to go away, and pretty much all of Charlotte's money with it, I don't think much will change until a cultural economy springs up. Los Angeles and New York both have huge money in the film and music industries. DC draws in everyone because of politics. Dallas has the third most Fortune 500 company HQs within it's city limits (behind NYC and Houston). 75 percent of Fortune 1000 companies have a major prescence in Atlanta, and it trails only Chicago and Minneapolis for the most metro Fortune 500 company HQ's. Those all bring diversity with them.

Charlotte's just a big "small town" that happens to be NC's biggest state. Raliegh is where the culture's at, if that's what you want.

Big "small town" with a "small town" mentality that's pretty much what Bob was saying.

mj4life

03-24-2010, 10:23 AM

Having lived there my whole life (21 years), I agree with the people that say Charlotte is culturally impoverished. I'll be looking start a business of my own in the next couple years and I doubt it will be in Charlotte because most of the people here are strongly adverse to change, even if its in their best interests.
I haven't lived in charlotte my whole life, but if you REALLY WANT TO SEE NARROW MINDED CLOSE NIT ADVERSE TO CHANGE TYPE OF COMMUNITY then try doing business in my hometown of high point nc. when i talk about money i mean OLD MONEY, most for years have fought to keep any real progress from happening and only until recently has this started to change after the old guard has started passing. if your not furniture market related or one the other old guard it can be very difficult to try anything new. My wife and I move here many years ago, started our own business and have done pretty good for ourselves.

mj4life

03-24-2010, 10:28 AM

And Mayor Foxx is portrayed locally much like any other upwardly mobile black person here (like Bob, like MJ before Larry came out and lobbied for him) as a potential robber baron who is incompetent, not trustworthy, and is a snake. Wash, rinse, recycle, repeat, its always the same story and that comes from the lack of diversity. People are not used to dealing with and doing business with people from all walks of life. Most major cities that is not the case.

Big "small town" with a "small town" mentality that's pretty much what Bob was saying.
I guess then that sense hollywood only has few movers and shakers that just about everybody has to deal with in that industry,or that the music industry is run by a handful of companies then they must also have a small town mentality also

Felton for Prez

03-24-2010, 10:28 AM

And Mayor Foxx is portrayed locally much like any other upwardly mobile black person here (like Bob, like MJ before Larry came out and lobbied for him) as a potential robber baron who is incompetent, not trustworthy, and is a snake.

That's crap. He's a political figure in a city that is having a massive budget crisis. He's taking the same beatings as other political figures. Look at Congress' approval ratings, they are even worse than peoples' views on Wall St bankers.

If Foxx was being portrayed that way it would've started WAY before the election and if people actually believed it, they wouldn't have voted for him.

You're reaching.

CatNation

03-24-2010, 10:33 AM

I haven't lived in charlotte my whole life, but if you REALLY WANT TO SEE NARROW MINDED CLOSE NIT ADVERSE TO CHANGE TYPE OF COMMUNITY then try doing business in my hometown of high point nc. when i talk about money i mean OLD MONEY, most for years have fought to keep any real progress from happening and only until recently has this started to change after the old guard has started passing. if your not furniture market related or one the other old guard it can be very difficult to try anything new. My wife and I move here many years ago, started our own business and have done pretty good for ourselves.

Well I lied, I've actually lived in quite a few places in NC/SC in my short life, including the Triad area (2 years in Jamestown, probably worse than what you're saying with High Point, lol), couple years in Raleigh, Boone, and Spartanburg SC. Respect to you for being able to survive with a new business in the south because all of it seems the same to me. What kind are you in?

polarcat

03-24-2010, 10:40 AM

having moved down from nyc in the fall of '08, one of my biggest gripes about this city is the fear of change and the lack of culture/diversity, but i knew that when i moved here. bob johnson as someone already posted just has sour grapes. he made many poor decisions that were in the best interest for himself first rather than the city of charlotte and the bobcats community and is pouting that he no longer has his little toy. have fun playing the blame game top bob!

king taharqa, are you bob's attorney or personal assistant?
:biggrin:

mj4life

03-24-2010, 10:43 AM

Well I lied, I've actually lived in quite a few places in NC/SC in my short life, including the Triad area (2 years in Jamestown, probably worse than what you're saying with High Point, lol), couple years in Raleigh, Boone, and Spartanburg SC. Respect to you for being able to survive with a new business in the south because all of it seems the same to me. What kind are you in?
cosmetic sales and equipment. basically we sell supplies to those in the hair industry. my wife is a lic instructor and does cont ed as well

King Taharqa

03-24-2010, 10:45 AM

If Foxx was being portrayed that way it would've started WAY before the election and if people actually believed it, they wouldn't have voted for him.

You're reaching.

Was it not the closest mayor's race in the city's history? Half this city didnt vote for him, and those people didnt dissapear. They're still here bitching and griping about Foxx's "ego" and second guessing every move he makes. Some of the things Ive seen thrown at Mayor Foxx have been downright disgusting and dispicable and makes me ashamed of being from here.

King Taharqa

03-24-2010, 10:54 AM

king taharqa, are you bob's attorney or personal assistant?
:biggrin:

Nah, just someone who doesnt see Bob Johnson as the evil stick figure so many want to potray him as. And someone who lived thru George Shinn, so I know a shitty owner when I see one. And I know a fickle yet arrogant and paranoid sportstown when I see one too, and Charlotte fits the bill. Bob's done alot of good for this franchise and this city and everybody on this board owes him a bit of gratitude for the pro basketball team we patronize. No matter what anybody says he is the founder of the Charlotte Bobcats and brought the NBA back to the city and brought Michael Jordan back to his home state. No one can ever take that away from him or the Bobcats.

mj4life

03-24-2010, 11:07 AM

Nah, just someone who doesnt see Bob Johnson as the evil stick figure so many want to potray him as. And someone who lived thru George Shinn, so I know a shitty owner when I see one. And I know a fickle yet arrogant and paranoid sportstown when I see one too, and Charlotte fits the bill. Bob's done alot of good for this franchise and this city and everybody on this board owes him a bit of gratitude for the pro basketball team we patronize. No matter what anybody says he is the founder of the Charlotte Bobcats and brought the NBA back to the city and brought Michael Jordan back to his home state. No one can ever take that away from him or the Bobcats.
agree with you on the shinn, he turned into prick before it was all said and done(by the way i loved the hornets)and yes the corporate elite here is somewhat arrogant, and yes i'm glad bob stepped up and brought the nba back to the city, i just think he didn't do enough research on this market and underestimated the backlash towards the nba,the arena etc. but since he wants to be a straight shooter he should acknowledge these mistakes along with his commentary on the community. just seem to me that he feels blameless about the state we are in now

polarcat

03-24-2010, 11:18 AM

agree with you on the shinn, he turned into prick before it was all said and done(by the way i loved the hornets)and yes the corporate elite here is somewhat arrogant, and yes i'm glad bob stepped up and brought the nba back to the city, i just think he didn't do enough research on this market and underestimated the backlash towards the nba,the arena etc. but since he wants to be a straight shooter he should acknowledge these mistakes along with his commentary on the community. just seem to me that he feels blameless about the state we are in now

bingo! it was poor business decisions on johnson's behalf that has lead to his undoing, not a minority ownership thing like he is portraying it to be. king's right, 80% of charlotte is a fickle bitch when it comes to sports and is a front runner type of sports town. that's why this board and carolinahuddle are my main resources for sports talk and knowledge....we are fans regardless of winning or losing. funny thing is though, i don't need to pay a research firm 300k to figure this out about charlotte....johnson should've known that walking in. he put a pretty boring losing team on the court for 4 solid years and did terrible in building through the draft and free agency. bickerstaff and the biscuit were train wreck decisions. year 5 was much better and this year is when i think charlotte will finally embrace this franchise. why? because they are winning. i don't doubt that there are inner politics working within the charlotte business community, but johnson is using the minority/race card as a crutch rather than owning up to his poor decisions. c-set - fail. marketing - fail. tv/radio coverage - fail. horse-jumping thing during the playoffs - fail. and the list goes on and on. yes, he did a lot within the community with charities and such so it's not like he's george shinn-esque, but it's pretty lame dropping the black card in a city that has a very positive and large black population. it was awesome that charlotte was able to have the first minority-owned sports franchise and now we have the first former player that owns an nba franchise. mj will hopefully do wonders for this team and community and ensure that espn calls us the bobcats and not the whorenets.

mj4life

03-24-2010, 11:44 AM

part of the hornets appeal was the fact that goining to a game was part of what you did like going to church, the mall ,rotary club lunchens, that is the challenge that the bobcats have to overcome. they have to work on making them apart of the THINGS TODO in this community because most of the people they want to pay lower level prices are not really nba or basketball fans but just want to be apart of the in thing to do(like panthers psl owners)

teej

03-24-2010, 04:38 PM

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/03/24/1332742/rolled-over-the-cost-of-doing.html

Interesting.

Thanks, Bob.

King Taharqa

03-24-2010, 05:17 PM

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/03/24/1332742/rolled-over-the-cost-of-doing.html

Interesting.

Thanks, Bob.

Another bash Bob Johnson article by the Charlotte Observer? Say it aint so! LOL. That makes about 50 they've done now, compared to the 3 they devoted to Shinn the past 10 years. Pretty sad they have to cut off the "comments section" of some articles for fear of n-words and racial slurs being slung around so much. If anyone ever questioned their agenda and who they aim to speak for, it should be clear as day. Studghill is nothing more than a "token" who's editors only call upon him when its time to trash a black business and they dont want to be called racist for it. Ive never seen him write any other articles outside of the 2 he's devoted to Bob Johnson in a span of 2 weeks.

Why wont the Charlotte Observer let an african american writer critique the Carolina Panthers and their ownership group? With the "firesale" they just went thru and the fact their raising ticket prices AGAIN in a non-playoff UNCAPPED year, it shouldnt be hard to do.

teej

03-24-2010, 05:25 PM

Another bash Bob Johnson article by the Charlotte Observer? Say it aint so! LOL. That makes about 50 they've done now, compared to the 3 they devoted to Shinn the past 10 years. Pretty sad they have to cut off the "comments section" of some articles for fear of n-words and racial slurs being slung around so much. If anyone ever questioned their agenda and who they aim to speak for, it should be clear as day. Studghill is nothing more than a "token" who's editors only call upon him when its time to trash a black business and they dont want to be called racist for it. Ive never seen him write any other articles outside of the 2 he's devoted to Bob Johnson in a span of 2 weeks.

Are any of his facts wrong?

Why wont the Charlotte Observer let an african american writer critique the Carolina Panthers and their ownership group? With the "firesale" they just went thru and the fact their raising ticket prices AGAIN in a non-playoff UNCAPPED year, it shouldnt be hard to do.

What good players did they get rid of? Lewis, Kemo, Diggs, Johnson, Hoover, and obviously Jake were over the hill. Pep wasn't worth the money, and they brought back Brayton. Looking at the numbers, it was just smart business and good football decision making - something Fox and Hurney have been good at.

SWedd523

03-24-2010, 05:41 PM

Aren't industries in general difficult to get into? Quality control reasons and all of that jazz. Bob sounds like a bitter guy who wants special privileges because he's a black businessman.

polarcat

03-24-2010, 06:15 PM

why can't the facts and the truths that bj states as well as opinions about bj be looked at without color being involved. when the black part comes into play it looks like nothing more than whining and an easy excuse to drop to win an argument. there is racism all around, but i wish this would be looked at as business rather than culture. as for the panthers, not much of what they've done is bad business, in fact it's good business, not a white ownership bashing. purging a team going into an uncapped year of shit contracts, older players that allow younger players to prove themselves when there's not as much pressure due to an uncapped year sounds like good business, rather than a conspiracy by a city, newspaper and media to bash the black owner yet let the white owner get a free pass.

Zoolander

03-24-2010, 07:02 PM

The unfortunate thing about all this is he's still a part of the franchise. I think he's still involved with the group that owns the 20% that's not Jordan. At this point it would be best for all parties involved if Mr. Johnson and The Bobcats organization cut ties.

Personally, I would love nothing more than to see him out of Charlotte. Just go back to Washington Mr. Johnson. Let that city deal with your unique ass-sets.

King Taharqa

03-24-2010, 08:12 PM

What good players did they get rid of? Lewis, Kemo, Diggs, Johnson, Hoover, and obviously Jake were over the hill. Pep wasn't worth the money, and they brought back Brayton. Looking at the numbers, it was just smart business and good football decision making - something Fox and Hurney have been good at.

Jerry Richardson isnt spending any money in an uncapped year. You call it smart business, let Bob or any other owner pull the same stunt and he would be called a "tightwad". You let go of an all pro DE and dont even attempt to replace him? Why havent they brought in a FA WR? Why is he RAISING TICKET PRICES? This is the same Jerry Richardson who got rid of Bill Polian after he built his team into a playoff team in their 2nd year, only to see him go on to build the Colts into the winningest team of the past decade. The same Jerry Richardson who gave up 2 first round draft picks for Sean Gilbert. LOL. Extending an over the hill Jake Delhomme for 40 mill only to cut him the next year at a 13 mill price tag is good business? The same Jerry Richardson who wont put his team's logo on his field as a show of good faith to his NFL owner buddies that they come before the PSL holders who funded his stadium? I hope Jordan doesnt use the the potential NBA lockout in 2011 as an excuse to get rid of G-Force & Jax and not spend any money next year like JR is doing with his franchise.

King Taharqa

03-24-2010, 08:48 PM

The Panthers are coming off a dissapointing season where they werent able to build off their 12-4 season in 2008. Jake Delhomme was the worst QB in the league after getting a big contract and had to be benched in Week 11. The team was unable to re-sign its best defensive player ever to a long term deal. Ticket prices have gone up 10%, their best player Steve Smith calls the team "an unfinished product". All this in a season where the division doormat the New Orleans Saints have won a Super Bowl, taking some of the luster away from the Panthers Super Bowl run 7 years ago. You would expect the local paper to hold ownership accountable, you would expect them to demand answers and ask why cant an organization thats been in business 15 years string together 2 winning seasons back to back. You would expect them to remind us of the worst contract extension in league history every time they mentioned his or the Panthers name. But you dont get that. You get fluff like this...

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/03/22/1330980/richardsons-stirring-speech-sets.html

A piece that presents a billionaire NFL owner who's overly concerned about money as "honorable" and "passionate". Jerry's not even thinking Super Bowl right now, probably the furthest thing on his mind. He's more worried about his owner buddies not spending any money this year like him to prove a point to the players union. If it means sacrificing 2010, so be it. If it means, putting the NFL brand before the Panthers brand (which he always has done) so be it. Funny thing is, alot of people in town think JR is the prototypical owner and is everything you want in an owner. Put him in a different market like NY or Chicago or DC and he would've been run out of town years ago for his mistakes and frugality.

teej

03-24-2010, 10:15 PM

I'm not quoting anything specifically, but here goes:

In an uncapped year, Mr. Richardson is sending a message to the players as the head of the Owner's commitee that the salaries are coming down. If you look at all of free agency, outside of Peppers, Dansby, etc. almost no players have been given close to fair market value. Every team in the league is doing the same thing the Panthers are, cutting bad contracts and saving money. They're being smart businessmen, because the players as a whole don't understand how rich they really are. As far as his personnel, Polian left for greener pastures and a bigger payday (and respect) in Indy, sort of like Larry Brown. You talk about Gilbert, but you don't talk about the 6th round pick for Chris Harris, the bargain signing of Delhomme in '03, or picking up John Kasay back in '95. Every team makes bad moves and good moves. You're doing the same thing to Mr. Richardson as what analysts do to MJ with AmMo or Kwame Brown. With Peppers, you should have already seen that Richardson offered him the richest defensive player contract ever and Pep declined, so by the end of this season Richardson didn't want him back. And for a guy who admits he takes plays off, I can't blame him.

And since no one else is spending money either, and nearly all of the good players are back, with a good draft, the Panthers are easily playoff material. Don't be so quick to write them off. Or maybe you are to the Panthers what Tom Sorenson is to the 'Cats?

polarcat

03-24-2010, 11:10 PM

King, I feel you on the Jerry Richardson logo thing as well as the Observer not being a remotely decent sports resource in Charlotte. I don't want to gang up on someone, but you're arguing a losing battle (but that's just my opinion on a message board). It's becoming a socioeconomic argument crossed with conspiracy against a minority owner, not because he was not a good owner, but because he is black. That goes on throughout all sports and if the slighting was more evident or perhaps located in a predominantly white area (new england states, midwest), it would carry more merit, but I feel Charlotte has a pretty solid African-American population. It's not Atlanta or DC -deep, but it's very positive and big here in the QC.

teej

03-25-2010, 12:16 AM

Also, one thing I'd like to note. I'm going to preface this by saying I think this is a little of what King is trying to say, but maybe doesn't understand fully? I'm not sure. But I'll do my best.

Since MJ bought the franchise, I've heard nothing but good things locally. He's been praised as the anti-Bob Johnson. Yet, he's just as black as Bob, and is good friends with Bob. So what's the difference? Charlotteans don't like Bob's personality. Bob is a racist, and he thinks that with affirmative action and being an NBA owner he's getting everything for free. BigcatBobcat has noted how he often makes demands of the black community and is very two-faced, mostly politically but in all areas money is involved. He's too arrogant to understand that Charlotte, while maybe in some parts racist, is mostly just looking for a respectable person to follow, and they didn't (and shouldn't) see that in Bob. MJ knows this from growing up here, and he's shown or at least given lip service from the get-go that he actually cares about the individuals supporting the team. Bob probably has no idea how to do that. While the Observer is anything but straightforward, there's no conspiracy to keep Bob from making money. He did that all on his own, by being an asshole. Charlotte likes smart and humble people, neither of which Bob Johnson showed himself to be.