Support in Charlotte

[Grandmama]

I read this article http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_23050.shtml stating that it is time for Charlotte to embrace the Bobcats and it got me thinking. Obviously it goes with out saying that all the members of this message board community, like and support the Bobcats and more likely than not would not waver in support regardless of the situation, but I wonder if this will be the year that the city of Charlotte as a whole really embraces the team.

What is it going to take for Charlotte to re-embrace the NBA and why do you think it is such an afterthought. I remember when the Hornets ticket was the hottest ticket in town.

I know the obvious reasons 1) Shinn and the Hornets depature soured everyone on the NBA; but he's been gone a long time, people can't hold a grudge against the new organization based on the old one can they? 2) No one wanted the arena and it was shoved down the city's throat; but that too has been here for a while, also it wasn't really as big a tax issue as people made it out to be, and shit its pro basketball, thats a good thing 3) the NBA is a league of prima donnas and thugs that middle class america can't relate with; however, i think the Cats are one of the few teams in the league where the players play hard every night and don't do stupid shit off the court (except May's nightly drunk-dancing on his rehabbing knees) so i dont think that generalization applies to our specific team.

I really don't think those three apply. So the only things I can give credence to is 1) ticket prices are still to high 2) the team hasn't been very good, which we all think is going to change and 3) the most problematic: the white majority in charlotte has a subconcious/concious disdain for Bob Johnson/Michael Jordon and their majority black run organization (I ws going to run the carpetbagging angle but since half of Charlotte is transplants i really don't think it applies).

I hope the third is not an issue and even if it was i think it could be masked by the rectification of the first 2, but i think the fact that the prices/poor performance give people the excuse which is exacerbated by the racial issue.

I don't know I didn't intend to spring a indepth sociology examination of Charlotte so early in the morning but there is nothing I hate more than the scores of people in this city that seem to hate the Cats for no resaon (first 3).

Also I was just curious to see everyone elses take too.

Not mentioned but also dumb: North Carolina is a college basketball area, dumb for obvious reasons... they are not mutually exclusive.


Sorry for the long winded post, especially if it is something that has been discussed in the past, i was just curious to get other people's thoughts on this.

[Muttley]

I get the sense that people have a short memory. My impression is that the general population has forgotten just how popular the Hornets were, and so now have the sentiment that "Professional basketball will never make it in NC." (Which, for the reasons Grandmama expressed, is absurd.)
So, people begin hearing that an NBA team will not work in Charlotte. Most people believe everything they hear and then repeat it at the water cooler. In the same line of thought, in the absence of the Hornets, a growing mentality has emerged that the NBA is nothing but a bunch of Prima-Donnas, Thugs and Hoodlums, where players don't even try, don't play defense and games boil down to shoot-outs. Combine these two mentalities and you have a situation where people write off the NBA before it even comes to town.
Furthermore, when the Bobcats do show-up, and being an expansion team, don't have a winning record, people feel they can pat themselves on the back that they were right without even watching a game.
On top of that, our own media outlets are not supportive at all.
It's a cycle of "I shouldn't care because no one cares." People look for excuses not support the team, because they view it as the trendy thing to do.
However, as anyone on this board can attest, all of these reasons Grandmama and I have listed are unfounded. People who watch the 'cats play are drawn in as fans. It's contagious. Simply by continuing to be fans, we will help the fan-base grow, when people realize that their reasons for being actively non-supportive are, well, stupid.

Sorry if this is a little preachy, but I've been in too many situations where people see my Bobcats hat and either say, "Is that a Thundercats hat?" or "The Bobcats? What makes you like the Bobcats?" in a snide way. I really think it's just a trend, and trends die. Charlotte will be a true NBA city again, especially after we start kicking tail this season.

While I'm here, I'd like to thank the creators of this board. It was a relief for me to know that there are quite a few fans out there all over the globe. (And they're not all just UNC fans, either. Another stereotype of Bobcats fans.)

[civileng68]

Well, I've had this debate with MANY of my friends and my father.

I'm originally from Charlotte and now live in SW Florida. I'm still a HUGE Panthers and Bobcats fan. I'm dedicated by getting the NBA TV package and watching each game. I come to Charlotte to see at least one or two games per year and go to see them when they come to Miami.

That being said..............here's my thoughts:

The Shinn thing can no longer apply. It's clear that this team is not the Hornets and the owners are not the same.

As much as I've defended that it isnt (and I wish it wasnt), Charlotte is a fair-weather city. Banwagon fans. I know I know, it's not what you want to hear, and I've actually argued against that out of sheer pride. I hate admitting it because I'M NOT a fairweather fan, BUT overall in the city, people are.

Proof is seeing a rainy game for the Panthers and the stadium is only 50% full.

I think a MAJOR factor is that Charlotte is a transient city. MANY people who live in the area are not from Charlotte. If you go to Pittsburgh, where fans are ravenous, those fans grew up on the Steelers. In Charlotte, fans grew up on the Giants, Steelers, Eagles, Jets, and Browns. Those fans go to games when the weather is good and when the team is very good. However, when the team is NOT good, they sit home and see what their team from childhood is doing. Basically many fans are dual fans, and the Panthers are secondary to their childhood team.

Secondly on that note, before the Panthers, many people in the Charlotte area were Redskins fans. Today many still are and the Panthers are secondary or almost even in the dual-fan position.

Many people slam Charlotte for this but it's really not fair. Miami is the same way. I think most people in Miami are from New York or Boston. When the Jets come to town against the Dolphins, the stadium is about 50% Jets fans and fights are everywhere.

I went to the 2003 World Series with the Marlins vs. Yankees. I'd say 50% of the fans there were Yankees fans, and I'd bet that most of them lived in the Miami area.

So basically I think Charlotte being such a transient city is part of the problem. The fans support them when they're really good but suppor their other teams when they're not. Right now, nobody is taking the Bobcats seriously because of the expectations. Sure they may make the playoffs this year but only true fans care about that. The "bandwagon fans" only care if they have a shot to win it all, thus the fans are not truly supporting the team.

Overall I think the problem is the Bobcats lack TRUE fans and instead have lots of fair-weather fans.

CHarlotte fans love BIG NAMES, so I think the ownership needs to do something to get a big name in there, even if a veteran. Example: 2 years ago I went to see the Bulls @ Bobcats and the place was only about 50% full. This pastyear I saw the Lakers @ Bobcats and the place was PACKED (Sell-Out) to see Kobe.

[civileng68]

I get the sense that people have a short memory. My impression is that the general population has forgotten just how popular the Hornets were, and so now have the sentiment that "Professional basketball will never make it in NC." (Which, for the reasons Grandmama expressed, is absurd.)
So, people begin hearing that an NBA team will not work in Charlotte. Most people believe everything they hear and then repeat it at the water cooler. In the same line of thought, in the absence of the Hornets, a growing mentality has emerged that the NBA is nothing but a bunch of Prima-Donnas, Thugs and Hoodlums, where players don't even try, don't play defense and games boil down to shoot-outs. Combine these two mentalities and you have a situation where people write off the NBA before it even comes to town.
Furthermore, when the Bobcats do show-up, and being an expansion team, don't have a winning record, people feel they can pat themselves on the back that they were right without even watching a game.
On top of that, our own media outlets are not supportive at all.
It's a cycle of "I shouldn't care because no one cares." People look for excuses not support the team, because they view it as the trendy thing to do.
However, as anyone on this board can attest, all of these reasons Grandmama and I have listed are unfounded. People who watch the 'cats play are drawn in as fans. It's contagious. Simply by continuing to be fans, we will help the fan-base grow, when people realize that their reasons for being actively non-supportive are, well, stupid.

Sorry if this is a little preachy, but I've been in too many situations where people see my Bobcats hat and either say, "Is that a Thundercats hat?" or "The Bobcats? What makes you like the Bobcats?" in a snide way. I really think it's just a trend, and trends die. Charlotte will be a true NBA city again, especially after we start kicking tail this season.

While I'm here, I'd like to thank the creators of this board. It was a relief for me to know that there are quite a few fans out there all over the globe. (And they're not all just UNC fans, either. Another stereotype of Bobcats fans.)



I agree, except I believe part of that was due to the NBA being new to Charlotte as well. The NBA is not new to Charlotte now and now people just want to win. Remember that back when the Hornets first started, there was no NFL team either. This was the first true major sports franchise in Charlotte. Today, it's not as exciting. Back then, fans went just to get in the experience, and really didnt care if the team lost. Today, fans want a winner.

One thing is for sure, Bob Johnson is going to HAVE to be willing to spend some money if he wants to bring fans in. I think he's trying to say he wants to see the fans before he spends money but, it doesnt work like that, and I've read that Jordan has preached to him to spend first and the fans will then come. I think he's starting to do that. I think they surpassed a major milestone in resigning Gerald Wallace. Remember the Hornets first EVER resigning of a free agent was Jamaal Mashburn.

I think the NBA does have a bad reputation but I dont think that really hurts the Bobcats considering how classy their team is.

[Mustachio]

simpliest answer is winning.

like brandon said, the newness wore off... and the darling Panthers made it to the superbowl. which now means the city wants a winner.

theres a lot of things wrong with the sports scene in Charlotte... lazy fans, college fans, transplated fans...

But i try to just ignore it, be a real fan... love and support the team and hopefully the rest of the city sees what we do and follows suit once the team wins.

[walkerl]

The reason that "some" fans in Charlotte don't like the Bobcats is because the owner is black. If you every read the Charlotte Observer, a lot of the posters call the team the blackcats, and complain that most of the Executives for the bobcats are black, They even call Bob Johnson Racist. which is amazing, considering how little diversity there is in the various financial companies in Charlotte. It's sad. but it's true

[dav7z]

Im local and i hear the reasons .
1 . Being black has NOTHING to do with it . Jordan has helped but it does piss some people off me being one to pay my good money and never see his face . He needs to be seen MORE, and embrace Charlotte . Let us know hes not better than us.
2. SHINN is still in a lot of peoples minds . Including me Ziggy and others even though we dont realize it . We have been waiting to see if Bob really wants to win by spending money. Hes proved that this off season, See i still see Shin as a big crook and people in Charlotte is NOT going to pay money to get shafted again. So The team has to prove its self which it has done so far . I look to see the fans build daily now.
3. Local media has been very slow to give us any cradit at all in fear of offending the people whos against the arena and Shinn.That pisses me off . But after EVER Bobcat right up all you ever read about the ariical is how much the arena cost the city and how big of a crook Shinn is.People want let it go.
4. Winning as the answer . Things are turning i see it more each day.

[Edrow]

This is a really cool subject, and it's probably one of the easiest to debate because there are so many different theories and answers as to why the support isn't there yet.

So, in addition to what everybody else has said (With exception to one or two of the theories mentioned previously), I think that the team isn't marketed that well.

It just seems like the marketing for the Bobcats is on the same level as a minor league team or something of that nature.

I fully understand that they are trying, and I'm not a marketing expert by any means, but when you have a professional sports team in your city, you should see said team's merchandise, paraphernalia, and other trinkets all over the place.

I've hardly seen any Bobcats presence around the area. Even if you go to a local Champs sports store, they are very limited in their Bobcats merchandise.

I don't think that the product is being pushed hard enough, and it's a shame because the Charlotte Bobcats are a great product.

Again, I'm not intentionally trying to dog the Bobcats' marketing department. It's easy to be the Monday Morning Quarterback. It's just what I've noticed I guess.

-Edrow

[Grandmama]

Great point Edrow, I think the marketing is huge aspect of this (ticket prices included), especially the TV deal. They have botched the visability of the team from the start, and still apparently do so outside the Charlotte market.

C-Set blew goats and even now you have to flip through 2-3 channels to see if you can find the game.

Wasn't this one of marketing and entertainment supposed to be Bob's strength.

I think they blew the oppertunity of creating a buzz in the lame duck season in the old arena. They should have been giving those tickets away to generate a following. However when you win 18 (22?) games in a season and then you jack up prices 50-100% come on thats going to turn off the casual fan.

I don't think the racial issue can be dismissed so flippantly, but it may be more of a racial issue to the NBA-casual fan rather than towards this singular organization. Nevertheless, as walkerl stated if you read the comments to observer stories, a lot of them are extremely embarassing. Who knows?

[new2bobs]

As a Cavs fan, I know about your team not being supported, EVEN IF they're winning.

Really though, I think the NBA as a whole has lost a lot of support in the last decade. People feel like it's moved away from being about the game and the guys are only interested now in endorsements and being celebrities. Maybe some of that is true. And some cities are just underrated, no matter what they do. Even though Cleveland has started winning, they get NO respect from the media. And in some cities, where the focus is more on football, or more on a college sport, the NBA team falls into the background. And, arguably, the Bobs don't have that "superstar" like LBJ or Kobe or Duncan etc etc etc. If someone huge came to the team, you'd be noticed a little bit more, but it takes time to build teams to that level, and while one team gets better, another team goes to the toilet. Chicago is building up, the Celtics are building up, the Pistons are falling, etc.

But now that I'M in the area, don't worry, the national recognition and local support will follow. I'm just that influential. :wink: (I joke)

[dav7z]

I hear ya , you might just be the offical; Bobcats lucky charm. Welcome to the board.

[new2bobs]

I hear ya , you might just be the offical; Bobcats lucky charm. Welcome to the board.


Awesome! That's my new title. I hope it's true and I can put the Bobs on the map... Do you all call them the Bobs or will I be alone in that?

[dvdbumpus]

The reason that "some" fans in Charlotte don't like the Bobcats is because the owner is black. If you every read the Charlotte Observer, a lot of the posters call the team the blackcats, and complain that most of the Executives for the bobcats are black, They even call Bob Johnson Racist. which is amazing, considering how little diversity there is in the various financial companies in Charlotte. It's sad. but it's true


Ultra White guys on the team:
Adam
Walter
Matt
Primoz

Those guys that call him racist for various reasons, especially the "he started BET, blah blah blah" are just uneducated morons.

[dav7z]

Bumpus i live 15mins away .,and i go to ever game im physicaly able to go to . I get the Charlotte and the Gastonia news papers. Ive talked to a lot of locals about the Bobcats at and away from the arena. And i have never read or even heard the Bobcats called the BLACKCATS befor what you just wrote. People in this area love Jordan and say hes the best of all time. I have read and heard Bob was cheap. But i think the adding of J-Rich has settled that.
Put the blame where it should go
1. The arena . Shinn taste in out mouth .
2. Media because of the arena and Shinn.
3. I will agree it has been a lot of marketing mistakes.
4. Jordan should make himself seen more . Ive heard thet at least 25 times last year at the games .People get tired of hearing ever game Jeff Gordon is on the frunt row hell it would be nice to anounce Jordan is in the house.
People around hear dont talk that junk where do you hear it. And ever croud thet ive ever seen at the arena is at least 50 percent white and i have NEVER seen a problem thet was racial at any game.

[Dunk]

I think there are a couple points made that I agree with.

1) There are a lot of transplants in the city. I'm one. I grew up in MA and still have loyalty to the Sox and Pats. I'll see the Panthers -- if they're playing the Patriots. I didn't have a lot of love for the C's so I decided to check out a few 'cats games and had a good time and I want to keep watching the team. That may be more the exception than the rule.

2) Lack of TV coverage. Bobcats games are not on that much. Plus, they are not on in HD. That needs to change.

3) They haven't been winning. Once they make it to the playoffs things will pick up. There are a bunch of fair weather fans in Charlotte, though. Watch any Red Sox game or Steelers/Bills or whatever. No matter if it's snowing or raining or what, the place is packed. Definitely not true for this place.


I've read stuff about racism and people boycotting the arena because of how it was paid for....I don't buy it. I think there are a few anonymously vocal people that shoot there mouths off on the Internet but that's about it.

[civileng68]

Good points Dunk, including your stance on my position about the transplants in the city.

I guess I have another question...............how do the sports talk stations build hype for the team?

Example: down here in this area, (SW Fla) the Heat are the rave of the talk radio. Regardless if they win or lose, whether the sports guys love them or tear them, down, they and the Dolphins are MAJOR talk in this area.

Whenever I"m up there, listening to WFNZ, I hear very little support and time given to the Bobcats.

[ziggy]

Good points Dunk, including your stance on my position about the transplants in the city.

I guess I have another question...............how do the sports talk stations build hype for the team?

Example: down here in this area, (SW Fla) the Heat are the rave of the talk radio. Regardless if they win or lose, whether the sports guys love them or tear them, down, they and the Dolphins are MAJOR talk in this area.

Whenever I"m up there, listening to WFNZ, I hear very little support and time given to the Bobcats.


On WFNZ there is next to no talk about the Bobcats, for the most part its Panthers, Nascar and College Football. Barely a mention of our Bobcats.
Hopefully that'll change when we start getting some wins this season.

[Keetch]

This may sound naive, but I think on a sports fan level, the operative words are "trust" and "hope".

George Shinn utterly destroyed both for the NBA in Charlotte. He took a town in absolute love for its team and just CRAPPED on it. Just flipped us off.

I will never forget Zo leaving, Larry Johnson traded. Was Bogues just cut? That I forget :P. I remember the signing of Anthony Mason and Derrick Coleman though (oh my god..the horrible horrible pain).

You don't restore trust and hope that easily. It will take time, and yup a few wins.

I remember..I remember the Hornets kicking the Heat hard in the opening round of the playoffs, late late in the process of leaving Charlotte. Even so, the coliseum was full to the gills and rocking out.

Suckers. Soon after the Charlotte Hornets were history. I STILL find it hard to believe. Maybe that's why so many people mistakenly call the Bobcats the Hornets, because the Hornets were Charlotte and vice-versa.

It just takes time. A few wins, a few trades, a marketable reputation will emerge. The Bobcats are well on their way to making it a positive one.

[Mustachio]

like keetch said.

i think a big part of rebuilding the city of Charlottes NBA love affair is proving to the fans that you will step up and resign the players you have and go get the players you need.

George Shinn was a douchebag who went an sold players before their peak trying to get max return on his money. in the normal business world thats great, but when your money comes from keeping fans happy... the bottom line isnt always the most important thing.

So the fact that Bob and Co. have resigned, Crash, and signed J-rich and are working on signing Mek... will go along way in rebuilding that trust.

[dav7z]

Must i agree with you its a trust thing. So far we have made all the right moves. Except the Jordan thing i cant seem to understand. This will be a lot better year fan wize than the bobcats have had so far. I would give any thing for us to get back the attitude the fans had during all the years we led the NBA IN ATENDANCE it was wild then.

[walkerl]

People around hear dont talk that junk where do you hear it. And ever croud thet ive ever seen at the arena is at least 50 percent white and i have NEVER seen a problem thet was racial at any game.


Here are some quotes from the Charlotte Observer
"Does it mean I am racist just because I only hire black people, and invest in black businesses, and make black movies, and black videos. Don't forget I am a rich black man who can be one if I want." ....

"I understand why Bob Johnson has fired all the white men. He wants all of the white women to himself. This explains a lot. He is only racist toward white men not white tail.
No wonder he needed us taxpayers to build him a business location (unnamed arena).

I think David Stern should be fired as NBA commissioner for pushing this arrogant, racist, and adulterous person on us"....

"Here is an idea. Maybe Bob Johnson can start paying the black refs under the table and buy a few wins next year. I say black refs because he's a racist and doesn't want anything to do with white people,"

it goes on and on.....

[dav7z]

1. You must not go to the Games
2. Do you think thet i or any one else on this board actually think the Charlotte Observer printed that junk[ They could be sewed for that]
3. I will agree this world is full of stupid people and it may be a very small few dumbasses some where talking that kind of junk.
4. But lets not make this a racial thing which in no way shape or form it is.We as city has grown beyond that with ony a few stupid people thet feeds on stupity.

[walkerl]

1. You must not go to the Games
2. Do you think thet i or any one else on this board actually think the Charlotte Observer printed that junk[ They could be sewed for that]
3. I will agree this world is full of stupid people and it may be a very small few dumbasses some where talking that kind of junk.
4. But lets not make this a racial thing which in no way shape or form it is.We as city has grown beyond that with ony a few stupid people thet feeds on stupity.


Dav7z you must not read the Charlotte Observer. Because it seems that you believe that I am making this up, I will post the links, so that you will not have to search. And its not illegal to make those comments. The 1st amendment protects that. I have attended games, and watch them as well. And I'm not trying to make this a racial thing. The subject is "Why the lack of support in Charlotte." It is not a reflection of the people on this board or those who support the Bobcats. And it's naive to think that racism has ZERO to do with the support of the Bobcats in Charlotte.

Links:
http://blogs.charlotte.com/inside_the_nba/2007/08/knight-not-hurt.html
http://blogs.charlotte.com/inside_the_nba/2007/07/garnett-to-bost.html
just read through the blogs.

[ziggy]

Wow... :o Theres a lot of hate over there on those Observer blog comments. Its hard to believe that they don't have somebody moderate that.

I wonder if those are people that legitimately feel that way, or if they are people that are just trying to cause trouble because they are still bitter over the arena being built?

[walkerl]

I agree Ziggy, I wish they would move on, and support this team. Honestly, I was about done with the NBA, until I started watching the Bobcats. No, they didn't win a lot of games, but they tried hard every night, and I appreciated that. This team is full of good guys, The are never in the news for strip club shootings, dog fighting, DUI, or other craziness. And if you think about it, This is a very diverse team, There is a player for everyone to relate to.

[dav7z]

You right about the blog coments. That stuff dont get printed in the news paper though . What that is ,It's internet blogs after a artical of Rick Bonnell.Damn It dont even take a regerration to post on it. No wander ever fool in the area post on it. Walker you right about seeing the fools, Its a good thing that crap dont show up in the Charlotte Oversever. More than likely none of those have much intrest in basketball at all. Except the ones defending the team.

The lenth of those blogs by themself shows its a hudge instrest in the Bobcats. It kinda shows thet the marketing and lack of positive local media is a hudge problem in Charlotte.

[Grandmama]

Re: Charlotte Media

The media coverage is a joke. The Observer is a joke in itself for the most part. Their sports section has always been piss poor and Bush League, and especially so outside of NASCAR and the Panthers (F-ing Jake Dellhome). Bonnell is the only beat writer and he writes a story once in a blue moon and seems to be distant with the new organization. You wonder why all the links for news are from outside (Charlotte Metro) sources. The Page and Mac (local radio) are a better, especially Mac seems to try and rouse intrest, but both are better than Pack-Man who just doesn't like basketball or at least that is the persona he has created for the radio.

As for the internet comments, regardless of what they are they exsist and that within itself is disturbing. Also I have heard several calls to the WFNZ with people who are not outright racist in their disdain towards the Cats but nevertheless it comes through as some type of deep seated hatred that i don't think can be simply assigned to the previous regeim's fuckheadedness.

As I stated before I hope that race is not the base issue, however in the intrest of exploring all possible avenues of potential resentment the issue must be brought up. Just trying to do a throurough job playing devil's advocate.

In the end I am with everyone else, competence of the front office and winning will no doubt cure the illness of apathy in the Charlotte community, just make sure you have your ticket this year, b/c in this fair weather town (with large amounts of disposable income to go around) they will be hard to come by down the road.

[Keetch]

Two words....Racist Trolls.

There has been for some time now a small racist core that is finding happiness in commenting on Bonnell's blog. It's a wonder that the Observer doesn't edit that stuff or just abandon the blog. I also wonder what Bonnell must think; they rip the guy even harder than they rip the Cats.

For the most part though, I kind of think that its like spam. You get a few jerks who just keep coming back and it seems bigger than it really is. Not that there still isn't latent racism in dear old NC; but its big face isn't really found in hating the Bobcats on Rick Bonnell's little blog. Those are just trolls.

Interestingly, the Observer's Bobcats Forum is excellent.

[Keetch]

On Bonnell..

I've heard that the Bobcats are as frustrated with Rick and the Observer as we all seem to be. There are feelings that Rick writes uncollaborated reports that at times are incorrect or even misleading. The Bobs would prefer that he call sometimes to simply verify his information. But apparently he doesn't usually do that.

2 cents from a friend at Bobcats Arena.

[ziggy]

On Bonnell..

I've heard that the Bobcats are as frustrated with Rick and the Observer as we all seem to be. There are feelings that Rick writes uncollaborated reports that at times are incorrect or even misleading. The Bobs would prefer that he call sometimes to simply verify his information. But apparently he doesn't usually do that.

2 cents from a friend at Bobcats Arena.
Nice tidbit of inside info Keetch, Thanks!

[dvdbumpus]

It's quite pathetic that I/most of us find our information about teams from other teams' hometown newspapers.

[civileng68]

Im sorry fellas but, I can no longer buy the idea that there's lack of support due to Shinn.

I think there's more to it (nowadays) than that. Why? Well, when the Panthers are losing, the stadium is not even close to full (the term "sell out" means nothing considering so many of the seats are sold as PSL's).

I think there's a lack of serious support for the team (Bobcats). I remember the Panthers had major support problems (though they still sold tickets) until they went to the Super Bowl, no people LOVE them)

It's true that wins cure all.

I think some points I've noticed are:

1) As said earlier, stations in Charlotte just dont talk enough about the team. Talk about the team generates support for the team. I noticed when I lived there that WFNZ did talk WAY too much about Nascar and College football. I think it's okay to talk about them but, seriously, there's not even a college football team in Charlotte (not on a major level) and so I dont understand how they can talk about that more than a major franchise, but, they do. Shame on them.

2) Those comments about the observer have to taken in context. They were blogs and not written by the observer. However, they should be moderated but, each paper can choose how far to limit it's freedom of speech.

3) Ownership. I'm by NO MEANS racist but, I will say this..........I think that ANY organization who caters to one race, makes themselves look bad to the public. Though many african americans have been discriminated against, it seems a blind eye is often turned when it's the other way around. I'm not saying Johnson is racist because honestly, I am pretty sure he's not.

I think he's a black businessman who believes in african american related businesses, and really, I dont have a problem with that at all. He's probably a very good man. I think the problem is, since the organization has begun, nearly everyone he's hired is black. The first coach was black, the second coach is black, the secondary owners are each black (If Nelly is still involved).

Also, at the games, it often seems to be an atmosphere catered towards a black crowd. I dont mind rap music at a game, but I guess it is odd when a vast majority of the people at the stadium are white. I'm not saying that they shouldn't play rap music but rather that the atmosphere geared towards one race should be toned down. Actually I have to give credit because it seems to have been fixed (in my opinion) in the last year. I remember the days of the DJ up on a platform and just thought "that's too much". I didnt notice that at the game I was at this year (maybe he's still there though).

Jordan - What gives with him purposely not wanting to be seen around the team? Before the season he was even quoted in Chicago as making some comment that he doesnt want his image associated with the team. Why not? It's not like his image or attention given to him hurts the team. I dont get that. He's not in Washington. He's in NOrth Carolina where he's loved by many.

Upgown atmosphere. The game I went to last was the Lakers game on a Friday night in December. The night was actually pretty warm (beautiful night). I got to the stadium about 2 hours early, walked to uptown for a bite to eat. Can someone tell me why I saw NOTHING promoting the Bobcats or the game that night? It's like the NBA doesnt even exist uptown. It's actually sort of odd if you ask me. It's like they're just not there.

I think there's got to be SOME type of promotional activity done to get those business people from uptown to want to come to the games after work.

Another problem............no free tickets. Jordan commented the Johnson doest give away free tickets. Jordan says that he even has to buy tickets for any guests he brings to the games.

To me, this sounds backwards. Maybe he needs to go uptown to the businesses and just give away LOTS of tickets to a Friday night game, and fill the arena and let the fans get a taste of what it's like. I can say this.....the game I was at currently holds the record for bobcats attendance and I can tell you that it was an AMAZING atmosphere. The place was ROCKING. If they will get a bunch of free tickets away to a game to get people to go and get a taste of it, maybe they'll come back.

I think more marketing needs to be done to cater to the business man from uptown, such as: give away beer vouchers to certain games to businesses uptown and let the business people come down to the game and get a free beer?

You know, they just need to better establish themselves.

I think a MAJOR part of all of this is.........Johnson has done VERY little to show appreciation to the fans, but rather seems like he wants us to appreciate him first.

[timang]

forgive for interrupting your talks about your city and its problems w/ our current team. though i must say that every opinion should be taken w/ a grain of salt, i am appalled by the way people over at the observer blog say their racists remarks.


i have no personal experience of your situation over there at charlotte, but as i see it, some people just wants to flame other people and encourage hatred w/ their posts, and that, i believe is a big slap on everyone.

i've always thought racism is a product of people inconsiderate enough to not view others in the same light. it is just a reflection of what you are and not of what it actually is. it's bullshit. it's ignorance at its highest level. i have loved this message board of its tolerance of one another and because of this i respect you guys more than any group of fans that i have ever been with. may we continue to aim on more helpful topics than on lashing our hearts out with utmost hatred of one another.


----
@the topic:
here in my country, the buzz about the bobcats is already starting to heat up (though not as much as the celtics) with the moves the organization has made, and with that i look forward in seeing more activity to further strengthen our team and the organization.



again, apologies from a non-charlottean resident fan.

[walkerl]

http://www.charlotte.com/307/story/167873.html

This article sums up the race issue when it comes to Bob Johnson, MJ & the Bobcats.

[dav7z]

forgive for interrupting your talks about your city and its problems w/ our current team. though i must say that every opinion should be taken w/ a grain of salt, i am appalled by the way people over at the observer blog say their racists remarks.




i have no personal experience of your situation over there at charlotte, but as i see it, some people just wants to flame other people and encourage hatred w/ their posts, and that, i believe is a big slap on everyone.

i've always thought racism is a product of people inconsiderate enough to not view others in the same light. it is just a reflection of what you are and not of what it actually is. it's bullshit. it's ignorance at its highest level. i have loved this message board of its tolerance of one another and because of this i respect you guys more than any group of fans that i have ever been with. may we continue to aim on more helpful topics than on lashing our hearts out with utmost hatred of one another.




----
@the topic:
here in my country, the buzz about the bobcats is already starting to heat up (though not as much as the celtics) with the moves the organization has made, and with that i look forward in seeing more activity to further strengthen our team and the organization.



again, apologies from a non-charlottean resident fan.



Great post rep it up

[civileng68]

http://www.charlotte.com/307/story/167873.html

This article sums up the race issue when it comes to Bob Johnson, MJ & the Bobcats.



I guess here's my issue. I really dont know how to take the article. I like Tom Sorrenson but, i think his article was pretty weak because he completely avoided putting in his own opinion on the topic. It seems by writing the article, Sorensen is obviously trying to show that he is not happy by the hiring practices but tries to leave it up to us to get our own idea of what he means.

As a 28 year old white guy who's BY NO MEANS racist, I have to say that I dont have a problem with them hiring lots of black people. I dont think they are racist by any means in the Bobcats front office. I think Jordan is hiring based on guys he knows, which are primarily black.

I think the problem comes in here: Jordan obviously hangs around mostly black guys and therfore is hiring mostly black guys. That's fine, except he's not looking enough outside of the group that he knows. If he keeps this up, the Bobcats will struggle in the future.

I think they signed the new coach way too quickly. I think they could have gotten a better coach (my personal opinion). I think Bickerstaff should have been replaced. I know the team is an expansion but I think Bickerstaff did a HORRIBLE job. Lets also not forget that Bickerstaff destroyed the Nuggets when he was in Denver.

I think overall the team is moving the right direction on the court, but, I think the GM job could have been MUCH better managed and I think the coach should have been looked into a bit more. I actually like the incoming coach but, I just think that it would have been better (at this point) to look into the college ranks first (if they didnt). I say that because whereas many teams are not a perfect fit for a college coach, this one is. This team is SO young that it likely could benefit from a high intensity college coach (who in my opinion are much better than many NBA coaches).

I think for now it's going to work but I think in the next few years, we're going to feel the effects of Bickerstaff's retention with the team and I think unless this management figures out a way to APPEAR more fan/race friendly, things will suffer in the PR department.

What I mean is.............I dont think the organization is racist but, they are (from my opinion) catering towards the black fan, and I think the number of people in the stands shows a problem with that method. I also feel like (by Jordan's refusal to be seen with the team) I'm not appreciated as a fan.

[davcbow]

Although I think it would be cool to see MJ at a game, that isnt going to make me not pull for the Cats if he dont. Im a regular white guy with many black friends along with white friends married to a American Indian and I wouldnt care who owns the team if they were purple with yellow stripes.

[ziggy]

Although I think it would be cool to see MJ at a game, that isnt going to make me not pull for the Cats if he dont. Im a regular white guy with many black friends along with white friends married to a American Indian and I wouldnt care who owns the team if they were purple with yellow stripes.

Welcome to BobcatsPlanet davcbow,
You have to admit that if our owner were purple with yellow stripes that would be kind of cool :biggrin:

[walkerl]

"That's fine, except he's not looking enough outside of the group that he knows. If he keeps this up, the Bobcats will struggle in the future."

I have a problem with this statement. On a lot of NBA teams, the people calling the shots are primary white, but I've never heard someone say that your team will struggle if you don't hire some black people. The Bobcats are the only team in the league with more black people in management than whites. That is the real problem. That is what people should be talking about. And just to show the hypocrisy of Charlotte. The hometown Panthers have had 3 head coaches, all of whom have been white, and no one said a word. Bobcats have 2 coaches, both who are black and the team is racist. And I won't even mention that the owner, president, & GM are white. Basically the fans need to stop caring about the race of the coaches and owners and worry about the team. Sports use to be the one thing that could bring people of different races and backgrounds together, now its one of the things that seem to separate us the most.

[civileng68]

"That's fine, except he's not looking enough outside of the group that he knows. If he keeps this up, the Bobcats will struggle in the future."

I have a problem with this statement. On a lot of NBA teams, the people calling the shots are primary white, but I've never heard someone say that your team will struggle if you don't hire some black people. The Bobcats are the only team in the league with more black people in management than whites. That is the real problem. That is what people should be talking about. And just to show the hypocrisy of Charlotte. The hometown Panthers have had 3 head coaches, all of whom have been white, and no one said a word. Bobcats have 2 coaches, both who are black and the team is racist. And I won't even mention that the owner, president, & GM are white. Basically the fans need to stop caring about the race of the coaches and owners and worry about the team. Sports use to be the one thing that could bring people of different races and backgrounds together, now its one of the things that seem to separate us the most.



I think you took my statement out of context. I've never once said the team is racist. In fact, if you read the entire statements I have posted, I state the exact opposite. I dont make it as much of a race issue. In fact, I denounce the primary factor being race. I said the IMAGE the organization is making is preventing it from attracting the current NBA non-fan. The franchise in Charlotte cannot survive on the current solid fanbase. It MUST create new fans, and that is where I think they are failing. Again, PLEASE do not deduce that from my posts, I am claiming that race is the problem with the team.

Maybe I didnt make myself clear enough but here's what I'm saying...........I believe some positions were rushed into. Sure there are white guys on the staff. What I'm saying is, I think Johnson (being the man he is, which isn't a problem) wants to be the first team in the NBA who creates a staff of more blacks than whites. I dont have a problem with the numbers. Personally if they were ALL black and I thought all of the decisions were great, then I'd be fine. I think too many people want to make racial issues of everything. Sure some people are racist and post commets from race but, what I have a problem with is, just as black people dont want to be discriminated against, many white people are discriminated against by being lumped into one category. If I make a statement, I'm just the rest of the racist white guys. It's not fair. I personally dont feel the coaching position was the best choice. i feel it was rushed into. Do I hope he does well? ABSOLUTELY! I'm a fan! I'm just saying that I think Johnson works with politics AND sports in mind as opposed to simply building a great sports franchise.

Another thing I noticed when I come to Charlotte to watch a game: I dont feel as though I'm overly appreciated as a fan. Sure I dont care if Jordan goes to the game. I'd like to see him but if not, oh well. I never really liked him anyways. However, for the sake of trying to drum up a new fan base, he needs to be seen. I seriously doubt anyone on these boards will care for themselves (we're all posting on here for a reason). However, my dad, who lives in Charlotte and doesnt even know who Okafor is, would love to know that if he went to the stadium he could see Michael Jordan.

In the Bobcats first game last year, Jordan was at the arena with his buddies (Derek Jeter) in his luxury box away from the fans, while Larry Bird was sitting down at courtside where the fans could see him and interact with him.

I'm just saying that there's a perception that celebrities at games, creates excitement. I lOVE going to a game and seeing the Panthers players sit on the sidelines, and Nascar drives sitting down there. It just makes you feel that the team is relevant.

I do believe for people who are not currently fans, Jordan can do alot for the franchise.

I think the team has failed thus far with PR and (not all their fault) the media has failed (from what I've heard) in supporting the team.

[walkerl]

Sorry if I took it the wrong way, but I agree with you 98%. I don't think this team will make it in CHA. I really don't think the Bobcats can do anything to change the peoples perception. Jordan sitting in the crowd wouldn't matter, because the building is empty anyways. People complain that the NBA is full of thugs, but the all the Bobcats are upstanding citizens and still can't catch a break.

And I don't think that Johnson is purposely excluding white candidates from positions on the team. I also believe we should give him more than 3 seasons before we judge him on whether he wants to build a winning franchise.

I think they have done a great job, they keep a low payroll, until someone came up that could help the team. Just think about it, their payroll is 1/3 that of Knicks, and they had the same amount of wins.

I'm fine with Vincent, mainly because I'm tired of seeing the same old retread head coaches, that have never won anything. We don't know, he could be the next Avery Johnson or Phil Jackson. I do think that the media in Charlotte needs to embrace the team more and the citizens need to be more patient. To hear them, they expected the cats to win the championship last year. The Panthers sucked for almost 10 years, before they made it.

civileng68, I'm assuming that you are not from the area, but I can tell you this. Charlotte has some of the worst Bandwagon fans in the world. As soon as the Bobcats win 50 games, they will come out of the woodworks, and you won't be able to get a ticket to a game. And all of them will swear that they have supported the team since day one, trust me, I've seen it happen with the Panthers

[civileng68]

Sorry if I took it the wrong way, but I agree with you 98%. I don't think this team will make it in CHA. I really don't think the Bobcats can do anything to change the peoples perception. Jordan sitting in the crowd wouldn't matter, because the building is empty anyways. People complain that the NBA is full of thugs, but the all the Bobcats are upstanding citizens and still can't catch a break.

And I don't think that Johnson is purposely excluding white candidates from positions on the team. I also believe we should give him more than 3 seasons before we judge him on whether he wants to build a winning franchise.

I think they have done a great job, they keep a low payroll, until someone came up that could help the team. Just think about it, their payroll is 1/3 that of Knicks, and they had the same amount of wins.

I'm fine with Vincent, mainly because I'm tired of seeing the same old retread head coaches, that have never won anything. We don't know, he could be the next Avery Johnson or Phil Jackson. I do think that the media in Charlotte needs to embrace the team more and the citizens need to be more patient. To hear them, they expected the cats to win the championship last year. The Panthers sucked for almost 10 years, before they made it.

civileng68, I'm assuming that you are not from the area, but I can tell you this. Charlotte has some of the worst Bandwagon fans in the world. As soon as the Bobcats win 50 games, they will come out of the woodworks, and you won't be able to get a ticket to a game. And all of them will swear that they have supported the team since day one, trust me, I've seen it happen with the Panthers


Well we are seeing things eye to eye more than we realize. I am originally from Charlotte and lived there 23 years until I moved to Sout Florida five years ago. I am very familiar with the Charlotte crowd. They are much like the Miami crowd. When the team is good the place is packed, when it's not good, it's empty. Hey, for the Miami 'Canes, sometimes it's not full even when they're winning.

I think Charlotte is a wine and cheese crowd. However, I think that the team has failed in the Public Relations department. Now, I dont live there anymore but, I dont assume that Jordan is doing Public Relations tours around Charlotte? He needs to be on every radio station doing interviews before the season starts. He can even do this from Chicago (where I hear he lives) over the phone.

Bobcats execs need to be popping into businesses in uptown to generate excitement. Can you imagine if you are working uptown and Michael Jordan pops into your office just to say hello and hand out some tickets for "tonight's game"? Seriosly, you KNOW people would be pumped up. Anyone would! I dont even like Jordan and I'd be excited to meet him.

From what I see from talking to family and friends, people are just turned off and have turned the cheek to anything NBA. I think if the team could show the city they are different, it would give the city something to pull for. Why is it that my dad, who reads the papers religiously, and listens to WFNZ religiously doesnt know anyone on the team other than Matt Carrol (who got lots of pub when he came in and did so well, out of nowhere)? Why is it that my dad doesnt distinguish them from the rest of the NBA?

You could say my dad is judgemental but rather I say he's uninformed. My dad doesnt know enough about this team to be judgemental. He's simply turned off by the NBA. This isnt' his fault, in my opinion. If he was informed, and STILL shutting them out, then that's on him. So think of this............if my dad thinks like this.........how many other people do?

I think the team has really failed in exploiting the uptown area. People can walk to the arena and not even pay parking. People can go to work, bring a change of clothes and go to the arena and watch a game at night.

The facility is amazing and perfect for the uptown businessman.

I think the team has failed to inform the city of how solid of a team they are building. People in the city should KNOW who these players. are. They are throwing the players out and promoting them too much but in the wrong way. They need to get the executives on the radio. As much as many dont want to admit it, Jordan is STILL the biggest name in that franchise right now and I think he could do SOOOOO much with his name alone. However, for some reason he doesnt want to be involved in that way (He even said it in ESPN the Mag. 2 years ago).

I think Johnson is a good guy and I agree we should give him a chance but, from reading I've done, he and Jordan have had disagreements over money. Evidently Johnson doesnt want to spend money until he makes it and Jordan has the opposite view. Much of it stemmed from Johnson refusing to give away free tickets to the games. Even Jordan said he is mandated to buy tickets for his family and friends, INCLUDING buying box tickets for Derek Jeter on opening night last year.

I think this is a bad bad decision. They should be giving away free tickets to people uptown. They should have so many tickets per game to give away and each game give them to various businesses uptown, at least for one season.

They should get creative to get people from uptown to come into the arena and watch a game. It's like crack.........once you get them there, you can get them hooked. However, you just have to get them to take it.

Maybe offer businesses in uptown free beer vouchers or something.

SOMETHING.

Lets put it this way............if we can't see what PR moves are being made, then they are bad PR moves.

This team is not promoted enough.

The fans need to feel appreciated.

[Aymi]

I agree about the marketing-giving away free tickets sounds really great! With something like 20 condos in the works for uptown (mostly high-rise) we really need to tap into business folks and people that live there. I live in Ballantyne and a LOT of people I know have season tickets like I do...

Personally, I can't stand nascar night. I think they should scrap that completely

[spectre]

I could be mistaken but I'm pretty sure Stern took us to task for giving away free tickets last year and made us pretty much stop doing it.


I don't think this team will make it in CHA. I really don't think the Bobcats can do anything to change the peoples perception.


As soon as the Bobcats win 50 games, they will come out of the woodworks, and you won't be able to get a ticket to a game. And all of them will swear that they have supported the team since day one, trust me, I've seen it happen with the Panthers

Think you contradicted yourself there, but maybe the first is your assessment and the latter is your "hope".

IMO Charlotte needs to get over themselves. Whining about Shinn is pitiful...the boy is GONE. The Hornets are GONE. Stern let Charlotte and everyone else know who he thought the bad guy was here by giving us a new franchise in just 2 years when places like Las Vegas would kill to have a one.

Bobcats: Time For Some Support (http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_23050.shtml)

The organization is doing what it should. Of course there's been mistakes (TV being the main thing), but overall they're building a team we can all be proud of. The bandwagoners will come because everyone wants to latch on to a winner...and that's what the Bobcats are going to be.

[walkerl]

spectre, your right about my comments, I would love to see the building filled every night.
When I saw the Golden State Warriors during the playoffs, the atmosphere was amazing, I cannot remember the last time i've seen a crowd like that. They truly love there team.

and civileng68, you are right, If Jordan was to walk into business and gave free tickets out, people would get excited. and once you get them to a few game they would come back. They should try something new, have a night where every ticket is 30 bucks and you can seat where ever, first come first serve (except suites and psl seats). Now they do need to correct that TV deal, luckily I get all the games, but for a lot of people they cant see them play, unless you have timewarner cable. That was a bad move.

[dav7z]

Good last post Walker and Spectra . With a few marketing changes and wins . All the no shows will be saying they was hear from the start. This is our, see i said our break out year . We going to have more wins and more fans than come to games this year . Than the Bobcats have ever had. WHEN this happens will be the start of another record for sell outs just like the Hornets did.
I know things are getting better just look at how Bobcatsplanet is growing.

Put Ziggy over the offical site . Hell things would really start hopping then. Its a hell of a lot of fans who dont know where a good Bobcats site is. Just imagined if ZIGGY Was over that site.

Rep it up Walker and Spectra

[Dunk]

In regards to the race thing, I think the problem is perception. Specifically in the marketing and presentation of the game. The Bobcats promote to a more hip-hop crowd when the majority of folks that go to games are bankers. It's a more family and wine and cheese type atmosphere. I think they did a better job with family fun night and a couple of afternoon and 7:00 games this past year.

I'd tone down the 'hype' man this year. If I were marketing the team I'd really reach out to BoA and Wachovia for more activities and promotion.

The Charlotte 'Disturber' is shit. The idiots that talk about racism in there are just anonymous trolls and are not to be taken seriously. George Shinn, the arena, and all that stuff is mostly B.S.. Get a good team, market it to the right crowd, and get them on TV and people will come.

[davcbow]

Alot of times I cant get to a game and I cant get around the TV to watch a game if it were on, so I look for it on the radio of which I find out its usually not on the radio either. To bring people to the game they need to start a media campaigne; Radio and TV promotions made by the coach, players and even Jordan. Show the away games at least on TV and broadcast them on the radio too. I ask different people sometimes if they would like to ride to Charlotte and check out a game and tell them some of whats up with the team and I have heard different ones say "I havent kept up with it (basketball) since the Hornets left town" I hear that alot. I even had someone tell me last year that they didnt know Charlotte even had a new team. To me that sticks out like a sore thumb. I remember the Hornets would broadcast commercials of upcoming home games in my area which is the in the triad. Advertising or the lack of it is the problem. :g:

[civileng68]

In regards to the race thing, I think the problem is perception. Specifically in the marketing and presentation of the game. The Bobcats promote to a more hip-hop crowd when the majority of folks that go to games are bankers. It's a more family and wine and cheese type atmosphere. I think they did a better job with family fun night and a couple of afternoon and 7:00 games this past year.

I'd tone down the 'hype' man this year. If I were marketing the team I'd really reach out to BoA and Wachovia for more activities and promotion.

The Charlotte 'Disturber' is shit. The idiots that talk about racism in there are just anonymous trolls and are not to be taken seriously. George Shinn, the arena, and all that stuff is mostly B.S.. Get a good team, market it to the right crowd, and get them on TV and people will come.






I couldnt have said it better myself. Though the team is not racist (I actually think that's a ridiculous notion), it's a perception that is reasonable to think about. Though I see it's not racism, the way the organization conducts it's marketing and atmosphere inside of the arena, the organization is lending itself to the perception (even if false).

I think the atmosphere (like it or not) is a wine and cheese crowd. It's a more upscale crowd and a crowd who wants to go to a game to just chill back after a day at the office. The organization is doing a bad job of getting more of them in the seats. Trust me, if the team does really well, they'll only be a portion of fans at the game, but for now, I dont understand why the team is promoting to a crowd that is in the vast minority in attendance at a typical week night game.

I also agree about the Observer.........they are bloggers, not paid employees. I refuse to read blogs because too many people who write them are mindless.

[Grandmama]

Well this topic has turned out to be exceptionally pleasent and though provoking. It is very encouraging that it has sparked such a candid and insightful discourse. I think most of us here are in the same boat. We are the basketball die hards for the most part. More likely than not we are going to support the team whether they are great or blow. As long as the front office shows a modicum of competence in assebling the team, and does not pull a Marlinesque fire sale we will be in their corner. I think with the growth of this website community we can be the orgin (further) the grassroot movement for the support of this team. Keep the faith and keep up the good work y'all.

[dvdbumpus]

I think people that think Bob is racist are jumping the gun. MJ and the creator of BET are bound to have more black guys just naturally just because of who they know and who they've dealt with. I don't think anything of it.

[WarioVsMooChicken]

I think people that think Bob is racist are jumping the gun. MJ and the creator of BET are bound to have more black guys just naturally just because of who they know and who they've dealt with. I don't think anything of it.


Yea that

I really don't see why anyone would care about race...

[batingaw]

forgive for interrupting too... i am a Filipino working in multi-race country (Singapore)...
This is not about race. This is about WINning.
Let us see when bobcats starts winning 10 straight games, many will join the bobcats' bandwagon.

[Edrow]

Singapore?

Ahhh...the Orchard Towers :biggrin:

[dav7z]

On this thread along it has been over 50 replys and read over 500 times . As this site grows so will the Bobcats . Just guessing but i bet the site has all most dubled sence last year at this time. Thanks to all you fans

[ziggy]

On this thread along it has been over 50 replys and read over 500 times . As this site grows so will the Bobcats . Just guessing but i bet the site has all most dubled sence last year at this time. Thanks to all you fans

You're probably about right Dav7z, since this time last offseason we have probably (at least) doubled in size... Just wait until we start to get some wins under our belt.

[davcbow]

Im really glad I found this site. I wouldnt have found this site though if it wernt for the Charlotte Observer site where we had to put up with people just trying to start trouble. :bang: Someone posted this isp and Im here. Thanks for being here and I like what Ive seen so far. :funkybanana:

[ziggy]

Im really glad I found this site. I wouldnt have found this site though if it wernt for the Charlotte Observer site where we had to put up with people just trying to start trouble. :bang: Someone posted this isp and Im here. Thanks for being here and I like what Ive seen so far. :funkybanana:

Thanks! Its really a great community of Bobcats fans here. Fortunately we've been able to avoid a lot of the troublemakers up to this point.

[dvdbumpus]

Im really glad I found this site. I wouldnt have found this site though if it wernt for the Charlotte Observer site where we had to put up with people just trying to start trouble. :bang: Someone posted this isp and Im here. Thanks for being here and I like what Ive seen so far. :funkybanana:

Thanks! Its really a great community of Bobcats fans here. Fortunately we've been able to avoid a lot of the troublemakers up to this point.



Except for me :biggrin:

[dav7z]

Bumpus truble yea right.. :shutup: :rock:


:needpics:
without BUMPUS


Welcome to the board davcbow,Bumpus is no truble, well not much truble, well may be a little truble, some times a lot of truble. :shrug: Na hes a nice guy

[davcbow]

Go Bobcats! I know the Cats will do good. The Panthers sure didnt show nothing tonight....I'm afraid its gonna be a bad year if they don't play no better than that. :g:

[dav7z]

As much as i like the Panthers . They got to get things toghter. It would be nice for the Bobcats if they could just steal a little of the love the Observer has for the Panthers.

[batingaw]

Singapore?

Ahhh...the Orchard Towers :biggrin:


::)

A place where different kinds of basketball took place... :g:

GO Bobcats!!