FOR THE THIRD TIME, THE HORNETS ARE NOT FOR SALE

     Charlotte attorney David Caudle says he represents two
Florida businessmen who offered Hornets Owner George Shinn $160M
for the NBA team, according to the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER.  Caudle
says Hornets reps turned down the offer in May and  Shinn said
through a spokesperson the offer was never seriously considered,
maintaining the team is not for sale.  The OBSERVER's Rick
Bonnell writes this is "at least" the third offer Shinn has
received for the team this spring.  Charlotte Motor Speedway
Owner Bruton Smith made an offer, as did a group led by NASCAR
team owner Felix Sabates.  Caudle said the unidentified
businessmen have a combined worth of more than $200M and their
offer still stands if Shinn changes his mind.  The group's
intentions, if they bought the team, would be to build a
privately funded arena with 30,000 or more seats and "about 100"
luxury boxes.  The potential buyers would also look to attract an
NHL team to Charlotte to share the new arena (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER,
7/11).