Names In The News

An NFL Panthers spokesperson said that the team received "droves of e-mails and calls from fans" wishing Owner JERRY RICHARDSON well amid news he is on a heart transplant waiting list. In Charlotte, Charles Chandler reports the team "doesn't plan to wear anything like a helmet sticker or uniform decal to honor him in its remaining games," and it is "virtually certain he wouldn't want the attention anyway" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 12/12). A CHARLOTTE OBSERVER editorial is written under the header, "Richardson Can Tackle Challenge As Well As Any." In a pro sports era "marked not infrequently by egotistical owners," Richardson has "stood out for his integrity, character and respect for others." The editorial: "We know he'll bring determination to his latest fight" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 12/12).

Davis Lands In Hospital After Twisting Knee In Fall Over The Weekend

NOT THE ONLY OWNER AILING: KPIX-CBS’ Dennis O’Donnell reported Raiders Owner AL DAVIS “spent a couple of days in the hospital last weekend after falling in his hotel room” prior to last week's Raiders-Chargers game. A team spokesperson said that Davis "attended the game, then checked into the hospital afterwards and was released on Monday." Davis suffered a knee injury and "does plan to attend" Sunday’s Patriots-Raiders (CBS5.com, 12/11).

AWARDS & HONORS: The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) will induct Dodgers announcer VIN SCULLY into the NAB HOF during the April 21 NAB Show Radio Luncheon in Las Vegas (DAILY VARIETY, 12/12)....HBO boxing analyst LARRY MERCHANT this week was inducted into the Int'l Boxing HOF (DAILY OKLAHOMAN, 12/12).

CASTING A LINE: Pro bass fisher KIM BAIN-MOORE was profiled on CBS’ “Evening News” last night, and CBS’ Mark Strassmann reported Bain-Moore will be the first female to compete in the Bassmaster Classic next February. Pro bass fisher MIKE IACONNELI said that “not all of the guys are thrilled that Kim’s competing, but most believe the real winner is fishing.” Iaconneli: “I think it’s going to help grow the sport and attract new people to it" (“Evening News,” CBS, 12/11).

SWITCHING AGENTS: Orioles P JEREMY GUTHRIE has "switched agents," moving from SCOTT BORAS to CAA's CASEY CLOSE and BRODIE VAN WAGENEN. Guthrie: "There was no dramatic incident that caused me to look for new representation. I think Scott has done a phenomenal job, but moving forward, I felt that Casey and Brodie are a better fit for me and my career." Boras had repped Guthrie throughout his five-year MLB career (Baltimore SUN, 12/12).

NAMES: Canadian singer MICHAEL BUBLE has been named a Minority Owner of the WHL Vancouver Giants. Buble acquires the minority stake in the club from Giants Majority Owner RON TOIGO, joining fellow co-Owners SULTAN THIARA, Hockey HOFer GORDIE HOWE and former NHL coach PAT QUINN (CP, 12/11)....East Valley Tribune golf writer BILL HUFFMAN is leaving the paper, and in January will begin writing "AzGolf at Large," an online column for the Arizona Golf Association (EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE, 12/10)....Basketball HOFer JULIUS ERVING, NBA TV's AHMAD RASHAD and Bobcats Managing Member of Basketball Operations MICHAEL JORDAN were spotted "surrounded by a gaggle of women at Bagatelle in the Meatpacking District" in N.Y. on Thursday (N.Y. POST, 12/12).

IN MEMORY: Univ. of Albany Assistant AD/Compliance WAYNE BRIDGEMAN died Wednesday night at the age of 55 after a battle with cancer (Albany TIMES UNION, 12/12).