In Charlotte, Rick Bonnell reported the Bobcats have invited some of their season-ticket holders “to a Wednesday event, tied to the season finale against Cleveland, to ‘discuss the Bobcats' future,’ and Thursday the team will host an open house.” Two fan blogs -- Bring Back the Buzz and Bleacher Report -- have come “to the conclusion that the team has decided to change its nickname back to the Charlotte Hornets.” Bleacher Report “goes far enough to suggest that” Nike’s Jordan Brand’s recent release of purple and teal gear is a sign [Bobcats Owner Michael] Jordan and the Bobcats front office have made up their mind.” Bonnell wrote, “Except they're saying they haven't.” A source on Wednesday said nothing is "imminent" on a possible name change (CHARLOTTE.com, 4/11).
OUT WITH THE OLD: In Pittsburgh, Ed Bouchette reported Browns Owner Jimmy Haslam “completed the sale of his minority ownership in the Steelers, who have added two more minority partners.” The Steelers on Thursday announced that the “majority of Haslam's stock was puchased by Steelers' existing stockholders.” A portion of Haslam's “remaining stock was purchased by ... Scott Swank and Russ Swank” (POST-GAZETTE.com, 4/11).
HOME IS WHERE THE REST IS? In Ft. Lauderdale, editorial writer Gary Stein notes the Heat are giving their "star players" rest before the playoffs. The players “aren’t playing because the regular season games are now meaningless.” But the games “aren’t meaningless to folks who spent big for tickets, and might have kids who want to see LeBron James and the others play.” Stein wrote, “Too often in recent weeks, the stars have sat out. I don’t remember Michael Jordan or Larry Bird ever sitting out just for rest.” If the Heat “feel these superior athletes really need rest, they should give them rest on the road.” Stein: “In front of home fans, don’t they owe the paying customer at least a few minutes of LeBron and [Dwyane] Wade in action?” (SUN-SENTINEL.com, 4/11).
SURVEY SAYS: In DC, Dan Steinberg cited a Washington City Paper poll that voted Nationals Park the “best stadium” in the city. The poll found that the “best team was the Nats (ahead of the Redskins and the Caps).” In additional, Capitals & Wizards Owner Ted Leonsis “won best local owner” (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 4/11).
