In Atlanta, Chris Vivlamore reported the NBA has "approved the addition of five minor investors to the Hawks ownership group," though the investors do "not have a significant ownership in the team nor do their additions change the current structure." The team "did not announce the addition of the investors or their identities" (AJC.com, 3/24).
IN THE EYE OF THE STORM: In Raleigh, Luke DeCock writes Hurricanes President & GM Jim Rutherford likely will step down at the end of the season, news which is "as sad as it is unsurprising." Rutherford "put in a lot of time with this franchise and steered it to its greatest success." DeCock: "Recent struggles aside, he deserved to go out on a better note." Rutherford "deserves credit for keeping faith in the Triangle, especially working for an absentee owner as Peter Karmanos has remained in Detroit" (Raleigh NEWS & OBSERVER, 3/25).
CHANGE OF SCENERY: On Long Island, Arthur Staple wrote the Islanders' "much-discussed (most often maligned in those talks) black third jerseys" made their 24th and final appearance on Sunday at Nassau Coliseum. The jerseys "were introduced" in the '11-12 season and have "not exactly been good-luck charms." The team is 7-11-5 when "wearing the black alternate jerseys the past three seasons." The Stadium Series third jerseys are "far more popular with fans," and will "be the third jersey now" (NEWSDAY, 3/22).
