NBA's Decision Over ASG In Charlotte Could Persuade Other Sporting Events To Follow Suit

While North Carolina lawmakers consider revisions to controversial House Bill 2, there is a "sense that a decision by the NBA to move its All-Star Game" from Charlotte "could persuade other sporting events to follow suit," according to a front-page piece by Jim Morrill of the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER. In recent weeks, legislative leaders have "met not only with business leaders but also with prominent sports figures," including Hornets President & COO Fred Whitfield, Panthers President Danny Morrison and ACC Commissioner John Swofford. A state Republican said, "The NBA is the domino everybody is waiting to fall." Former Charlotte Mayor Richard Vinroot said that Whitfield asked him and former Charlotte Mayor Harvey Gantt to "sign a letter this week to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver." Vinroot said, "The essence was that we're strong supporters of Charlotte, and we understand there are some negotiations toward a resolution. We hope Charlotte will retain the All-Star Game in light of all that" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 6/30).