It's been a rough couple of years for the Hornets.
The Hornets have been plaqued over the last couple of years by scandals, trades, injuries
death, and possible relocation. Owner George Shinn's sexual assault case, which has been
dismissed created much negative publicity for the Hornets. Shinn was later exonerated but
the damage had been done. Shinn saught a new part owner, and for a while it looked as
if Michael Jordan would hop along but the winner turned out to be Ray Woolworth.
His main job is looking for a way to get the Hornets a new arena in downtown Charlotte.
The Hornets have had to put up with the police records of bad boys Derrick Coleman and
Anthony Mason. Coleman was arrested for drunk driving but was found innocent and Mason
had been messing around with thirteen year olds but was found not guilty.
Injuries plaqued the team all of the 1999 season with Anthony Mason missing the entire season
with a torn biceps muscle. The death of Bobby Phills in January of the year 2000
was devastating to this team as they tried to cope with the loss of a great person
and player.
Trades have also had their effects on Charlotte since its existance in 1998. The team has
traded many superstars such as Alonzo Mourning, Larry Johnson, Glenn Rice, Kendall Gill(twice)
and Hersey Hawkins. However, player personnel vice president Bob Bass
also seems to come out on top of these trades.