Without Mourning, Bristow Exits Hornets

Nearly six months after Alonzo Mourning left the Charlotte Hornets, the fallout continued with the dismissal of coach Allan Bristow.

“I’m at peace. It’s just part of this business,” Bristow said Tuesday after the Hornets ended his five-year run as their coach by buying out the final year of his contract - worth $500,000.

The move came two days after the Hornets finished their season out of the playoffs and with a 41-41 record - well less than expectations coming off a franchise record 50-win season.

Those expectations were dashed on Nov. 3, 1995, when the Hornets concluded a bitter contract squabble with Mourning by shipping him to Miami in a six-player deal. It marked the start to a long season that ultimately convinced Hornets management to replace Bristow. Bob Bass, Charlotte’s vice president of basketball operations, wouldn’t comment on a possible replacement, but names raised in media reports included Seattle’s George Karl.

Bristow’s Hornets record, 207-203, included two playoff appearances.