In brief: Jordan joins Bobcats as managing part-owner
Michael Jordan is back in the NBA, resuming his basketball career in the state where it started.
Jordan became part-owner of the Charlotte Bobcats on Thursday in a deal that gives him a stake in most of majority partner Robert Johnson’s ventures.
Jordan’s investment makes him second only to Johnson as the largest individual owner of the Bobcats.
Johnson, who spent $300 million on the expansion Bobcats in 2002, said Jordan will be the managing member of basketball operations.
“Ever since I acquired the Bobcats franchise, one of my goals has been to get Michael Jordan to become my partner in operating the team,” Johnson said. “I don’t think I have to make the case for Michael’s basketball expertise, his knowledge or his competitiveness as a player.
“I am very excited to have a native North Carolinian be a part of the Bobcats and excited to have a friend of mine – who I have absolute confidence in – oversee our basketball personnel decision-making process.”
Jordan, who led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships and won five MVP awards, bought into Johnson’s existing portfolio.
“I’m excited to join Bob, and invest alongside one of the most astute businessmen I know,” Jordan said. “I am also looking forward to providing my advice, where needed, to Bobcats management in order to put the best possible team on the court.”
BOXING
Taylor meets Wright in middleweight bout
Jermain Taylor could have taken an easier fight. After two battles with Bernard Hopkins, he wouldn’t have been criticized for taking a breather.
In boxing, the best way to preserve careers is to pick fights carefully. That’s what makes Taylor’s middleweight title defense Saturday night in Memphis, Tenn., against Winky Wright so unusual.
Taylor ended up with an opponent who hasn’t lost in nearly seven years and dominated Felix Trinidad last year. He also got a challenger whose superb defensive skills might make it a long night for a young champion still learning his craft.
It’s a fight both risky and rare, a pick ‘em bout matching the undisputed champion against the consensus No. 1 contender.
COLLEGE SPORTS
North Dakota defies NCAA over nickname
North Dakota state officials voted to sue the NCAA for penalizing the University of North Dakota over its “Fighting Sioux” nickname and Indian-head logo.
Following a meeting with state Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, the North Dakota Board of Higher Education voted 8-0 to authorize the lawsuit, which would be handled by Stenehjem.
The NCAA last year announced a ban on ethnically or racially “hostile” or “abusive” nicknames, mascots and imagery at championship events. It found 18 schools, including UND, in violation of the policy.
Several of those schools have since changed team names and mascots or won appeals after local tribes came to their defense.