Fire Delays Grizz Game; 12,000 Evacuate

The Associated Press is reporting that the Charlotte-Memphis game was delayed and almost 12,000 people had to be evacuated from FedEx Forum Sunday afternoon after authorities said a small fire broke out in an elevator shaft.

It was quickly extinguished and fire officials were venting smoke and preparing to let people re-enter the arena at about 3:20 p.m. -- nearly 20 minutes after the game against Charlotte was scheduled to begin, said Latina McNeil, spokeswoman for the Memphis Fire Department.

No one was reported injured, she said.

The alarm sounded about a minute before game time and fans were told to leave the building, which took about 10 minutes to clear.

Via ESPN

Memphis Grizzlies, Charlotte Bobcats

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Bobcats Elevate Tapscott To CEO, Smul To COO

The Associated Press is reporting that the Charlotte Bobcats have named Ed Tapscott the CEO of both the Bobcats and the Charlotte Sting, while Peter Smul is to take charge of daily operations for the two teams, the franchise said Thursday.

Tapscott, who becomes CEO of Bobcats Sports & Entertainment, will retain his president's title, owner Robert L. Johnson said in a statement.

In his new role, the team said, Tapscott will help direct development of the Bobcats and Sting and their downtown arena, which is operated by the franchise.

"Ed has done a fantastic job getting the Bobcats franchise up and running and integrating our organization into the Charlotte community," Johnson said. "He has earned the respect of the local community, as well as our peers in the NBA, and has created a foundation for success on the court."

Smul, who has been the team's chief financial officer and executive vice president of business operations, will now oversee all sales, service, administrative, finance, legal and marketing functions for the two franchises.

Via USA Today

Charlotte Bobcats

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Gerald Wallace Inactive With Sore Left Calf

Gerald Wallace was inactive for the Charlotte Bobcats' game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night because of a sore left calf.

Wallace, averaging a team-best 15.0 points and a league-best 2.52 steals, reinjured his calf Tuesday night as he made a career-high 12 field goals in a 108-102 win over Orlando.

Via Akron Beacon-Journal

Charlotte Bobcats

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