
The Panthers stay winning, which pleases me; oh, look who’s in second place of the Eastern Conference standings in the NBA, too. The Hornets waxed a good Heat team in Charlotte last night, thanks to a collective effort led by Nic Batum’s triple-double, and now — at 13-8 — they’re currently No. 2 in the East. Yes, you read that correctly, sucka.
Charlotte Stories provides a brief but excellent backstory on Mary Ward — the 95-year-old Lincolnton, NC resident, who’s doing her best to keep the dab going, and cheer for her beloved Carolina Panthers.
Speaking of those Hornets: In this space, I’ve talked a lot about how their revitalized roster has opened the floor and ushered in an electric pace and space renovation in Buzz City. Some of what the Hornets did this offseason was maligned by fans and various media members, but as Rick Bonnell at the Charlotte Observer writes, those moves have paid major dividends so far.
Seriously, this team is fun to watch, man. And if you need one more reason to tune in, just know Jeremy Lin is outchea trying all different kinds of wacky hairstyles. This was him Wednesday night:

Following another dominant performance in Sunday’s thrilling come-from-behind victory in New Orleans, Panthers QB Cam Newton received another NFC Offensive Player of the Week award, but these now weekly handouts aren’t the only thing shedding light on Newton’s campaign: Over at USA TODAY Sports, Steven Ruiz has a solid breakdown on why Cam is one of the clearcut candidates for league MVP.
Pretty much everyone was taken aback last Friday when ECU fired alum and football coach Ruffin McNeil; AD Jeff Compher’s decision has drawn a great amount of ire (rightfully so) — and that extends beyond just the local media. Matt Brown of SB Nation on the Pirates’ questionable removal.
At the News and Observer: Chip Alexander was in attendance yesterday at the Raleigh Sports Club to hear the ACC’s supervisor of basketball officials, one John Clougherty, speak. According to Clougherty, technology has had a profound impact on officiating.
(Stats note: Oh, we know, John.)