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Why Panthers shouldn’t fire Rhule just yet + NC sheriff rejects calls to resign over racist remarks

Drew Nantais
·4 min read

Hey, everyone! Drew here. Happy Tuesday!

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Now on to the news for today. See ya!

1. ‘Fire Matt Rhule’ isn’t a slam-dunk move for the Carolina Panthers just yet. Here’s why.

Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule speaks with an official during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022.
Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule speaks with an official during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022.

Things just keep getting uglier for the Panthers this season.

After Sunday’s 26-16 home loss to the Arizona Cardinals, Carolina sits 1-3 on the season. There’s no question head coach Matt Rhule’s on the hotseat, but the third-year coach remains optimistic the team can turn its season around.

That hasn’t stopped fans who’ve booed and chanted “Fire Rhule” at several games this season. However, the Panthers moving on from Rhule midseason might not make sense right now.

Mike Kaye shares four reasons as to why.

2. NC sheriff rejects calls to resign from DA, others after his racist remarks

A campaign sign for Republican candidate for Columbus County sheriff Jody Greene.Jody Greene was sworn in as Columbus County sheriff earlier this month. He beat incumbent sheriff by 34 votes. Greene is the county’s first Republican sheriff.
A campaign sign for Republican candidate for Columbus County sheriff Jody Greene.Jody Greene was sworn in as Columbus County sheriff earlier this month. He beat incumbent sheriff by 34 votes. Greene is the county’s first Republican sheriff.

More developments in the story involving the Columbus County sheriff, Jody Greene.

Jon David, the local district attorney for Bladen, Brunswick and Columbus counties, is now among those urging Greene to step aside after a local TV station published a recording in which he calls some deputies “Black bastards.”

“My hope is that you will recognize the harm that your statements have caused and that you will make the honorable decision to resign,” Davis wrote in a letter to Greene on Monday. “There can be no question that the use of racist language, directed at all officers of color under your command, is conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice, which brings the Office of Sheriff into disrepute.”

Last week, Greene posted a long defense on Facebook suggesting the recording had been altered, but did not deny making the remarks.

Carli Brosseau has the latest on the mounting pressure surrounding the sheriff.

3. Former Charlotte Hornets and UNC basketball player to join NBA team’s TV broadcast

Former North Carolina player George Lynch arrives at the Smith Center for the introduction of Hubert Davis as the new head coach on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Former North Carolina player George Lynch arrives at the Smith Center for the introduction of Hubert Davis as the new head coach on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C.

The Hornets’ TV broadcast team welcomes a new face this season.

Former NBA and UNC player George Lynch will join Charlotte’s broadcasts as a studio analyst alongside Ashley ShahAmadi this month. Lynch, 52, joins Bally Sports Southeast after coaching Clark Atlanta University’s men’s basketball team the past two years.

After helping the Tar Heels to the 1993 national championship, Lynch was drafted 13th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers that same year and went on to play 12 seasons in the NBA, including a stint in Charlotte.

Roderick Boone has the full story on the latest TV hire by the Hornets.

Speaking of Hornets news, the team unveiled it’s new food offerings at the Spectrum Center for the upcoming season. The Charlotte Observer got a preview of what to expect.

4. No transit tax vote in 2022, but new rail lines will require increase, CATS CEO says

A woman boards the light rail on North Brevard Street in Charlotte, on Tuesday, August 17, 2021.
A woman boards the light rail on North Brevard Street in Charlotte, on Tuesday, August 17, 2021.

The first step in building two new rail lines is a tax referendum, but Charlotte voters won’t see that on their ballots in 2022.

The transit sales tax idea dates back to at least 2020, when the Charlotte MOVES Task Force proposed paying for up to $6 billion with a new sales tax and city bonds — a “One Cent for Mobility” plan. But the idea never gained enough steam in the state legislature or among local government officials representing parts of Mecklenburg County to make it onto ballots.

Likewise, the proposed Red Line to northern Mecklenburg County has remained stalled for more than two decades partly because of of Norfolk Southern’s ownership of the O-line, a rarely used freight line that runs from Winston-Salem to Charlotte that CATS hopes to use, too.

Genna Contino has all the details on the latest developments.

5. Some more stories to read

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Drew Nantais is a Senior Growth & Engagement Producer for the Charlotte Observer.
Drew Nantais is a Senior Growth & Engagement Producer for the Charlotte Observer.