Bruton Smith, who owns Charlotte Motor Speedway and lots of others things, told WBT's Keith Larson Tuesday that he'd be interesting in buying the Carolina Panthers if the price is right. Also, he'd keep them in Charlotte and wouldn't ask for public money to enhance the stadium.
Bruton would be an interesting owner, quotable and accessible. But this is the same man who threatened to move the speedway if he didn't get what he wanted when he wanted it the way he wanted it.
If I'm Bruton, I stay on Bruton Smith Blvd. and focus on my sport and try to counteract the fading ratings and empty seats.
But what if Bruton did own the Panthers?
The biggest change would be that fans could take off their shirts.
They also could bring coolers. Camp out. Instead of debating whether a Ford is better than Chevrolet, however, they'd debate whether a Mercedes is better than a BMW.
The media would be offered free stuff (which they graciously would decline), or say they did.
News conferences would become more carnival like and adventurous.
The pre-game shows would be outstanding. Nobody at Bank of America Stadium has ever seen a human fly out of a cannon or a bus fly over a flaming outhouse.
The Panthers would be the first NFL team with a crew chief.
After every victory Cam Newton would thank his sponsors, if he has time for all of them.
And if you didn't like the changes Bruton would threaten to move the team to Clover, S.C.
No ownership, none, could be worse than the total failure of the Big Rat and company. They are the worst pro team in sports!
Posted by: WHAT??? | February 12, 2013 at 01:51 PM
way to take jabs at bruton and nascar fans. sure they are rednecks, and proud of it, but why the need to run them down?
Posted by: big gulps | February 12, 2013 at 03:03 PM
Bruton Smith? Sorry, not feeling it, but if Big Cat got Humpy Wheeler to consult on promotions? Now that would be interesting.
Posted by: Just Bill | February 12, 2013 at 03:34 PM
Tom you are such an elitist. I normally enjoy reading what you write but this was just trash. No I don't follow NASCAR but I also don't trash people just for the sport of it - except maybe you!
Smith would ask the city for money - don't let him lie about it. The reason - he won't actually own the stadium (like he does the race track) since the city owns it. This is why we are paying part of the bill to upgrade it. I think Jerry should just sell the team to the PSL owners...
Posted by: DOM | February 12, 2013 at 04:18 PM
Now, now...Tom didn't say anything that wasn't true! He wasn't "running down" anyone. Nascar is great but it is what it is...lol.
Posted by: James Dwyer | February 12, 2013 at 04:32 PM
Boss Hog is a lying, self promoting, blow hard.
And on top of that he'll be dead soon.
This is a total non story.
Posted by: Clay | February 12, 2013 at 05:02 PM
sell the team to the fans! sell stock to raise the funds! real stock not that fake Packer stock!
Posted by: joe cool | February 12, 2013 at 05:11 PM
the city does not own the stadium jr does he just want some money from them
Posted by: rharris | February 12, 2013 at 06:13 PM
It's about time that selling to the fans get some serious looks. I know the there is an NFL rule or something that says only Green Bay can be owned by the fans--but we are a logical city to undertake that type of deal. People here have overcome bigger obstacles than the NFL fathers. Suspect that JR might think favorably on that. Some of you writers and or radio personalities could get the process going.
Posted by: Another Bill | February 12, 2013 at 09:25 PM
Anyone who believes anything that fat pompous toad Smith says deserves what they get. He just shook down the city not long ago.
Now come listen to my show in the afternoons as I will crap on anything else associated with this town.
Posted by: marc james | February 13, 2013 at 12:34 PM
Selling the team to the fans would not be good. i.e. if one of the "fans" happens to be Bruton Smith or some other majority stake controlling A-Hole! If anything, sell it to the city.
Posted by: SteveJ | February 13, 2013 at 03:41 PM