Charlotte interested in ML Carr

Charlotte interested in Carr


By Jackie MacMullan, Globe Staff, 5/16/2003

.L. Carr, who has been a player, coach, and general manager for the Celtics, has been contacted by Charlotte's new expansion owner, Bob Johnson, about joining their team as a consultant.



Carr, who was part of the group headed by Boston businessman Steve Belkin and Hall of Famer Larry Bird that tried and failed to secure the Charlotte franchise, confirmed yesterday he and Johnson have talked about a position that would take advantage of his considerable connections in North Carolina.

Carr grew up in Wallace, N.C., played at Guilford College, and remains a member of the school's board. He also maintains a summer home in the state. He spent last season as the GM of the WNBA's Charlotte Sting, developing relationships with local corporations in hopes of securing financial support for the team.

''I've had some conversations with Bob,'' Carr said yesterday from his Waltham office. ''We talked about me helping out on the revenue side. We'll see where it goes.

''I was very excited when it became apparent that pro basketball was coming back to my home state. I was excited to play a part in helping that happen [last year], and was looking forward to continuing to play a role in it. ''

Johnson has already named Ed Tapscott to run his basketball operations, although speculation persists that Michael Jordan, who was ousted by the Washington Wizards, will wind up in Charlotte's front office.

Carr spoke with Bird last night and Bird ''totally endorsed'' the idea of Carr joining Johnson's group.

''Larry said he was really excited for me,'' said Carr, ''and that we gave it our best shot and it was time for me to move on.''

This story ran on page D3 of the Boston Globe on 5/16/2003


BOSTON GLOBE

 

I like ML. I think it's good to have some people from our state running things.

 

agree. ML might not be the best, but he's not going to be running the show totally. He's good enough to be something good for us.