George Shinn, the original owner of the Charlotte Hornets and quite an original himself, turned 80 years old Tuesday.
To mark the occasion, I asked Shinn for an interview. I wondered if that nice round number might mean one of Charlotte’s most charismatic and controversial sports figures would be willing to reflect on his greatest hits — and his greatest mistakes — while in Charlotte.
After a few days, Shinn agreed. We spoke by phone for 45 minutes Monday. As for his landmark birthday, Shinn said: “I’m 80 years old. I’m confident I’m going to make at least 90, and I’m shooting for 100.