George Shinn is a former NBA team owner who made a significant impact on the league during his career. He was born in 1941 in Kannapolis, North Carolina, and grew up in a family of farmers. Shinn attended East Carolina University, where he played basketball and baseball. After college, he worked as a salesman for a food company before starting his own business, a packaging company that he eventually sold for a significant profit.
In 1987, Shinn purchased the Charlotte Hornets, an expansion team in the NBA. He quickly became known for his hands-on approach to team management, often attending practices and games and interacting with players and coaches. Under his ownership, the Hornets became a successful franchise, making the playoffs seven times in their first ten seasons.
However, Shinn's tenure as owner was not without controversy. In 1997, he was accused of sexual assault by a woman who worked for the team. The case was settled out of court, but it damaged Shinn's reputation and led to protests from fans and sponsors. In 2001, Shinn was also involved in a dispute with the city of Charlotte over funding for a new arena. The Hornets eventually moved to New Orleans in 2002, where they became the New Orleans Hornets.
Shinn remained involved in the NBA after selling the Hornets in 2010. He was part of a group that tried to bring an expansion team to Charlotte in 2003, but the bid was unsuccessful. He also served as an advisor to the New Orleans Hornets and was involved in efforts to keep the team in the city after Hurricane Katrina.
Overall, George Shinn's basketball career was marked by both success and controversy. He was a hands-on owner who helped build a successful franchise in Charlotte, but his reputation was tarnished by allegations of sexual assault and disputes with the city. Despite these challenges, Shinn remained involved in the NBA and continued to be a respected figure in the league.
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