Former Panthers on hand for charity bowling event

A number of sports celebrities will be on hand for a charity bowling event Saturday, Feb.22nd at Strike City in Charlotte's uptown EpiCentre complex. The event is called "Celebrities and Strikes," is put on by Wendy's and benefits "The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption."

You can bowl for $15 or be a spectator for $5 and get a number of autographs from sports stars. The event runs from approximately noon to 4 p.m. Celebrities tentatively scheduled to attend include current and former Carolina Panthers like Brandon LaFell, Muhsin Muhammad, Thomas Davis, Graham Gano, Eugene Robinson and Mike Rucker and former NBA stars Ralph Sampson and Muggsy Bogues. It will be emceed by longtime basketball announcer Billy Packer.I will also be there signing copies of my book "100 Things Panthers Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die." Profits from this signing will be donated to the Dave Thomas Foundation. Email ryan.schalles@wendys.com for more information on the event or call 704-716-9300.

-- If you didn't see it, here is my take on the Charlotte Bobcats' under-the-radar trade from Thursday, which I thought was a risk worth taking. It all depends on how well Gary Neal shoots from three-point range when he gets to Charlotte -- I expect he will play in Saturday's home game vs. Memphis. His ability to make teams pay for double-teaming Al Jefferson will be key.