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Carolina Panthers Have First Openly Transgender NFL Cheerleader

The first part of June is not a time for big NFL news anyway, but even by that standard, this is perhaps the most unexpected headline I could have come…

Top Cats
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The first part of June is not a time for big NFL news anyway, but even by that standard, this is perhaps the most unexpected headline I could have come across this morning, "The Carolina Panthers Have Hired the NFL's First Openly Transgender Cheerleader."  Her name is Justine Lindsay (the full story here).  Now, I'm not here to tell you what/how you should feel about this.  I don't tell others how to live their lives, and I don't want people to tell me how to live mine.  That being said, I'm going to be curious about how this story is going to be greeted by the Panthers' fanbase.

One former Panthers' player, Frank Garcia, has made his feelings known.  And again, I respect his right to speak his mind and express his feelings, as I respect yours if it's the opposite.

Frank Garcia Screenshot

The end of his post (cut off here) states he will no longer attend games.  Which is his prerogative.   At the end of the day, I wonder how big a deal this will be.  I mean before this, has anyone made any decision about the Panthers based on the "Top Cats?"  I've only been to a couple of games in the 17 years we've lived here, and I've got to be honest, I've never even noticed them.  Honestly, I've been more offended by what I've heard and seen in the stands (seriously, we've got to behave better-but that's a different story for a different day).  I'm curious though, what are your thoughts?  Is this a big deal, little deal, or no deal for you and your support of the team?

Charlie Nance is the Afternoon Drive co-host (along with his wife) of "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The couple have been with the radio station since 2006. Charlie has won the prestigious CMA (Country Music Association) Award for Radio Personality of the Year and has been a finalist for the Country Radio Hall of Fame four times. Prior to his time in Charlotte, Charlie (along with Debbie) spent more than a decade hosting successful morning radio shows in Greenville, SC; Augusta, Ga; and Birmingham, Al. As a content creator for Country 1037, Charlie writes about dream lottery windfalls, sports, restaurants and bars, and travel experiences in North and South Carolina.