North Carolina

Jim Nantz honored by North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame: 'There are no words'

Published

3 weeks ago

May 11, 2024

Jim Nantz honored by North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame: 'There are no words'

Jim Nantz often isn’t at a loss for words.

Usually the soundtrack of some of the biggest events in sports and some of the biggest moments in history, the North Carolina native usually has the words to describe what he’s seeing and feeling. But when it comes to being inducted into his state’s sports Hall of Fame, you might not need to give him a second to find those words.

“Well, it means my life has kind of gone full circle,” Nantz said of his Hall of Fame induction via WCNC Charlotte. “There’s nothing like going home. Whoever came up with that old line, ‘You can never go home again,’ it’s not true. I mean, this is very meaningful to come back to this state that I love and has meant so much to me and my family. And to be recognized, there are no words.”

The North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame ceremony wasn’t just about Nantz, however.

Steve Smith Sr., Bob McKillop, and Ron Wellman were also inducted on Friday. And Nantz, clearly thrilled to be among such an accomplished company, spoke extensively about this trio of individuals, highlighting how their paths had crossed with his own during his remarkable broadcasting career.

“Well, I’m looking at Steve Smith and was around Steve for most of his career,” said Nantz. “Whether it was here in Carolina — where he really made his career — or even when he was in Baltimore. And now that he’s been in the broadcast business, we worked together on Thursday Night Football. So, that’s very cool. I’ve always admired him.

“Coach McKillop, back when (Stephen Curry) and Davidson made that run in ’08, Billy Packer and I had their wins against Gonzaga and Georgetown — the first and second rounds. I had Davidson other years in the NCAA Tournament. I always admired him. I always thought he could’ve coached anywhere, but his commitment and loyalty to Davdison — what a first-class gentleman.

“Ron Wellman from Wake Forest was the chairman of the NCAA basketball committee, and that was a great part of my life. He’s just done everything in his life with great distinction. Very cool. It’s an amazing class. And I really appreciate them for some reason, deciding I belong in this group. It doesn’t feel real, but I’m gonna accept it tonight.”

Nantz reflected on his own career, being able to call seven Super Bowls and 32 National Championships and Final Fours. It’s hard for him to say anything second to that, but there’s this little event down at Augusta National called The Masters that holds a special place in his heart.

“I’m a father of three, and you try to pick of those sporting events, it’s the same thing,” he said. “Which one’s your favorite child? It’s a little difficult to zero in. But I will say, the tug in the heart was probably driven the most by the Masters tournament. It just always touched me as a kid. I think it was more predicated on the storytelling and quality of description of what I heard from those voices of my youth. I wanted to be one of those voices.”

And he very much is.

[WCNC Charlotte]

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North Carolina

North Carolina DOI reminds insurers of claims processing delay consequences

Published

6 hours ago

June 4, 2024

Press Room

North Carolina DOI reminds insurers of claims processing delay consequences

By Lurah Lowery
on June 4, 2024
Insurance | Legal

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey has issued an advisory bulletin as a reminder of a mandate to promptly handle and settle auto insurance claims.

“The department is seeing an increase in consumer complaints regarding delays in claims processing, including the review of supplemental damage estimates, response times for diminished value claims, and overall communication regarding the status of claims.

“Delays in the handling of claims can lead to financial hardship, emotional distress, and prolonged inconvenience for consumers. Delays in claim resolution should be minimized to ensure that consumers receive the coverage and compensation they are entitled to under their insurance policies.”

Under North Carolina law, prohibited claims practices, among others, are delayed acknowledgment and response to claims, refusing to pay claims without conducting a reasonable investigation, and attempting to settle a claim for less than the amount a reasonable person believes they’re entitled. Such practices can also result in breach of duty violations.

If any actions under the law happen enough to be considered a general business practice, they’re considered unfair methods of competition and unfair and deceptive acts or practices, according to the NCDOI.

“Practices that violate these requirements also erode consumer trust and confidence in the insurance industry,” Causey states in the bulletin.

“Therefore, the department urges all licensed insurers offering automobile insurance in North Carolina to prioritize reasonably prompt handling and settlement of auto insurance claims. Insurers are also encouraged to take necessary measures to address any systemic issues contributing to delays in resolving claims. The department closely monitors insurer practices and will take appropriate enforcement action against any insurer it finds to be in violation of our laws.”

During the Society of Collision Repair Specialists’ April 2023 open board meeting, Causey said there are insurance companies that do a good job of handling and paying claims more quickly than others. He suggested consumers shop around for the best coverage.

“Anything that you bring to the attention of the regulators, if you give it to our office and say, ‘We’ve noticed this, this is the documentation we have,’ we’ll get our folks on it and investigate it and try to get to the bottom of it.”

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Featured image credit: North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey speaks during an SCRS open board meeting in April 2023. (Lurah Lowery/Repairer Driven News)

North Carolina

Law enforcement pursuits in central North Carolina draw attention to policies, bystander safety

Published

14 hours ago

June 3, 2024

Press Room

Law enforcement pursuits in central North Carolina draw attention to policies, bystander safety

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — Holly Loftis was inside her home along US 501 in Person County on Monday afternoon when she heard a nearby street mentioned on her scanner.

“I came to my front door and by that time I’d seen (the vehicle) come rolling by with the officer behind him and then I heard a big boom, like bang. So, I walked out and the truck was rolling and the car had went down in the ditch,” Loftis said.

Person County Sheriff Jason Wilborn told ABC11 that it started when a driver pulled out of a nearby convenience store and nearly caused an accident. A deputy in the area tried to initiate a traffic stop, but the suspect drove off, leading to a pursuit that Wilborn said lasted less than two miles. The suspect’s vehicle collided with a bystander’s vehicle just before the Boston Road intersection, in which the suspect was ejected from the vehicle. As of Monday night, authorities have not released the names of either the suspect or bystander involved in the crash, though both were taken to a hospital.

The crash came just a day after a deadly pursuit in Wake County, in which an 18-year-old driver was reportedly driving 115 mph in a 70 mph zone on I-540 near Louisburg Road. Authorities said he ignored stop signs and crossed into oncoming traffic as he attempted to evade officers. After running a red light, he struck another vehicle traveling east on Zebulon Road near Louisburg Road and died from his injuries. The other driver was taken to WakeMed with what were described as non-life-threatening injuries.

“I can tell you with an ongoing pursuit, a continuing violation — reckless driving, suspected impaired driving — the continued danger to the public…the decision was made for deputies to continue to pursue,” Lt. Mike Fleer said.

These cases follow law enforcement pursuits in Lillington and Cumberland County, part of a pattern that has drawn attention. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 390 people in the state have died in crashes involving police pursuits between 1982 and 2020.

“There’s no doubt that police officers have an extremely difficult job. That’s why most of the policies say that you’re only supposed to initiate these chases under very extreme circumstances (such as) somebody’s got a gun and they’re shooting at people, (a suspect) robbed a bank, something like that. What happens is those rules get disobeyed, or they engage in chases where they get authorization from their department in situations where there is no danger to the public,” said Gary Mauney, a law partner with Mauney PLLC.

While bystanders injured in such chases can pursue civil damages, Mauney said they face challenging circumstances.

“Our appellate courts have interpreted the gross negligence standard as basically a “get-out-of-jail-free” card if you will, for police officers that are not even following their own policies,” said Mauney.

Mauney pointed to other states that have altered their gross negligence standard, making it easier for victims to move forward with cases.

“The cities and municipalities out there need to start taking responsibility when their officers don’t follow their own policies,” he said. “The cities that can waive immunity through the paths that the legislature has allowed, they need to do that and then they need to make it meaningful.”

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North Carolina

LSU baseball vs North Carolina score updates in NCAA regional bracket

Published

21 hours ago

June 3, 2024

Press Room

LSU baseball vs North Carolina score updates in NCAA regional bracket

LSU baseball meets North Carolina on Monday afternoon for all the marbles at the Chapel Hill Regional in the 2024 NCAA Baseball Tournament.

The No. 2 Tigers (43-22) had to win two games Sunday to force the if-necessary game against the Tar Heels (44-14) at Boshamer Stadium. LSU started the day with a come-from-behind, 13-6 victory over No. 3 Wofford before capping the day with an 8-4 win over host UNC.

Offense led the way for LSU to get to the winner-take-game in Chapel Hill. It belted 32 hits in two elimination games, turning those into 21 runs, more than enough to advance to the final.

For the Tar Heels, the loss to LSU was the first one on the weekend, having defeated No. 4 Long Island and LSU before Sunday night.

REQUIRED READING LSU baseball downs North Carolina to force if necessary game at Chapel Hill Regional

What channel is LSU baseball vs North Carolina on today?

LSU vs Wofford start time

LSU vs North Carolina prediction

LSU 9, North Carolina 8: LSU’s bats have come alive at the right time and against the shorter end of North Carolina’s pitching staff. I expect LSU to score plenty of runs. The Tigers will win a back-and-forth game in which the lead will change a couple of times.

LSU vs North Carolina tickets

Best options to find tickets for LSU baseball’s game vs North Carolina at the Chapel Hill Regional can be found at StubHub.com.

LSU baseball schedule 2024

LSU went 23-3 during the nonconference portion of its 2024 schedule. The Tigers went 13-17 in SEC play, including winning four of its last five league series. Full schedule can be found here.

UNC schedule 2024

The Tar Heels went 42-13 overall, winning the Atlantic Coast Conference regular season championship by going 22-8. At the ACC Tournament, North Carolina went 1-1 and was eliminated by Wake Forest in 12 innings. The Tar Heels’ schedule can be found here.

LSU baseball roster

Tommy White leads the way for LSU. There are only seven seniors on LSU’s roster while it contains 13 redshirt or true freshmen. Full roster can be found here.

North Carolina baseball roster

North Carolina boasts 16 seniors on its roster in 2024, making it the oldest team at the Chapel Hill Regional. But its freshman Gavin Gallaher that leads UNC offense along with seniors Parks Harber and Anthony Donofrio. Full roster for the Tar Heels can be found here.

Chapel Hill Regional schedule for today

Game 7, Monday June 3: (2) LSU (3-1) vs (1) North Carolina (2-1), 5 p.m. CT; Stream: Watch ESPN, FUBO (free trial)

Chapel Hill Regional bracket

Game 1, Friday May 31: (2) LSU vs (3) Wofford, 11 a.m. CT; TV: ESPNU, Stream: Watch ESPN, FUBO (free trial)
Game 2, Friday, May 31: (1) North Carolina vs (4) Long Island; TV: ESPN+, Stream: Watch ESPN, FUBO (free trial)
Game 3, Saturday, June 1: Loser of Game 1 vs Loser of Game 2; Stream: Watch ESPN, FUBO (free trial)
Game 4, Saturday, June 1: Winner of Game 1 vs Winner of Game 2; Stream: Watch ESPN, FUBO (free trial)
Game 5, Sunday June 2: Loser of Game 4 vs Winner of Game 3; Stream: Watch ESPN, FUBO (free trial)
Game 6, Sunday June 2: Winner of Game 4 vs Winner of Game 5; Stream: Watch ESPN, FUBO (free trial)
Game 7, Monday June 3: Winner of Game 6 vs Loser of Game 6; Stream: Watch ESPN, FUBO (free trial)

Chapel Hill Regional odds

North Carolina is the favorite to advance out of the Chapel Hill Regional at -110, per BetMGM.
LSU is the odds-on runner-up at +115
Wofford’s odds to win the NCAA regional is +1000
Long Island is listed at +10000

Chapel Hill Regional tickets

Best options to purchase Chapel Hill Regional tickets can be found at StubHub.

2024 NCAA baseball tournament odds

Tennessee +500
Texas A&M +550
LSU +900
Arkansas +900
Kentucky +10000

*All odds courtesy of BetMGM

LSU RALLIES VS WOFFORD AGAIN LSU baseball rallies again to beat Wofford to advance in NCAA regional bracket

LSU LOSES TO TAR HEELS LSU baseball can’t string together hits, falls to North Carolina in Chapel Hill Regional

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Cory Diaz covers the LSU Tigers for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his Tigers coverage on Twitter: @ByCoryDiaz. Got questions regarding LSU athletics? Send them to Cory Diaz at bdiaz@gannett.com.

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