Easley, Michael. Press Release, 2004-01-28, Gov. Easley Is Betting On Carolina Panthers Winning Streak To Culminate With Super Bowl Title

Michael F. Easley Governor State of North Carolina Office of the Governor For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Ernie Seneca Date: January 28, 2004 Phone: 919/733-5612 GOV. EASLEY IS BETTING ON CAROLINA PANTHERS WINNING STREAK TO CULMINATE WITH SUPER BOWL TITLE RALEIGH - Basking from two straight wins, Gov. Mike Easley today wagered Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney that the Carolina Panthers will cap their franchise-best season with a Super Bowl victory Sunday over the New England Patriots. “The Panthers are playing great football and they are going to win,” Easley said. “Their defense is the absolute best and you just can not say enough about that running game. I am going to stick with my lucky barbecue bet. It is tried and true.” Easley bet one pound of barbecue and sauce, one pint of coleslaw and hushpuppies from both Wilber’s Barbecue of Goldsboro and the Barbecue Center Inc. of Lexington. Gov. Romney countered with a New England clambake - complete with lobster, clam chowder and steamed clams. “I have not had any seafood lately and this really sounds good,” Easley said. “I will check with the first lady to be sure we have got plenty of saltine crackers and melted butter on hand.” Easley’s barbecue bet has proved highly successful with recent Panthers playoff victories over the St. Louis Rams and Philadelphia Eagles. Romney also bet that the losing governor would have to wear the winning team’s quarterback jersey at an upcoming conference of the National Governor’s Association in Washington, D.C. “Gov. Romney will look good in Panthers blue,” Easley said. “He just needs to send me his jersey size.” ### Governor's Press Office State Capitol, Raleigh, NC 27603-8001 (919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005 FAX (919) 733-5166