OKLAHOMA CITY -- The New Orleans Hornets raised $22,000 for
charity through the auctioning of autographed, red jerseys that the
team wore on Valentine's Day.
Proceeds will go to the American Heart Association and Hornets
Charities.
Chris Paul's autographed jersey drew the largest bid at $5,550,
and David West's drew $3,800. Both were easily higher than bids
drawn for autographed All-Star jerseys auctioned off by the NBA.
Jerseys from two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash ($2,425) and Gilbert
Arenas ($2,275) got the highest bids in those auctions.
"We're thrilled with the response that Hornets fans from across
the country had to this auction," Hornets director of corporate
communications Michael Thompson said. "The red Valentine's Day
jerseys are truly a part of history, and the fact that they
outperformed autographed All-Star jerseys from the league's biggest
stars speaks volumes about our fans and the unique nature of this
memorabilia."
All of the 15 jerseys sold for at least $450, with Desmond Mason
($2,150), Tyson Chandler ($1,625) and Bobby Jackson ($1,500)
drawing the most behind leading scorers Paul and West. A jersey
signed by injured starter Peja Stojakovic, who did not play, drew
$1,075.
The NBA must still confirm results of the auction, which ended
Thursday.
Before the Feb. 14 game -- a 110-93 win against Sacramento at the
Ford Center -- the Hornets had never worn a jersey color outside of
its normal team colors, which include yellow, purple and teal.
The jerseys feature the words Oklahoma City across the front,
which owner George Shinn was a way of thanking fans in the city
"for opening their hearts to us during our two-year stay here."
The only other times the Hornets have worn Oklahoma City jerseys
were during the last home game last season and the home opener this
season.