Richard Walker of the Gaston Gazette reports: Perhaps Louisville, Ky. isn?t all Charlotte Hornets? management hoped it would be.

Hornets? majority owner George Shinn released a statement through team officials on Friday that looked to be a softening of its stance on relocation and made it clear staying in Charlotte was still a strong option.

Shinn?s statement was made in reference to a local group that has spent the past few months organizing a group with hopes of keeping the Hornets in Charlotte.

"I don?t know how many folks know," Shinn?s release began, "but there is a very active, devoted grass-roots group of people here in Charlotte who have stepped up to try to keep the Hornets in town. They call themselves ?I?m a BeeKeeper.?

"The best part of this effort is that these folks are fans ? people who love basketball, love the team and love the city of Charlotte. What an effort these folks are making; They have created a website, displayed billboards all over town and even started a petition.

I wanted to publicly thank the BeeKeepers and express my gratitude for their efforts. They are not going unnoticed."

Shinn?s statement comes after co-owner Ray Wooldridge came out earlier this month naming Louisville as the top candidate for the franchise?s relocation.

Also, earlier in the week, Louisville city aldermen voiced concerns over how their city would be able to fund the new arena Hornets? management has desperately been seeking.