The NBA is moving the 2017 All-Star Game out of Charlotte because of its objections to a North Carolina law that limits anti-discrimination protections for lesbian, gay and transgender people.The league had expressed its opposition to the law known as HB2 since it was enacted in March, and its decision Thursday came less than a month after state legislators revisited the law and chose to leave it largely unchanged.While we recognize that the NBA cannot choose the law in every city, state, and country in which we do business, we do not believe we can successfully host our All-Star festivities in Charlotte in the climate created by HB2, the league said in a statement.The league added that it hoped to announce a new location for next Februarys events shortly. It hopes to reschedule the 2019 game for Charlotte if there is a resolution to the matter.We understand the NBAs decision and the challenges around holding the NBA All-Star Game in Charlotte this season. There was an exhaustive effort from all parties to keep the event in Charlotte, and we are disappointed we were unable to do so, Hornets chairman and Hall of Famer Michael Jordan said. With that said, we are pleased that the NBA opened the door for Charlotte to host All-Star weekend again as soon as an opportunity was available in 2019.The leagues decision was first reported by the Vertical.Commissioner Adam Silver wanted to wait as long as possible to make one, believing positive dialogue could lead to changes it felt the law needed. But he also said a decision would need to be made this summer, and the league was disappointed when the General Assembly restored the ability of workers to use state law to sue over employment discrimination on the basis of race, religion and other factors -- but left gender identity and sexual orientation unprotected.There was no appetite among Republican lawmakers to change the provision requiring transgender people to use restrooms corresponding to the sex on their birth certificates in many public buildings -- a measure at the heart of two legal challenges in federal court.The law passed in a March special session also excludes sexual orientation and gender identity from antidiscrimination protections related to the workplace, hotels and restaurants; and overrules local antidiscrimination ordinances. Republican leaders have said the law was passed in response to a Charlotte ordinance that would have allowed transgender people to use restrooms consistent with their gender identity.Governor Pat McCrory lashed out at the sports and entertainment industry and the media in response to the NBAs announcement.The sports and entertainment elite, Attorney General Roy Cooper and the liberal media have for months misrepresented our laws and maligned the people of North Carolina simply because most people believe boys and girls should be able to use school bathrooms, locker rooms and showers without the opposite sex present, McCrory said in a statement issued by his office.The law has drawn opposition from a number of entertainers who have canceled performances in North Carolina. Duke recently had to replace one of its games scheduled for next season when Albany was prevented from traveling to Raleigh by New York Governor Andrew Cuomos travel ban.So our states lost a lot, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said Thursday.The fate of the state law is likely to be decided in federal courts where dueling lawsuits are being heard, with a judge saying he wants to start trial in four of the five cases by early November. Hes also set an Aug. 1 hearing on a motion for a preliminary injunction to block the laws bathroom access provision.Charlotte officials have said they expected the event to have an economic impact of around $100 million, based on data from recent All-Star Games in the comparable New Orleans and Orlando markets. The game could rival the $164 million economic impact of the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, the largest financial bump of any event for the city.Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts expressed disappointment that the laws discriminatory actions led to the NBAs decision and hoped the city will get another shot at the showcase in 2019.All-Star weekend would have provided an excellent opportunity to further showcase our great and welcoming city. Charlotte has shown its commitment to equal rights and inclusion and will continue to promote those values, Roberts said in a statement. I appreciate the NBA and our Charlotte Hornets being such strong champions of equality.Several NBA cities could be in line to host the game, including New Orleans -- which has hosted the leagues midseason showcase twice. The Pelicans are owned by Tom Benson.New Orleans has demonstrated time and again our ability to successfully host some of the largest and most visible sporting events and celebrations in the world, including the 2008 and 2014 NBA All-Star Games, Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation President and CEO Jay Cicero said Thursday after the leagues announcement. We will do everything possible to assist the NBA, Mr. and Mrs. Benson and the New Orleans Pelicans in their efforts, if called upon.Silver has said having Jordan, one of the NBAs most recognized figures, in Charlotte was one of reasons to have the game there. He also praised Charlotte plans that had been made for renovations, which included upgrading the infrastructure, suites and scoreboard -- all of which have been completed or are close to being completed.On Thursday, Jordan thanked city leaders for their support.We want to thank the City of Charlotte and the business community for their backing throughout this entire process, starting with the initial bid, Jordan said. We are confident that they will be just as supportive and enthusiastic for the 2019 NBA All-Star Game. Andrew Chafin Diamondbacks Jersey . -- Vincent Lecavalier got everything but the desired result in his return to Tampa Bay. Steven Souza Diamondbacks Jersey . The 18th player to shoot 60 on the tour, Jamieson settled for par on the final hole when his 15-foot birdie chip grazed the edge of the hole and stayed out. After opening with rounds of 66 and 73 to make the cut by a stroke, he had 11 birdies in the bogey-free round. http://www.diamondbackssale.com/customized/ . 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The San Jose Sharks appear to be a team in flux, but theyve made sure that one of the core pieces will be around for quite a while.With Brent Burns contract situation now a done deal, the Sharks continue their five-game homestand Wednesday night versus the Chicago Blackhawks.San Jose (10-8-1) has long been anchored by Joe Thornton and original Shark Patrick Marleau, both in their 19th NHL seasons with their respective contracts expiring after the season. Joe Pavelski, at 32, and Logan Couture, at 27, are locked up through 2019.Now the Sharks top defenseman has been taken care of, as Burns on Tuesday signed an eight-year extension worth a reported $64 million.Burns, now in his sixth season with San Jose after playing with the Minnesota Wild from 2003-11, is the Sharks all-time leader among defensemen with 93 goals, and needs 14 points to surpass Dan Boyle (269 points from 2008-14) as the teams career leader in points among blue-liners.Brent is one the most dynamic players in the National Hockey League and were very excited to get this deal done, Sharks general manager Doug Wilson told the teams official website Tuesday.Burns snapped a season high-tying, three-game scoreless streak with a goal and assist in the Sharks 4-0 win over the New Jersey Devils on Monday in the opener of the homestand. He leads San Jose with seven goals and with 16 points is one shy of tying Pavelski for the team lead.While with the Sharks, Burns has two goals and five assists in 14 career games against the Blackhawks in San Jose.The Sharks, who lost in the Stanley Cup final in six games to the Pittsburgh Penguins last season, come into this game trailing the Edmonton Oilers by just two points for the Pacific Division lead. And even though Burns will be 40 when the new deal expires, hes excited about what the future holds for the club.We got some great guys coming up. ... Were going to have a great group for a long time, Burns told the San Jose Mercury News.Martin Jones is expected to start in goal for the Sharks, and iff so, hell try to build off a 26-save performance against the Devils for his second shutout in six games.ddddddddddddones is 5-2-0 with a 1.58 goals-against average with a .933 save percentage at SAP Center this season. He lost in his only start and career appearance against the Blackhawks last season.The Blackhawks annual Circus Trip shifts to California after going 2-2-0 across central and western Canada.Chicago was blanked for the second time on this trip -- 5-0 by Edmonton on Monday. The Blackhawks dropped a 4-0 decision to the Winnipeg Jets on Nov. 15, and were held scoreless for the first 42:53 before roaring back from three goals down for a 4-3 overtime win over the Vancouver Canucks on SaturdayCoach Joel Quenneville told the Chicago Sun-Times that he needs production from everyone.When you dont score in two of the three games, and you basically get production in one period out of nine, youre looking for ways to generate, he said. ... But we need four lines going.Jonathan Toews has been remarkably consistent through his first nine NHL seasons for Chicago, averaging 28 goals and 35 assists. However, the Blackhawks captain has just four goals and eight assists in 20 games, and has failed to get on the scoresheet in the last four.Facing the Sharks may help him get back on track. Hes posted 13 goals and 13 assists in 29 career games versus San Jose, leading his team to a 16-9-4 record.Chicago is 8-2-2 in its last 12 against the Sharks, however the two regulation defeats have been by shutout. The Blackhawks defense has been particularly strong, limiting the Sharks to 1.83 goals per game over the dozen matchups.Corey Crawford will likely get the chance to make up for the poor effort in Edmonton. Hes 3-0-1 with a 1.97 GAA in his last four starts in San Jose.That wasnt our team, Crawford said Monday. ... We just have to forget about it and worry about the next game. ' ' '