By Sara Dorsey Tampa, Florida - Melissa Holder has the shiner to prove that one Carolina cheerleader does more than just dance. Melissa Holder, Punched by Carolina Cheerleader:"She hit me the blonde girl hit me in the face and I said you just hit me in the face I’m in shock."20-year-old Renee Thomas and her gal-pal Angela Keathley are now kicked off the team for their bar-room brawl and alleged bathroom sexcapade at Banana Joes in Channelside. Ironic considering Holder says Thomas was all about the team after throwing the arrest winning punch Saturday night.Melissa Holder, Punched by Carolina Cheerleader:"The whole time that I had her against the wall she's screaming let me go I'm a Panthers cheerleader. I'm not going to get in trouble for this you know. Let me go. I'm a Panther cheerleader you can't refrain me. I can't believe she was admitting that she is a Panther cheerleader. That's embarrassing to your organization."Apparently, the Panthers agree. A spokesman for the team says the two violated a rule that bans conduct embarrassing to the team. That is why the duo will no longer be sporting the uniform. But Holder, a nurse, believes she'll be sporting her panther print for quite some time.Melissa Holder, Punched by Carolina Cheerleader:"At least three or 4 weeks which Is very embarrassing it's going to turn green and all different shades of purple obviously."A third member of the team, Kristen Owen, has been suspended for allegedly letting Thomas borrow her i.d. to get into the bar.Sara Dorsey, Tampa Bay's 10 News
UPDATE: Tampa Police have issued a fugitive warrant for former Carolina Panthers cheerleader Renee ThomasTampa Police have issued a fugitive warrant for former Carolina Panthers cheerleader Renee Thomas on three counts:1.3rd degree felony giving a false name and causing harm to another person2.misdemeanor battery3.misdemeanor presenting a false drivers licenseTampa Police say it will be up to Carolina authorities to either arrest Thomas or let her remain out of jail until her scheduled court date in Tampa.
Shumaker, Loop Kendrick, LLP128 South Tryon Street, Suite 1800Charlotte, North Carolina 28202November 8, 2005PRESS RELEASE:FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:Charlotte, NC – This firm represents Renee Thomas with respect to the pending charges in Tampa, Fl. This woman was an unfortunate incident which as generated numerous rumors and inaccurate facts. Miss Thomas denies all allegations of any sexual conduct. We are currently in communication with law enforcement officials in Florida and are cooperating fully with the authorities. Miss Thomas apologizes to everyone affected by the incident, including the Carolina Panthers, the City of Charlotte, Ms. Holden and the Tampa Police Department.Related Stories:
