On road to extinction, Panthers take life turn It always is difficult to determine exactly when a species crosses that line from merely endangered to inevitable extinction. The last of the breed rarely calls a news conference to announce: ``Been nice knowin' ya'. I'm outta here.'' South Florida's best fans are its coolest, too Until a few weeks ago, Doug MacLean, the Panthers coach, drove a 1987 Volvo that was nearly as beat-up as Eric Lindros after a howdy-do with Ed Jovanovski. When the car began to look more like Robert Svehla, the Cat with the freshly broken nose, busted lip and missing teeth, the coach knew it was time for new MacWheels. Cats: real people Until a few weeks ago, Doug MacLean, the Panthers coach, drove a 1987 Volvo that was nearly as beat-up as Eric Lindros after a howdy-do with Ed Jovanovski. When the car began to look more like Robert Svehla, the Cat with the freshly broken nose, busted lip and missing teeth, the coach knew it was time for new MacWheels. Leagues must take social stand I can think of several places where the talents of football player Christian Peter would fit right in. Coincidentally, all of these places happen to have iron bars for doors. At these places, Mr. Peter still would get to wear a uniform. No helmet, though. On road to extinction, Panthers take right turn It always is difficult to determine exactly when a species crosses that line from merely endangered to inevitable extinction. The last of the breed rarely stages a news conference to announce, ``I'm outta here.''





