Panthers bring in Thomas for defense

Hollis Thomas, Carolina's latest attempt to fill its giant hole at defensive tackle, had just finished his first practice with the Panthers on Thursday when he was asked what he would bring to his new team. Standing with his helmet off and his belly spilling over the top of his pants, the 6-foot, 340-pound Thomas didn't hesitate. "A little levity, a little thickness in the middle," Thomas replied. Winless and desperate to find anybody to help stop the run, the Panthers were willing to take a chance with the 35-year-old portly humorist. A day after he was released by St. ... Email </a