CHARLOTTE, NC – In a move signaling a seismic shift in professional sports psychology, the Charlotte Hornets organization has unveiled 'Stingy,' a certified emotional support miniature pony, to help players cope with the profound trauma of having their 10-game road winning streak unceremoniously snapped. The team, still reeling from Sunday's 124-118 loss to the Phoenix Suns, believes traditional coaching methods are insufficient for such a catastrophic emotional blow.

“We understand that losing a streak of that magnitude isn’t just about basketball; it’s about the very fabric of their being,” stated team psychologist Dr. Brenda Kincaid, stroking Stingy’s mane. “These athletes poured their souls into those ten wins. To have it end so abruptly, so… *finalement*… it’s a form of grief. Stingy offers unconditional equine empathy, which frankly, is more than I can say for some of our fans after a bad quarter.”

Players are reportedly encouraged to spend at least 15 minutes a day petting Stingy, sharing their feelings, or simply gazing into his soulful, equine eyes. Forward Marvin “The Wall” Wallace admitted, “Honestly, after that Phoenix game, I just wanted to curl up in a ball. Stingy gets it. He doesn’t ask me to box out; he just… is.”

Critics argue the move is an overreaction, suggesting professional athletes should be able to handle a loss. However, team management insists that the emotional well-being of their multi-million dollar assets is paramount. The team is now considering a full-time 'grief counselor' for the ball boy who had to clean up the Gatorade cooler after the game.