TAMPA – Howard Stern wanted the two Carolina Panthers cheerleaders for an interview. Penthouse wanted them to pose.

Even British tabloid reporters called the Tampa Police Department’s public information office, where phones on Monday rang and rang.

“I can’t breathe,” said Tampa police spokeswoman Laura McElroy. “I can’t believe there are so many newspapers in North Carolina. Alcohol, sex and cheerleaders are apparently the ingredients for a hot story, because I am getting flooded with calls.”