Combs, Curry show interest in Panthers New Panthers boss
African-american ownership of team would be league first
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers are already getting interest from potential new ownership.
Hours after owner Jerry Richardson released a statement on Sunday stating his intent to sell the team at the end of the 2017 season, rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs tweeted that he would like to buy the Panthers. Soon after, Charlotte-raised Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry chimed in on Twitter, adding, “I’m in!”
“There are no majority African American NFL owners. Let’s make history,” Combs tweeted.
Richardson’s unexpected announcement to sell followed a bombshell Sports Illustrated report Sunday morning that outlined allegations of sexual and racial misconduct by Richardson toward former Panthers employees.
The Panthers announced an investigation into the alleged misconduct on Friday night. The NFL said Sunday that it would take over the investigation.
In a video posted to Instagram, Combs said that he would “immediately address the Colin Kaepernick situation, and put him in the running for next year’s starting quarterback competition.”
“It’s just competition, baby; it’s just competition,” Combs said of Kaepernick, the former San Francisco quarterback who no longer is in the league after his protests of police brutality and racism during the national anthem during the 2016 season.
“I will have the best halftime show, the best selection of music and we will win Super Bowl after Super Bowl,” Combs said on Instagram. On Twitter Sunday night, model/actress Brooklyn Decker, a Matthews native and longtime Panthers fan, tweeted her support for a local group to bid on the Panthers.
Curry is a longtime Panthers fan who has been vocal
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Panthers on Monday announced Tina Becker has been promoted to chief operating officer and been given full control of the day-to-day management of the organization.
The move comes after the
NFL launched an investigation into alleged sexual and racist misconduct by longtime owner Jerry Richardson.
“These have been some of the most difficult days of my 19 years with the Panthers, but I am lifted up by the strong resolve and the commitment our employees have shown to this organization,” Becker said in a news release.
Becker began her career with the Panthers as a cheerleader and has climbed the team ranks in various management roles. in his support for Kaepernick since he started protesting.
Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has also expressed support of Kaepernick. Earlier this season, for instance, Newton said that Kaepernick has the talent to play in the NFL, and that he considers Kaepernick a “legend” for his social activism.
According to a Forbes report this year, the Panthers’ net worth is $2.3 billion, an 11 percent surge over last year. In his statement Sunday, Richardson said the team will not begin the sale process, nor will it entertain any inquiries, until its last game of the season is played.