Panthers give GM Gettleman the ax

In a shocking development nine days before the start of training camp, the Panthers fired general manager Dave Gettleman on Monday. It was a reason to celebrate for some.

Though Gettleman played a large role in building Carolina’s 2015 team, which went 15-1 before losing the Super Bowl to the Broncos, his time in Charlotte also was marked by feuds with star players.

The franchise’s all-time rushing leader, DeAngelo Williams, tweeted he would now be willing to play for the organization again and called Gettleman a “snake.” Josh Norman and Steve Smith, who also left Carolina with a bad taste in their mouths, tweeted their approval as well, Norman via emojis and Smith with a taunting photo.

Williams and Smith, two of the most prominent stars in the history of the franchise, both were released by Gettleman. Norman had his franchise tag rescinded, which led to the cornerback signing with the Redskins.

“I want to publicly say @Panthers is off my list of teams I won’t play for due to the firing of that snake Dave gettleman!” Williams tweeted.

“Its Okay! Dave I know how you feel..... #agent89 #stevesmithsr,” Smith posted on Twitter, poking fun at the fact Gettleman had dumped him in a similar fashion.

Owner Jerry Richardson did not give a reason for the change in a statement announcing the firing of the GM, who was in the Giants’ front office from 1999-2012.

“I want to thank Dave for the role he played in our success over the past four seasons. While the timing of this decision is not ideal, a change is needed,” the statement read in part.

The Charlotte Observer reported the move was a surprise to front-office personnel and players alike.