Panthers owner Richardson: 'Politicizing the game is damaging'

Carolina Panthers' Jerry Richardson became one of the first owners to come out against protests during the national anthem in a statement Monday, saying that "politicizing the game is damaging."

The Panthers were one of the few teams that didn't partake in a united demonstration between the majority of their players and coaches on Sunday.

Head coach Ron Rivera told the team Saturday night that he thought it would be best not to protest in any form during the national anthem. Only veteran defensive end Julius Peppers decided against following Rivera's advice, as he chose to stay in the locker room during the anthem.

Richardson is one of the last owners to release a public statement following Donald Trump's comments attacking NFL players over the weekend.