Panthers move statue of disgraced ex-owner Jerry Richardson

The Carolina Panthers relocated a statue of founder and former owner Jerry Richardson on Wednesday due to concerns it would be targeted by people protesting racial injustice.

"We were aware of the most recent conversation surrounding the Jerry Richardson statue and are concerned there may be attempts to take it down," the team stated. "We are moving the statue in the interest of public safety."

When Richardson sold the franchise to David Tepper in 2018, he included a clause in the contract that required his statue outside Bank of America Stadium not to be taken down.

Richardson was pressured into selling the Panthers after allegations of workplace misconduct tarnished the franchise and his personal reputation. He was accused of hurling a racial slur at an African-American scout and sexually harassing female employees.

"Mr. Richardson has made no public comments about the Panthers or the NFL since the sale of the team and doesn't plan to do so now as a private citizen," a spokesperson said on his behalf in a statement shared with WSOC-TV's DaShawn Brown. "He has worked to treat all people fairly in his business and personal lives and, like many other Americans, is troubled by recent events in Minneapolis, Charlotte, and around the country."

The statue went up in 2016 and was gifted to Richardson in celebration of his 80th birthday.