Panthers to remove Jerry Richardson statue outside Bank of America Stadium: Report

13-foot statue will be removed amid concerns it could be targeted during protests

The Carolina Panthers are removing a statue of team founder and former owner Jerry Richardson from outside Bank of America Stadium amid concerns that it could be targeted during ongoing protests, according to a report.

Team officials plan to temporarily remove the 13-foot statue because of the potential hazard it could pose if protesters attempt to topple it, the Charlotte Observer reported, citing a source with knowledge of the matter. Several statues have been vandalized or toppled during recent nationwide protests against racial inequality and police brutality.

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The statue will be stored in an undisclosed location. It’s unclear if the statue will be reinstalled in the future.

The Panthers did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the situation.

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Richardson co-founded the Panthers in 1993. He came under scrutiny in 2017 after a Sports Illustrated report uncovered evidence that Richardson had engaged in workplace misconduct, including racially charged remarks toward employees.

Richardson sold the franchise to current owner David Tepper for $2.3 billion in 2018 amid an NFL investigation into the allegations. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell later fined Richardson $2.75 million.

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In July 2018, Tepper disclosed that he was “contractually obligated to keep that statue as it is” outside the stadium. It’s unclear if that obligation was for a specific period of time or in perpetuity.

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