Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson announced that he would sell the team at the conclusion of the season. Sunday morning, a report surfaced, in which Richardson settled numerous sexual harassment lawsuits. In addition, he directed racial slurs towards Black employees. However, what fascinates me is the respect Richardson garnered after the story broke.
The Myth
According to SI, Richardson’s employees regarding him as just a funny, “creepy old man”. In what profession does an owner get to ask women if the wiggled to put on their jeans? Richardson skated on the harmless old person stereotype for years. Age is not a disqualifying factor for creating a weird workplace. Yet, here we are. Owners line up to pay their respect to Richardson. Someone settles numerous harassment claims and his contemporaries celebrate him. Only NFL owners, with their unfettered autonomy enjoy that luxury. To be clear, Jerry Richardson took advantage of his position to humiliate employees. Selling the Panthers is his way of staying one step ahead of the bad press. Before anyone makes him a martyr, see him for what he is.
If you listen to those who know him, Richardson is “old school”. To most, that is a nice way of stating rigid beliefs. For example, when the Panthers drafted Cam Newton, Richardson asked Newton to stay tattoo free with a shorter haircut. Players play, owners own. How a player looks should not fall under the direction of any owner. If Tom Brady, who wears longer hair, played in Charlotte, would Richardson ask him to cut it?
A Sunken Place
The SI report features a quote from an anonymous Carolina employee. The former Panthers staff member referred to Richardson as “Mister”. No, not Mister Richardson, just “Mister”, which remains odd. Defenders will say Richardson’s age (81) plays a role. No, adults called him Mister. That plantation mentality should alarm everyone with a brain. Yet, some excuse that, based on age. How many self-respecting adults lined up to kiss his ring every day? On the whole, Richardson did whatever he chose, paying out settlements that never saw daylight.
Freaky Behavior
From seeking foot rubs to employees to massaging them, Richardson commanded a creepy empire. How did the employees not say anything sooner? Years elapse and folks accepted this as normal? No paycheck is ever worth dehumanizing conditions. Yet, this is not about shaming victims. The real problem resides with the NFL. With all the leaks on Park Avenue, how does this not find its way to the public sooner? All things considered, the owners maintain absolute , unchecked power over America’s most popular sport.
-
Ep 161: Lions Dissapoint; NFL MVP; Week 12 Discussion
by Full Press Coverage on November 27, 2023 at 12:12 am
Code of Silence
Anyone sitting with any owners, probably heard whispers. The galling part is that no owner did anything to curb this behavior. Having billions does not entitle anyone to get over on employees, nor does it? As a result or media, fawning and power-wielding, NFL owners seem above reproach. By weaponizing media access, the NFL controls the narrative. Besides, Richardson’s actions did not affect their bottom line. After all, ownership is a job. Be that as it may, employees have a right to work in a better environment.
Not Alone
For all of Richardson’s creepy, weird, and utterly disturbing peccadilloes, he cannot be the only one. That is not to say that other owners engage in lewd or criminal behavior, but what secrets reside below the surface? The time of the report’s release and the decision to sell happened less than one day. Therefore, either more exists to this story or the owners want to cut Richardson out now. Above all, owners protect each other. With that said, what other perversions exist? Moreover, how many nameless victims of owner misdeeds live heir lives in complete silence?
Keep Pounding
As a result of this episode, I feel for the Panther faithful, the fans. They do not deserve national ridicule. Jerry Richardson made his bed, and tried to get others to share it. By no means, should that fall upon the fans. In a season, where the Panthers look poised to make postseason noise, Richardson casts an unfortunate shadow. Fans deserve better. In spite of on-field success, a sale obscures some of the joy. In the event the Panthers reach the Super Bowl, this topic will resurface.
Bad Boy
Immediately, Diddy threw his hat into the ring as a potential owner. We can stop that right now. Diddy’s arrest record and sketchy past will scare off the owners in a heartbeat. First, the involvement in a shooting that wounded three people will scare everyone. People forget the 90s ever happened. The league prides itself of family entertainment. Having an owner that was not shy around gunfire does not fit the model. Not to mention, the good ol’ boy network still exists. Equally important, when will the league accept a Black owner?
Legacy
In essence, Jerry Richardson will depart with at least a billion dollars. In addition, the only ones that receive any punishment were the victims, fans and anyone who questioned the process. Richardson walks away from deplorable behavior without consequence. The league will perform a shallow investigation and do little, if anything to resolve the issue. Meanwhile, Richardson can look at his statue. In the NFL, character takes a back seat to finance. Otherwise, how can they protect the shield so forcefully? For this reason, Richardson’s deeds will fade into obscurity.
-
Ep 180: Hall of Fame Class Of 2024 Semifinalists Discussionby Full Press Coverage on November 28, 2023 at 7:02 pm
Ira and Clark dissect the 2024 Hall of Fame class semifinalists. Learn […]
-
Ep 179: Hall of Famer Drew Pearson Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on November 22, 2023 at 5:14 pm
Hall of Fame wide receiver Drew Pearson returns to the show to talk to […]
-
Ep 178: Patriots, Eagles, 49ers, and More With Joe Bannerby Full Press Coverage on November 18, 2023 at 3:00 am
Former NFL executive Joe Banner returns to the show to talk with Clark and […]
-
Ep 177: Hall of Famer Mel Blount Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on November 11, 2023 at 1:00 am
Former Steeler and Pro Football Hall of Famer Mel Blount joins Clark and […]
-
Texas A&M hiring process revealed some of their internal problemsby LandryFootball.com on November 28, 2023 at 4:30 pm
For much of the day Saturday, Texas A&M appeared to be on a collision […]
-
What we learned in week 12 in the NFLby LandryFootball.com on November 27, 2023 at 1:00 pm
This season continues to be one of surprises. Up seems down and vice […]
-
Ep 315: Week 12 Fantasy Football Previewby Full Press Coverage on November 22, 2023 at 3:46 am
-
Ep 314: Week 11 Fantasy Football Previewby Full Press Coverage on November 15, 2023 at 3:18 am
-
Ep 313: Week 10 Fantasy Football Previewby Full Press Coverage on November 9, 2023 at 1:53 am
-
Ep 312: 2023 NFL Trade Deadlineby Full Press Coverage on November 2, 2023 at 1:03 pm
-
Ep 197: Recapping Weeks 11 & 12by Full Press Coverage on November 27, 2023 at 11:26 pm
This episode is a double-dip in a good way. Kyle Senra and Jesse Hall […]
-
Ep 196: Week 11 vs Chargersby Full Press Coverage on November 17, 2023 at 9:27 pm
In this solo show, Kyle Senra previews the Green Bay Packers Week 11 game […]
-
Renegades Of Puck Ep 827by Charlie Saunier on November 29, 2023 at 7:23 am
Ep 827 The Renegades Of Puck Recap 3-2 OT/W Vs Penguins Preview Wild & […]
-
ROP Recap Preds 3 Pens 2 F/OT Game 21 2023-24 NHL Seasonby Charlie Saunier on November 29, 2023 at 4:43 am
ROP Recap Preds 3 Pens 2 F/OT Game 21 2023-24 NHL Season Learn more about […]
-
Full Press Panthers - 11-28 - Florida Panthers win on the road against the Ottawa Senatorsby Full Press Coverage on November 28, 2023 at 4:50 pm
The Panthers get it done on the road in shutout form against the Senators. […]
-
Full Press Islanders - 11-27 - A Mixed weekend a great win and a bad lossby Full Press Coverage on November 27, 2023 at 6:25 pm
The Isles had mixed weekend with a win in Ottawa but followed it up with […]
-
Full Press Wild - 11-27 - Recapping the two weekend games for the Wild.by Full Press Coverage on November 27, 2023 at 2:30 pm
Weekend games, Detroit, Colorado, losses. Learn more about your ad […]
-
Full Press Panthers - 11-27 - Florida Panthers lose back to back at home against the Winnipeg Jetsby Full Press Coverage on November 27, 2023 at 2:30 pm
Post-Thanksgiving, the Panthers did not look good in this shutout loss. […]
-
11/27 - Thanksgiving Recap; Jalen Hurts, NFL News and Notesby Full Press Coverage on November 27, 2023 at 10:43 pm
Ian and John recap Thanksgiving weekend, discuss Jalen Hurts' moment, and […]
-
11/24 - Thanksgiving Recap, Jets/Dolphins, Week 12 Picksby Full Press Coverage on November 24, 2023 at 3:47 pm
Ian and John react to all of the action on Thanksgiving Day and look ahead […]
-
11/23 - Thanksgiving Day Preview, Tom Brady, Top 5 NFL Teamsby Full Press Coverage on November 23, 2023 at 3:11 pm
Ian and John discuss the Thanksgiving Day slate of games in the NFL, Tom […]
-
11/21- MNF Reaction, Eagles Handle Chiefs, NFL MVPby Full Press Coverage on November 22, 2023 at 3:31 am
Ian and John react to the Eagles win over the Chiefs on Monday Night […]
-
11/20 - Week 11 Reactions, MVP Race, MNF Previewby Full Press Coverage on November 20, 2023 at 3:08 pm
Ian and John react to Sunday's NFL action, talk MVP, and preview MNF […]
-
11/17 - Ravens Handle Bengals, Injury Concerns, Week 11 Picksby Full Press Coverage on November 17, 2023 at 6:50 pm
Ian and John recap the Ravens win over the Bengals and discuss the […]
-
Ep 2: Top 5 Super Bowls Of All Timeby Full Press Coverage on February 7, 2023 at 3:26 pm
Ian Glendon and John Sapochetti give their Top 5 Super Bowls of all time. […]
-
Ep 1: The Top 10 Quarterbacks Of All Timeby Full Press Coverage on January 12, 2023 at 8:42 pm
On the first episode of 'According To Who?', host Ian Glendon and John […]
-
FPH Daily: Patrick Kane Signs, Wild Make Coaching Changeby Full Press Coverage on November 28, 2023 at 5:24 pm
-
Seahawks at Cowboysby Broken Controller Media on November 28, 2023 at 4:55 pm
-
Bulls at Celtics - Thunder at Timberwolves - Rockets at Mavericks - Warriors at Kingsby Broken Controller Media on November 28, 2023 at 1:00 pm
-
Raptors at Nets - Pelicans at Knicks - Bucks at Heat - Hawks at Cavaliersby Broken Controller Media on November 28, 2023 at 12:30 pm
-
Ep 197: Recapping Weeks 11 & 12by Full Press Coverage on November 27, 2023 at 11:26 pm
-
11/27 - Thanksgiving Recap; Jalen Hurts, NFL News and Notesby Full Press Coverage on November 27, 2023 at 10:43 pm
-
Rivalry, Royalty & Riches - Nov. 27, 2023by Full Press Coverage on November 27, 2023 at 8:00 pm
-
Full Press MMA - 11-27 - MMA Junkie’s 30 Greatest Fighters of All-Timeby Full Press Coverage on November 27, 2023 at 4:00 pm
-
Pelicans at Jazz - Nuggets at Clippersby Broken Controller Media on November 27, 2023 at 3:00 pm
-
Lakers at 76ers - Trail Blazers at Pacers - Wizards at Pistonsby Broken Controller Media on November 27, 2023 at 2:00 pm
-
AEW Full Gear 2023 Review and Roman Reigns Inflated Title Streakby Full Press Coverage on November 22, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Jim Biringer is back once again as he breaks down AEW Full Gear 2023. What […]
-
AEW Full Gear 2023 Previewby Full Press Coverage on November 17, 2023 at 8:08 pm
Jim Biringer is back once again getting you ready for AEW 2023 Full Gear […]
-
Ep 192 - Matt Morganby Full Press Coverage on November 25, 2023 at 3:00 pm
Matt Morgan is a 7-foot monster who had runs in both WWE and TNA. This […]