Diddy and Curry Show Interest in Buying Carolina Panthers
Music and business mogul Diddy, whose real name is Sean Combs, has shown interest in buying the Carolina Panthers football team. Diddy mentioned in October how he wants to make a new league where players have more control.
The tweet drew interest at the time, but it wasn’t taken as seriously as a recent tweet to buy an NFL team. Richardson mentioned he would be putting the franchise up for sale after allegations of workplace misconduct.
Cam Newton
“There are no majority African American NFL owners. Let’s make history,” he tweeted to Panthers owner Jerry Richardson. The tweet came after the musician tweeted: “I would like to buy the @Panthers. Spread the word. Retweet!”
Diddy’s tweet drew interest from several sport stars,. with NBA player Stephen Curry tweeting, “I want in.”
Diddy’s interest in buying the NFL team has the world abuzz. He would be the only African American majority leader in the league. He has also raised eyebrows when he stated that he would address the Colin Kaepernick situation immediately after becoming owner.
He claims he would “put him in the running for next year’s starting quarterback.” Panthers fans question the idea to replace Cam Newton as the team’s starting quarterback. “Diddy would bring fresh ideas and his business-savvy approach to the NFL,” states Tony Fountain, owner of independent record label NOW Entertainment.
Kaepernick had different ideas after hearing Diddy’s comments. The former quarterback who drew criticism after kneeling during the national anthem, stated that he is up for more than just being quarterback. He wrote, “I want in on the ownership group! Let’s make it happen!”
Diddy already shared his vision of a better halftime show and the best selection of music during games. He also made the bold promise of bringing another Super Bowl victory to the team.
Richardson released a statement on the team’s official website, claiming that he will not entertain any inquiries or begin the sales process until after the last game the team plays.
Players, most notably Cam Newton, have come to the defense of the team’s owner. Newton claims that until proven otherwise, the allegations are merely allegations against Richardson.
Forbes estimates that the Panthers franchise is worth $2.3 billion. Diddy is the richest figure in hip hop, with a reported net worth of $820 million. He will need to work with a group to purchase the franchise.
Richardson is under an internal investigation to determine if any misconduct occurred.
The team has put Tina Becker in control of the team’s day-to-day operations. She has been with the organization for 20 years and is the best fit to run the team while the investigation continues.
Sports Illustrated released a few details of the alleged misconduct. The publication mentions inappropriate sexual comments to female employees. One comment asked an employee if she had to wiggle to get her jeans on. He asked the employee to show him how she wiggles to get into her pants.
Another complaint alleges Richardson using a racial slur in anger against a former team scout. Players and the team’s coach were both caught by surprise when Richardson mentioned selling the team.
