In wake of NFL fine, here's the status of Jerry Richardson statues, stadium names
The 13-foot statue of Jerry Richardson at Bank of America Stadium may be the most prominent public tribute to the embattled outgoing Panthers owner, but it's not the only one.
Richardson's name or image also can be found in other parts of Charlotte and in Spartanburg, S.C. at his alma mater Wofford College. At least one organization is reviewing its ties to Richardson in the wake of an NFL investigation of sexual and racial misconduct by the Panthers' founder.
The NFL fined Richardson a league-record $2.75 million last week after independent investigator Mary Jo White found nothing to discredit the claims of former Panthers employees.
The allegations first came to light in an article in Sports Illustrated last year. The accusations include Richardson making inappropriate comments on "Jeans Day" and sending handwritten "suggestive notes."
After the findings of White's investigation were released, many wondered what would happen to the statue at the front of the Panthers stadium.
A Panthers spokesman said Monday he did not have information on plans for that statue.
A spokesman for new Panthers owner David Tepper did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday. The team sale to Tepper, whose $2.275 billion purchase was approved by NFL owners in May, is expected to close this month.
Namesakes and degrees have recently been removed or revoked in the midst of the #MeToo movement after allegations of misconduct against the honoree, such as movie mogul Harvey Weinstein and comedian Bill Cosby.
None of the handful of organizations in the Carolinas announced plans to immediately change building names or awards in honor of Richardson.
UNC Charlotte's football team plays at the Jerry Richardson Stadium, which seats 15,000 people.
"UNC Charlotte is aware of the NFL decision and discussing the implications of the decision for the University," said spokeswoman Buffie Stephens.
Meanwhile, Wofford College has many ties to Richardson.
He graduated from the private school in 1959, played football for the school and served three terms on the board of trustees. Richardson has also been given Wofford's Alumni Distinguished Service Award and an honorary degree of Doctor of Humanities, according to the school's website.
Wofford has an indoor stadium named for Richardson, which opened in 2017 and seats 3,400. The college hosts the Panther's annual training camp. And a statue of Richardson was installed on a patio in a physical activities building that also was named after him.
"Wofford College’s physical campus, as well as the lives and futures of its students, faculty and staff, have been indelibly transformed by the generosity of Mr. Richardson," said spokeswoman Laura Corbin in a statement. "Beyond that, we have no further comment."
Back in Charlotte, the Charlotte Regional Partnership issues annual "Jerry Awards" named after both Richardson and former Charlotte aviation director Jerry Orr.
"At this time we are not considering a name change, but we may address this in the near future," said spokeswoman Dianne Chase.
The awards are meant to highlight those who have had an impact on the local Charlotte economy.
This story was originally published July 2, 2018 at 5:18 PM.