Home•The Latest•Panthers Owner Jerry Richardson Makes Emotional Statement on Domestic Violence

Panthers Owner Jerry Richardson Makes Emotional Statement on Domestic Violence

September 10, 2014September 15, 2015 Bill Voth News Jerry Richardson, Panthers, VIDEO

Note: We’ve replaced our iPhone video with the one below, courtesy of WCNC

[gap size=”.6em”]The cloud of controversy surrounding the Panthers in the wake of defensive end Greg Hardy’s domestic violence case, and the NFL’s indefinite suspension of former Ravens running back Ray Rice, took another emotional turn Wednesday night.Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, who was the recipient of the Echo Award Against Indifference, ended his acceptance speech with a tearful and passionate statement:

“When it comes to domestic violence, my stance is not one of indifference. I stand firmly against domestic violence, plain and simple. To those who would suggest we’ve been too slow to act, I ask that you consider to not be too quick to judge. Over the course of our 20 years, we have worked extremely hard to build an organization with integrity and earn the trust of your community. I look forward to continuing to earn your trust and I thank you for this award.”

After the ceremony, Richardson was quickly whisked past reporters and TV cameras without making further comments.Hardy was found guilty of threatening to kill his ex-girlfriend by a North Carolina judge in July. A week later, the Panthers made it clear they will wait for the NFL to decide on any discipline for Hardy.On Wednesday, head coach Ron Rivera reiterated those plans, and embattled NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell repeated the league will make no decisions until the case is complete. Hardy’s jury trial is scheduled for Nov. 17, but many assume that will be pushed into 2015.Goodell, who is close with Richardson, was scheduled to attend Wednesday night’s ceremony, but he canceled after another controversy-filled day.[feature_headline type=”center” level=”h3″ looks_like=”h3″ icon=”headphones”]LISTEN TO ENTIRE SPEECHNote: Before Richardson began his speech, the West Meck marching band made a surprise appearance in the theater. Richardson asked out loud for Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman, who was in the audience, and then made a playful reference to kicker Graham Gano’s incident Sunday with the Bethune-Cookman band.[x_audio_embed][/x_audio_embed]

SHARE THIS POST

stevieposton

BlackBlueReview Good Statement by Richardson, tough to handle the backlash.He is doing the right thing, weather people believe it or not.
stevieposton

BlackBlueReview Good Statement by Richardson, tough to handle the backlash.He is doing the right thing, weather people believe it or not.
stevieposton

BlackBlueReview Got to let Due Process play out.
stevieposton

BlackBlueReview Got to let Due Process play out.
BigDave_90

stevieposton BlackBlueReview See, this right here is why I love being a fan of this team
BigDave_90

stevieposton BlackBlueReview See, this right here is why I love being a fan of this team
ukcountess

my1voice56 Sobbing as he spoke. GUILTY!!
ukcountess

my1voice56 Sobbing as he spoke. GUILTY!!
BrunsonKirk

BlackBlueReview if Mr Richardson wanted to tear up he should have done it when #greghardy got caught up in domestic violence case
BrunsonKirk

BlackBlueReview if Mr Richardson wanted to tear up he should have done it when #greghardy got caught up in domestic violence case
GaryPinkney

VERY different situations between Hardy and Rice. There was ample evidence, and Rice was convicted. In Hardy’s case, it is very much he said she said. The accuser also was high on cocaine, ranting and acting histerical toward Hardy during his 911 call to police. The accuser has also missed her court date, and evidence that has been found is incosistent with domestic violence or if Hardy even put his hands on her at all.
GaryPinkney

VERY different situations between Hardy and Rice. There was ample evidence, and Rice was convicted. In Hardy’s case, it is very much he said she said. The accuser also was high on cocaine, ranting and acting histerical toward Hardy during his 911 call to police. The accuser has also missed her court date, and evidence that has been found is incosistent with domestic violence or if Hardy even put his hands on her at all.
GaryPinkney

I don’t think you should ever put your hands on a woman. A person does have the right to remove you from their property or physically confront you if your causing trouble in their home and refuse to leave.
GaryPinkney

I don’t think you should ever put your hands on a woman. A person does have the right to remove you from their property or physically confront you if your causing trouble in their home and refuse to leave.
Joat1977

How do you know he didnt?
Joat1977

How do you know he didnt?
Joat1977

What? Who’s guilty of what?
Joat1977

What? Who’s guilty of what?
appgrad22

Another reason I am a proud Panthers fan. This organization may not have a long history, but it is steeped in integrity.
appgrad22

Another reason I am a proud Panthers fan. This organization may not have a long history, but it is steeped in integrity.
ScottComstock

Crocodile tears if I EVER heard them. Richardson is a joke of a human – always has been.
ScottComstock

Crocodile tears if I EVER heard them. Richardson is a joke of a human – always has been.
MikeJaskowiak

GaryPinkney Wasn’t he found guilty?
MikeJaskowiak

GaryPinkney Wasn’t he found guilty?
GaryPinkney

In a bench trial yes. No evidence was presented, and there was no jury. He now has to go to a jury trial. Unlike Rice, there is evidence in this case that may prove Hardy is being wrongfully charged.
GaryPinkney

In a bench trial yes. No evidence was presented, and there was no jury. He now has to go to a jury trial. Unlike Rice, there is evidence in this case that may prove Hardy is being wrongfully charged.
tdot2233

ScottComstock Cynicism if I’ve ever seen it. Emotion seemed to be clearly real
tdot2233

ScottComstock Cynicism if I’ve ever seen it. Emotion seemed to be clearly real
Louisianalady9

Kind of hard to believe Jerry Richardson when Greg Hardy is still playing. If Mr. Richardson were that concerned about DV, Greg Hardy would be on the bench until his case is resolved. I fond Mr. Richardson’s statement on Domestic Violence to be hypocritical.
Louisianalady9

Kind of hard to believe Jerry Richardson when Greg Hardy is still playing. If Mr. Richardson were that concerned about DV, Greg Hardy would be on the bench until his case is resolved. I fond Mr. Richardson’s statement on Domestic Violence to be hypocritical.
ScottComstock

tdot2233
Maybe so – but that crying act – WHILE CONTINUING TO LET A CONVICTED ABUSER PLAY – is something far worse than cynicism. Any Panther fan who is upset at Ray Rice should be picketing until Hardy is cut loose as well…..
ScottComstock

tdot2233
Maybe so – but that crying act – WHILE CONTINUING TO LET A CONVICTED ABUSER PLAY – is something far worse than cynicism. Any Panther fan who is upset at Ray Rice should be picketing until Hardy is cut loose as well…..
ScottComstock

GaryPinkney OK – so now YOU – sitting in your living room – know more that the JUDGE who saw all the evidence and found him guilty. And wait – so I can’t put my hands on a woman UNLESS she’s causing trouble in my house? COME ON MAN !!
ScottComstock

GaryPinkney OK – so now YOU – sitting in your living room – know more that the JUDGE who saw all the evidence and found him guilty. And wait – so I can’t put my hands on a woman UNLESS she’s causing trouble in my house? COME ON MAN !!
apbove81

ScottComstock GaryPinkney

Hi Scott, how about you let the process play out and due process served before you hang your hat on interweb mob trials. Not sure how aware of the evidence you are, but there is enough to show that this could go either way. Go read charlotte observer and the crap they spew so you are so offended by differing opinions.
apbove81

ScottComstock GaryPinkney

Hi Scott, how about you let the process play out and due process served before you hang your hat on interweb mob trials. Not sure how aware of the evidence you are, but there is enough to show that this could go either way. Go read charlotte observer and the crap they spew so you are so offended by differing opinions.
apbove81

Louisianalady9 Hardy is still denying he did anything and his chance in court is not finished. Why would anyone bench a player they have invested so heavily in based on accusations that have not been proven to be true. Let hardy be found guilty before like any other person before you make heavy handed decisions. Your comment is absurd.
apbove81

Louisianalady9 Hardy is still denying he did anything and his chance in court is not finished. Why would anyone bench a player they have invested so heavily in based on accusations that have not been proven to be true. Let hardy be found guilty before like any other person before you make heavy handed decisions. Your comment is absurd.
GaryPinkney

Not what I meant at all. I neveri knew more than the judge. Im just stating that his time in court has not been given yet. He was sentenced, with little to no argument in the case. I read the case. Facts are facts. The judge could’ve easily just said guilty because in NC, bench sentencing is pretty much making the Judge the Jury and the Executioner. Also, I’m nit saying you hit a woman when they are agressive toward you, I’m saying you can pick them up and remove them from your house if need be.
GaryPinkney

Not what I meant at all. I neveri knew more than the judge. Im just stating that his time in court has not been given yet. He was sentenced, with little to no argument in the case. I read the case. Facts are facts. The judge could’ve easily just said guilty because in NC, bench sentencing is pretty much making the Judge the Jury and the Executioner. Also, I’m nit saying you hit a woman when they are agressive toward you, I’m saying you can pick them up and remove them from your house if need be.
SoulCitySigma

apbove81 Louisianalady9 Thanks apbove81 and agreed. Let the appeal happen first. I think the anticipated trial date is in January, so benching him until the case is resolved means benching for the whole season. It’d be one thing if the justice system moved fast and Hardy would have trial later this month but Hardy’s attorney obviously thought this case had a good chance in front of a jury (you’d be surprised how many defense attorneys AVOID jury trials), so I think given these circumstances, you allow him to play until it moves through court THEN upon conviction by jury the league should punish.
SoulCitySigma

apbove81 Louisianalady9 Thanks apbove81 and agreed. Let the appeal happen first. I think the anticipated trial date is in January, so benching him until the case is resolved means benching for the whole season. It’d be one thing if the justice system moved fast and Hardy would have trial later this month but Hardy’s attorney obviously thought this case had a good chance in front of a jury (you’d be surprised how many defense attorneys AVOID jury trials), so I think given these circumstances, you allow him to play until it moves through court THEN upon conviction by jury the league should punish.
GaryPinkney

Thank you! It’s like people don’t see what is going on here. If Hardy is handed a suspension, his case goes to trial and the guilty verdict is overturned, then that opens the Panthers and the league up to lawsuits and more trouble . Also, if Hardy isnt given a chance to prove his innocence and is thrown out, anyone can just walk up to a Panthers player and say that they a used them if its in NC because Hardy was found guilty without presenting evidence.
GaryPinkney

Thank you! It’s like people don’t see what is going on here. If Hardy is handed a suspension, his case goes to trial and the guilty verdict is overturned, then that opens the Panthers and the league up to lawsuits and more trouble . Also, if Hardy isnt given a chance to prove his innocence and is thrown out, anyone can just walk up to a Panthers player and say that they a used them if its in NC because Hardy was found guilty without presenting evidence.
SoulCitySigma

ScottComstock GaryPinkney Hold your calvins baby boy. Do you realize how many defense attorneys avoid jury trials? But Hardy’s attorney wants one, because he knows the case is weak and doesn’t think a jury will convict. Judge is an elected official; unlike Goodell who didn’t know what to do with Rice, this judge knew to try to throw the book at Hardy for the sake of keeping the bench. Hardy has a right to a jury trial due to the Sixth Amendment. He has not had one. You keep him playing until he has that right honored.
SoulCitySigma

ScottComstock GaryPinkney Hold your calvins baby boy. Do you realize how many defense attorneys avoid jury trials? But Hardy’s attorney wants one, because he knows the case is weak and doesn’t think a jury will convict. Judge is an elected official; unlike Goodell who didn’t know what to do with Rice, this judge knew to try to throw the book at Hardy for the sake of keeping the bench. Hardy has a right to a jury trial due to the Sixth Amendment. He has not had one. You keep him playing until he has that right honored.
Louisianalady9

apbove81 He was found guilty by a judge. He’s appealing, so there’s that. That’s not so absurd. I guess if it were your GF/mother/sister who was abused, you might feel different. How absurd is that logic? You guys need to think outside of football. This isn’t about him playing, it’s about doing what’s right for the victim’s of Domestic Violence. Get your heads out of the players jock straps a minute and quit worrying about how it might hurt your team. This man along with Ray McDonald shouldn’t be playing. Jerry Richardson is a hypocrite.
Louisianalady9

apbove81 He was found guilty by a judge. He’s appealing, so there’s that. That’s not so absurd. I guess if it were your GF/mother/sister who was abused, you might feel different. How absurd is that logic? You guys need to think outside of football. This isn’t about him playing, it’s about doing what’s right for the victim’s of Domestic Violence. Get your heads out of the players jock straps a minute and quit worrying about how it might hurt your team. This man along with Ray McDonald shouldn’t be playing. Jerry Richardson is a hypocrite.
GaryPinkney

If my GF or mother or sister was found to have cocaine in her system and was caught on a 911 call acting crazy toward someone, I woukd temper my actions until I heard both sides and saw evidence. That is like the Texas man who shot and killed a man for running into his little boys. He acted with a knee jerk decision without thinking. If Hardy is suspended and it turns out he was innocent, then a lawsuit is definately on the way.
GaryPinkney

If my GF or mother or sister was found to have cocaine in her system and was caught on a 911 call acting crazy toward someone, I woukd temper my actions until I heard both sides and saw evidence. That is like the Texas man who shot and killed a man for running into his little boys. He acted with a knee jerk decision without thinking. If Hardy is suspended and it turns out he was innocent, then a lawsuit is definately on the way.
Louisianalady9

GaryPinkney This isn’t about cocaine or murder, it’s about Domestic Violence. I repeat there was enough evidence that a judge found him guilty. Unless or until you have someone close to you be the victim of Domestic Violence then you will never understand where I coming from. It’s no about Football. Greg Hardy and Ray McDonald must be benched until their cases are resolved. It’s about doing the right thing. Your owner made a speech, crying about how much he cares about Domestic Violence. It’s time for him to take action.
Now I have nothing else to say, because you are not intelligent enough to understand what I’m talking about.
Louisianalady9

GaryPinkney This isn’t about cocaine or murder, it’s about Domestic Violence. I repeat there was enough evidence that a judge found him guilty. Unless or until you have someone close to you be the victim of Domestic Violence then you will never understand where I coming from. It’s no about Football. Greg Hardy and Ray McDonald must be benched until their cases are resolved. It’s about doing the right thing. Your owner made a speech, crying about how much he cares about Domestic Violence. It’s time for him to take action.
Now I have nothing else to say, because you are not intelligent enough to understand what I’m talking about.
GaryPinkney

Alrighty. 1 my mother was a victim of verbal and physical abuse, so yeah. 2, I never said it was about football 3 I have enough sense and composure to not fly off the handle at everything that is done. 4 if they DO bench him, and he is somehow found not guilty then what? That team and owner are gonna be brought into a whole new lawsuit. You have to look at long term and not just crucify the guy now. You must not be intelligent enough to understand what I am talking about because the judges in NC can hand out a guilty sentence in a bench trial without any argument from the defendant. Be calm, and call for the team to act when ALL facts are presented.
GaryPinkney

Alrighty. 1 my mother was a victim of verbal and physical abuse, so yeah. 2, I never said it was about football 3 I have enough sense and composure to not fly off the handle at everything that is done. 4 if they DO bench him, and he is somehow found not guilty then what? That team and owner are gonna be brought into a whole new lawsuit. You have to look at long term and not just crucify the guy now. You must not be intelligent enough to understand what I am talking about because the judges in NC can hand out a guilty sentence in a bench trial without any argument from the defendant. Be calm, and call for the team to act when ALL facts are presented.
SoulCitySigma

Louisianalady9 apbove81 I said this elsewhere on this page but I’ll say it to you too, especially since we’re dealing with NC and things may be different in Louisiana. The judge is an elected official in NC. Therefore, a judge may act in a fashion that helps the judge keep the bench. The judge probably knew the best course of action for the judge was to throw the book at Hardy and punt responsibility for this case to a jury. Given how Goodell has been treated with Ray Rice, the judge was correct.

Now there’s this little pesky thing called the Sixth Amendment. This Sixth Amendment thing of which I speak entitles Hardy to a jury trial. He has not had one, and should be allowed to play until his right to have one has been honored. No worthwhile attorney would put Hardy in front of a jury if he thought that Hardy would be convicted; he could potentially face a stiffer punishment in that situation. This attorney however knows that the case is so weak that the jury is likely to not convict. If you don’t think your client has a chance, you avoid a jury by any means necessary.

Now, if Jerry Richardson suspends Hardy and then Hardy is found not guilty, Hardy and the NFL Player’s Association may actually have a civil case against Richardson as Hardy would have been denied due process and would have been prevented from work before he got to exercise his Sixth Amendment right to the jury trial. And it’s a horrible precedent for Richardson to set as far as deciding he’ll suspend any player who is accused of something; accusations merited and unmerited will be recurrent in this business. Richardson has to allow a reasonable amount of either evidence or legal processes to guide his actions on players; he does not have either with this Hardy case as he is aware that the judge’s conviction could be a political move.

And no, I don’t think differently if this is my mother or sister. Only POS individuals care about things only if they affect them in some personal matter. I don’t care if this is Hardy’s girlfriend, or my mother, or the girlfriend of some team I don’t like like the Saints or the Cowboys. It has to be that either a jury finds him guilty, he enters a plea deal, or there is some “beyond a reasonable doubt” evidence before I say “Don’t let him play”. We don’t have any of these here.
SoulCitySigma

Louisianalady9 apbove81 I said this elsewhere on this page but I’ll say it to you too, especially since we’re dealing with NC and things may be different in Louisiana. The judge is an elected official in NC. Therefore, a judge may act in a fashion that helps the judge keep the bench. The judge probably knew the best course of action for the judge was to throw the book at Hardy and punt responsibility for this case to a jury. Given how Goodell has been treated with Ray Rice, the judge was correct.

Now there’s this little pesky thing called the Sixth Amendment. This Sixth Amendment thing of which I speak entitles Hardy to a jury trial. He has not had one, and should be allowed to play until his right to have one has been honored. No worthwhile attorney would put Hardy in front of a jury if he thought that Hardy would be convicted; he could potentially face a stiffer punishment in that situation. This attorney however knows that the case is so weak that the jury is likely to not convict. If you don’t think your client has a chance, you avoid a jury by any means necessary.

Now, if Jerry Richardson suspends Hardy and then Hardy is found not guilty, Hardy and the NFL Player’s Association may actually have a civil case against Richardson as Hardy would have been denied due process and would have been prevented from work before he got to exercise his Sixth Amendment right to the jury trial. And it’s a horrible precedent for Richardson to set as far as deciding he’ll suspend any player who is accused of something; accusations merited and unmerited will be recurrent in this business. Richardson has to allow a reasonable amount of either evidence or legal processes to guide his actions on players; he does not have either with this Hardy case as he is aware that the judge’s conviction could be a political move.

And no, I don’t think differently if this is my mother or sister. Only POS individuals care about things only if they affect them in some personal matter. I don’t care if this is Hardy’s girlfriend, or my mother, or the girlfriend of some team I don’t like like the Saints or the Cowboys. It has to be that either a jury finds him guilty, he enters a plea deal, or there is some “beyond a reasonable doubt” evidence before I say “Don’t let him play”. We don’t have any of these here.
ScottComstock

SoulCitySigma Louisianalady9 apbove81 Idiotspeak….Hardy had his chance to prove his innocence – AND FAILED. It is AN APPEAL we are waiting for – NOT A DECISION. Grow up man.
ScottComstock

SoulCitySigma Louisianalady9 apbove81 Idiotspeak….Hardy had his chance to prove his innocence – AND FAILED. It is AN APPEAL we are waiting for – NOT A DECISION. Grow up man.
SoulCitySigma

ScottComstock SoulCitySigma Louisianalady9 apbove81 Sorry Comstock but the Sixth Amendment won’t be going anywhere just because you have some sort of vendetta and bias against this player.
SoulCitySigma

ScottComstock SoulCitySigma Louisianalady9 apbove81 Sorry Comstock but the Sixth Amendment won’t be going anywhere just because you have some sort of vendetta and bias against this player.
ScottComstock

SoulCitySigma ScottComstock Louisianalady9 apbove81 No – I do not – but thanks for the law pointers….I’m sure you are qualified.
ScottComstock

SoulCitySigma ScottComstock Louisianalady9 apbove81 No – I do not – but thanks for the law pointers….I’m sure you are qualified.
ScottComstock

GaryPinkney Blame the victim – niiiice.
ScottComstock

GaryPinkney Blame the victim – niiiice.
GaryPinkney

Nice try, but I never blamed her. I just looknat the fact that she had no signs of physical abuse when the degree of abuse she said Hardy put upon her was enough to leave bruising
GaryPinkney

Nice try, but I never blamed her. I just looknat the fact that she had no signs of physical abuse when the degree of abuse she said Hardy put upon her was enough to leave bruising
johnconners

Pathetic Richardson. It was like watching Jerry Springer. Sorry, not buying that lame croc of b/s for a second. Richardson is nothing more than a huckster. Truth hurts sometimes.
johnconners

Pathetic Richardson. It was like watching Jerry Springer. Sorry, not buying that lame croc of b/s for a second. Richardson is nothing more than a huckster. Truth hurts sometimes.
Louisianalady9

johnconners I agree!
Louisianalady9

johnconners I agree!
ScottComstock

Richardson HIMSELF should be suspended for being such a transparent two faced hypocrite
ScottComstock

Richardson HIMSELF should be suspended for being such a transparent two faced hypocrite
Louisianalady9

He should be, but Goodell would never let that happen.
Louisianalady9

He should be, but Goodell would never let that happen.
WinsureT

BlackBlueReview Hi, If you need excellent transcription services then contact :
http://winsuretechnologiesinc.com
WinsureT

BlackBlueReview Hi, If you need excellent transcription services then contact :
http://winsuretechnologiesinc.com

Black and Blue Review

Black and Blue Review

Panthers Owner Jerry Richardson Makes Emotional Statement on Domestic Violence