Carolina Panthers: David Tepper takes a stand during landmark week

Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper has wasted no time in putting promises into action regarding social injustice.

It’s been another eventful week for the Carolina Panthers in the current climate. Owner David Tepper was vocal of his support for roster members that protested across the country in recent days. And he has also made some telling moves himself to lend his support to the fight.

The Carolina Panthers ended their association with CPI Security over a recent comment made by their CEO. This was then followed by universities and the Charlotte Hornets.

Perhaps a more significant move was for the Panthers to remove the statue of former owner and founder Jerry Richardson from outside Bank of America Stadium. Although the organization stated it was for “safety measures”, the Charlotte Observer reported that they don’t have any plans to put it back.

Richardson, who is said not to be contesting the decision, was almost forced to sell the team following accusations of allegations of workplace misconduct that included a racial slur against a member of Carolina’s scout team.

This was the latest in a series of positive steps by Tepper. It is easy to offer your support to playing staff. But it is entirely another to take matters into his own hands.

These recent decisions have been met with a positive response from the NFL and the wider community. Tepper wasted no time in not only changing the culture of the franchise. But also making sure he is at the forefront of owner change across the league.

Whether this transcends to others around the NFL remains to be seen. However, such positive steps can only mean good things for the Panthers going forward.

Having such a hands-on owner who is not afraid to make instant and important calls like this regardless of potential repercussions commands respect. Safety Tre Boston stated as much in a recent video conference interview that was a further indication of just how much things have changed across the organization in such a short space of time.

"“Everybody is the same way, and you want to fight for everybody in that brotherhood. So it’s neat to see the culture that we’re building here in Carolina again.”"

Why David Tepper is right to change the culture with the Carolina Panthers

The NFL has been something of an archaic place over the years. There is hardly any minority head coaches currently running teams. And no African American individuals have yet to command ownership of a franchise.

This has been met with protests before. But the current situation somehow feels different. David Tepper is more clued up than most when it comes to this. And he is making sure that the Carolina Panthers are leading the way when it comes to putting things right.

It has not only changed the perception of the organization quickly since Richardson’s departure. But these decisions will also give black players a huge comfort blanket to know they can express themselves without fear of reprisal.

The franchise was not known for this previously. Richardson prevented players from protesting in 2016 according to Boston. And this played a huge contributing factor in the player eventually moving on.

There is still work to be done within the Panthers’ organization and across the NFL. However, Tepper deserves enormous credit for putting himself in the firing line for the greater good.