Free-agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick expressed interest in joining a group that is planning to acquire the Carolina Panthers, who were abruptly put on sale after their owner was involved in widespread sexual misconduct. On his Twitter account, Kaepernick said he wants to become a part of an ownership group, led by rap mogul Diddy, who is eyeing to purchase the Panthers from Jerry Richardson.
I want in on the ownership group! Let’s make it happen! https://t.co/sDR4ciciY8
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) December 18, 2017
Earlier, Diddy tweeted that he is interested in purchasing the Panthers following the Richardson’s announcement that he’s putting the team up for sale.
“There are no majority African American NFL owners. Let's make history," tweeted Diddy. Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry, who grew up in Charlotte and a known fan of the Panthers, also expressed interest in joining Diddy's ownership group as well.
This picture was taken back in 2003. This is God’s work. It’s time!!
— Diddy (@Diddy) December 18, 2017
ATTN all @NFL owners, it’s time for diversity!! It’s time for Black ownership!!
The time is now. Let’s make it happen!! pic.twitter.com/zex7LTZ8mn
Richardson embroiled in sexual misconduct issues
The 81-year-old Richardson has owned the Panthers since they were established in 1993 and started playing in the NFL in 1995. Richardson was put in the spotlight after Sports Illustrated released accounts of several employees who experienced a toxic work environment under Richardson.
The employees claimed Richardson subjected them to lewd comments and unwanted touching, aside from payments for cosmetic services. Richardson also used a racial slur when discussing a scout, who is African-American. According to the Sports Illustrated article, Richardson settled with his aggrieved employees and have them signed to non-disclosure and non-disparagement agreements.
The NFL is currently investigating the matter, according to league spokesman Brian McCarthy.
Are Curry, Kaepernick financially capable?
Looking at their respective bank accounts, Diddy, Curry, and Kaepernick could not purchase the Panthers on their own. Based on Forbes.com’s assessment of the Panthers, the team is currently worth $2.3 billion.
Forbes placed Diddy’s net worth at $820 million while Curry earned $47.3 million in 2017. In the offseason, Curry signed a five-year maximum deal worth $201 million, but he has yet to enjoy his salary from his latest contract with the Warriors. The 30-year-old Kaepernick, for his part, earned just $39.4 million over the life of his contract with the San Francisco 49ers. The 30-year-old Kaepernick has yet to find a team in the NFL after opting out of his deal with the 49ers, where he threw for 2,241 yards and 16 touchdowns with four interceptions last season. Many believe that Kaepernick is being blackballed by NFL teams due to his kneeling during the national anthem last season to protest social injustice in the United States.
