The real Big Cat

[carpantherfan84]

Jerry Richardson is getting a lot of crap from fans right now and it is understandable because, well frankly we are sucking pretty bad right now. But consider this, Big Cat has taken what I believe are considerable strides to appease the fans. I believe that he pays attention to the pulse of the web especially from forums like this and they factored in to his decision to let Hurney go early. It is what the fans demanded, and it was a massive demonstration of a committment to change. He could have waited til the end of the season. Noone believes Hurney will not be paid through the season so why let him go now? He cant properly vet anyone else yet.

Precious few owners have the repor with their players that Richardson has. Players are constantly giving unsolicited praise to him and his treatment of the organization. People will bring up the Panthers' record of the past few years which is horrible and we have some over paid underachieving players which is the worst combination a sports team can have from a business stand point. But remember back more than 3 years when he was known as one of the cheapest owners around? People were lighting him up all over the place and even in the media so what did he do, he allowed Hurney to talk him into signing several players that some would argue weren't the best to sign and allowed a style of offense that was in COMPLETE contradiction to what he has allowed in the past. I think he is thoroughly pissed at how it turned out, but because he is aware of his current image as part of the problem he (if the rumors are true) is bringing in outside experts to assist.

And another thing people bring up the lockout. But remember owner Jerry Richardson had an obligation to the league not the players. In the NFL the coaches coach, the players play, the refs ref, the fans support it and the owners run it. A decision had to be reached that was best for the league and in my opinion they did a decent if not perfect job. The rookies are paid reasonably which still leaves room to cut them if they suck, the vets are paid better than ever, we have a new day of football, Time Warner now carries NFL Network, revenues are through the roof so that means teams that have no fan base are still supported and can get good players and the list goes on. The league is better than ever. (the Panthers suck but hey, nobodies perfect).

Big Cat has a pretty impressive record as an owner and a business man. And honestly I hope I get the opportunity to get some advice from him as I climb the ladders of opportunity. His major flaw has been too much compassion for people in need of opportunity, that is a flaw I wish more people shared. The Panthers are in good hands, our problems are blatantly obvious (Cam's sideline demeanor not one of them) and the road to success is not lost to us.

[Starscream]

I liked the Ditka quote in your post. Players play, coaches coach, owners own...

:D

JR will right the ship eventually, it's just taking longer than expected.

[SuperJTheGreat]

[Dex]

[BEASTfromdaEAST]

You lost me when you said "You think he listens to the web" or some crap. If he did that Hurney would have been gone ages ago.

[Cape Fear Cat]

I don't know that he keeps his eyes on what we web dingalings have to say, but I do believe he is acutely aware of the way fans respond to the product he puts on the field. I agree with the OP, that in nearly all respects, Mr. Richardson is an exemplary owner, and a credit to the NFL. Sure, he occasionally does stuff I don't agree with, but then, I don't ask other people what I should do with my money either. I am glad we have him, and I will be sad to see the day come when his hand is no longer on the helm of the Panthers organization.

[TylerDurden]

If he listened to the fans, we would have an alternate uni consisting of black pants and a black helmet.

[The NFL Shield At Midfield]

isn't richardson on record as not even having an email address