When we do our Friday NFC South chat, I generally recap it with a few highlights and a link to the complete transcript.
But we’re going to take a slightly different approach to today’s recap because of some things that came up right at the start and finish of the chat.
We got several questions about Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, who has been in the news a lot for allegedly taking a condescending tone toward Peyton Manning during labor talks the day before the Super Bowl. Let’s take a look at a few of the Richardson questions.
Chris (San Diego) What kind of owner is Jerry Richardson?
Pat Yasinskas: Overall, I'd say a very good one. Players and employees will tell you he takes very good care of the people who work for them. He's never been anything less than a true gentleman in my dealings with him. He cares deeply about his franchise and his fans. Now, I know recent events have left him open to criticism and questions and I understand that. But I don't think we know the flip side as to why Richardson is doing what he's doing. And I don't think it's fair to call him a bad guy until we know what the flip side is. He's a smart guy and I'm sure he has solid reasoning for taking the approach he's taking.
Mark (NC) Is the reputation that Richardson is cheap and greedy fair?
Pat Yasinskas: Not over the long haul. He's spent lots of money in the past -- Sean Gilbert, Ken Lucas, Mike Wahle, renewing Steve Smith, etc. Players have always been treated as first-class citizens. Now, things changed over the last year or so. But, as I said early in the chat, I think we need to see the flip side of Richardson's plan before really judging him.
Kerry (St. Louis) Is Jerry Richardson a bad person?
Pat Yasinskas: ABSOLUTELY NOT. I respect the man tremendously.
Here’s the transcript of the entire chat.