Tepper joined players to talk with law enforcement, public defenders and social justice advocatesGETTY IMAGES
NFL Panthers Owner David Tepper is showing members of the organization that he is "eager to listen -- and get involved -- when it comes to social and racial injustice," according to Steve Reed of the AP. Tepper supports player protests, and this week accompanied Panthers WR Torrey Smith and LS J.J. Jansen on a “listen and learn” tour in Charlotte with "law enforcement, public defenders and social justice advocates." The agenda topics included "bail reform, racial disparity regarding policing, segregation and the lack of educational resources for youth in low-income communities of color." Smith said of Tepper, "He’s a person that really cares about the community. It’s not just about the flawed criminal justice system, it is about need in general. And he’s all over it." Reed noted Smith’s comments seem to "represent a 180-degree change in how the players view ownership." Former Panthers Owner Jerry Richardson "erred on a more conservative side." Meanwhile, Panthers S Eric Reid "hasn’t decided if he’ll kneel or not" during the national anthem. But based on his previous actions, Tepper "likely would have no problem if Reid takes a knee." Jansen: "It’s very empowering for the players that the issues that we are interested in, [Tepper is] interested in them, too" (AP, 10/3).
PUPPY LOVE: In Charlotte, Brendan Marks reports Panthers WR Devin Funchess, like several other team members, is "attaching his name to a social issue." Funchess and his dog Chapo have "teamed with PETA on a campaign aimed at preventing dogs from being chained up outside." As part of the campaign, Funchess and Chapo "did a photo shoot together and also took part in a commercial." Funchess: "If the topic pertains to your life, speak out on it. Just get out there in the community while you still have those years left" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 10/4).
