The Carolina Panthers have come out to say they do not support any "divisive symbols'' and this comes as others have agreed to support the removal of the Confederate Flag from the the South Carolina Statehouse following the tragic shooting at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston.
Governor Nikki Haley held a press conference calling for the flag to come down on Monday after an outpouring of attention following the shooting. According to Pro Football Talk, the Panthers hold training camp in South Carolina and the team released a statement on the recent events in Charleston The team has held training camp in the state for the entire history of the franchise and this was the first public response to the events that unfolded in South Carolina.
The Charlotte Observer reported that Panthers owner Jerry Richardson previously donated $100,000 to the families of the Charleston victims following the tragic shooting. According to the Observer, Richardson paid $10,000 to each family of the nine victims to pay for "funeral costs" and also money for a memorial to the victims.
Some sports figures have previously called for the removal of the flag, including South Carolina Gamecocks head football coach Steve Spurrier. According to ESPN.com, there are no plans to move training camp from Spartansburg at this time for the Panthers.
"Our organization prides itself on bringing people together. Divisive symbols and actions should not stand in conflict to progress, healing and the unification of all our citizens," said the statement from team spokesman Steven Drummond, according to the Charlotte Observer.
Check here for more on the news and for the statement from the team.
