The former NFL quarterback tweeted his interest in owning the Panthers on Monday morning.
Colin Kaepernick says he is interested in joining an ownership group and purchasing the Carolina Panthers.
Kaepernick wrote on Twitter on Monday morning that he would be interested in joining a group of prospective owners that has coalesced on social media, led by rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs. Kaepernick retweeted Combs’ post from Sunday about his desire to purchase the team and added his own interest.
“I want in on the ownership group!” Kaepernick wrote. “Let’s make it happen!”
Panthers owner Jerry Richardson announced Sunday night that he plans to sell the team at the conclusion of the season, a decision that came as the 81-year-old faces allegations of workplace misconduct, including claims of sexual harassment and the use of a racial slur from former employees reported by Sports Illustrated .
Combs subsequently wrote on Twitter that he would like to buy the team, adding in a second tweet: “There are no majority African American NFL owners. Let’s make history.”
Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry, who grew up in North Carolina and is a Panthers fan, later posted, “I want in!”
Kaepernick last played for the San Francisco 49ers in 2016 and has become best-known for taking a knee during the national anthem as a means of protesting racial inequality and police brutality in the United States. He became a free agent in March and has yet to be signed by another team, prompting him to file a collusion grievance against NFL owners.
In a video posted on Instagram on Sunday night, Combs said he would sign Kaepernick to compete with three-time Pro Bowler and 2015 MVP Cam Newton under center.
“I would be the best NFL owner that you can imagine,” Combs said in the video. “I will immediately address the Colin Kaepernick situation, and put him in the running for next year’s starting quarterback. It’s just competition, baby. It’s just competition.”
Contact Tom Schad at tschad@usatoday.com or on Twitter @Tom_Schad .
