It’s easy enough to say that you support social justice and equal rights. It’s another thing entirely to follow through and do the right thing, even if it might affect your business. The Carolina Panthers took one small step towards delivering on their promise on Saturday.
For years, some of the team’s top defensive players like Luke Kuechly have done commercials for a local home-security company called CPI Security. That won’t be happening anymore after the team announced an end to the partnership following insensitive comments made by the owner. Here’s what the team said on their official Twitter account.
Last Saturday, we said we are committed to doing our part and we mean it.
CPI Security has been a long term partner but, upon reflection, we feel that it is right to end our relationship.
We have informed Mr. Gill of our decision tonight.
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) June 7, 2020
The company’s owner Kenneth Gill came under fire after sending this email to a local journalist suggesting they should focus on black on black crime rather than issues of police violence. He sent an apology soon after it was leaked, but it was too late.
CPI Security CEO Kenneth Gill is under fire after sending this email obtained by @wcnc. It was sent in response to a call to action by Queen City Unity to end police brutality. Gill released this apology and I'm told several employees resigned today. Details at 11. pic.twitter.com/NYmlcyW40B
— Chloe Leshner (@ChloeLeshner) June 6, 2020
Good on the Panthers.
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