Mr. Scot

Disagree. I think it's smart for them to start doing their research now "just in case". It's a negative that it became public knowledge, but the fact that they're doing it doesn't bother me at all.

Actually I have. It's online right here (NFL.com) Exact Quote: "The Panthers are laying the foundation for a possible coaching search after this season, doing background checks on candidates so much so that one candidate actually knows that the team is interested in them." No statement that there's been actual contact. Just background searches that one guy knows about. As we found out last week, neither will Rivera. I thought he handled that admirably.

Very possible.

Read the full context... Per the source, background checks only. The candidate 'knowing' doesn't imply contact.

NFL News: Calvin Johnson not playing today (ouch)

You also risk making Rivera look like a lame duck, which potentially affects the product on the field this season. And they're not technically "looking for a new coach" at this point. They're just laying the foundation for if they do. We're only talking about a background check. You don't have to contact someone to do a background check. No restrictions would apply at all.

From Peter King (MMQB) He signed a long term extension at Stanford less than a year ago and he's made similar string statements every time he's been asked. Yeah, anything can happen, but I seriously doubt he's coming to the NFL. And if he eventually does, it's highly unlikely it will be with an East Coast team.

Actually it makes perfect sense. These guys are making career decisions. Who the head coach ia has a pretty big effect on that career. I think it's more accurate to say the Panthers have been tight-lipped under Richardson. Either way, Gettleman doesn't strike me as the type to work through an intermediary. I'd say if he wants to tell you something, he'll just tell you himself.

I'd bet against it being a deliberate leak. The Panthers are notoriously tight-lipped and don't really like it when people peek behind the curtain. Having it out there means people will ask questions they probably don't want to answer. I suspect if it was something they wanted Rivera to know, they'd just tell him (and who knows, they might have)

It has the potential to be. As an example, you're trying to negotiate an extension with Greg Hardy. Hardy, who likes Rivera, hears that you're looking into replacing him. That news may then become a factor for his decision making. Ditto other players who like Rivera (and remember we have a lot of one year contracts on this team). As you get later in the season, guys start thinking about next year anyway, especially if they're gonna be free agents. Naturally I hope it doesn't become a distraction, but it most definitely could be.

I think he's right to be doing it. Having it known to the public though? Not really a good thing. He'll need to 'defend' it to Rivera, who I honestly think will understand that it's just business. The people more likely to be angered by it though? The players. Rivera is very well liked in the locker room. And although they too may understand it's "just business", I'd still expect some will take offense to the news. No, Gettleman doesn't have to apologize for doing his job. But he doesn't want anything distracting the team, so he'll want to smooth this over.

Oh, it's definitely a smart move to be doing it. Probably would have been better to not have the media find out about it though

A background check isn't technically "reaching out" since it doesn't require any contact with the candidate. Still, it's a pretty big 'ouch' to have this come out now. Only real defense is "due diligence".

I've seen that clip a hundred times and it still cracks me up

Retired jersey? Agree it's unlikely. One day contract when he's ready to retire from the game? Would love that.

'Non-Panthers fan' would be more accurate, I think. Or just 'troll' for short.

Shockey and Ricky Proehl probably have little to nothing in common personality wise, but as players both had a knack for finding open spots in the defense and scoring. Guys like that may not be superstars with ridiculous stats, but they sure do help you win games.

You need guys like that.

Lord almighty, why?

That shot of Richardson in the end zone is a great pic.

I hear Sweet Caroline

Lester gets his pick now.

We have a GM and former players from there. And the Giants have put their backups in too. They know it's over.

Seriously We're about to win a game by 30 plus. Can people not just be happy?

Bill Walsh won four Super Bowls with a 'classy' team.