Dear Mr. Richardson

[Bob NC]

Dear Mr. Richardson

Mr. Richardson, I am a transplant to North Carolina. I moved here in 1982. Since I moved here I wanted an NFL team to follow.

I previously lived in Massachusetts. I was a Patriots fan. Being a Patriots fan in Massachusetts prior to 1982 was a real exercise in loyalty. I watched losing seasons for 9 years between 1967 and 1975. I bought tickets to sit on bleacher seats. I bought tickets to watch Jim Plunkett and Steve Grogan lose to everyone. I sat on hard aluminum benches to watch them lose. I paid money to sit in the freezing rain, and the snow, and the temperatures below freezing. The reason I watched them lose for year after year after year? Because they were MY team and they would do whatever they needed to do to TRY to win.

After I moved to NC I tried to watch the Redskins, but, I just had no kinship with them. I tried to watch the Falcons, I just couldn't relate. Then you did what you needed to do to bring a team to the Carolinas.

I appreciate everything you did to bring me a team. I have gone to at least 3 games every year since the Panthers came into being. I have purchased all the expensive beers, sodas and food. I have purchased the Rucker jersey, the Davis jersey, today I wore a Smith jersey.

Today, though, I realized that this exercise has turned into the opposite of what it should be. My team is not doing everything possible to win anymore. My team wants me to be a good fan, but, my team does not want to invest in fielding a winning team anymore.

I sat back for the preseason and watched other teams signing players who are difference-makers; I sat back and watched my team save money. I sat back and watched other teams hire coaches with fire in their bellies; My team stuck with a coach who has a season winning record of 3 and 8.

Listen, go back and look, if I stuck with the Patriots during the 70's and 80's then I will stick with ANYBODY.

Mr. Richardson, I really hope you are impressing all your fellow owners with your belt tightening tactics, but, I gotta tell you, I will not invest one single dollar in your franchise until things change.

Hope you have a prosperous year.

Bob NC

[stankowalski]

Dear Bob,

Could you please shorten your letters? The longer I have to read, the less money I can count. Mmmmkay?

Thanks,

Jerry "I'm rich bitch" Richard$on