Rock Hill Herald · Jul 12, 2018
Longtime Carolina Panthers attorney fired
Richard Thigpen has been fired after more than two decades as general counsel of the Carolina Panthers, Thigpen confirmed to the Observer Thursday morning.
Thigpen's departure comes days after the $2.275 billion sale of the team to hedge fund manager David Tepper.
"It's not uncommon for a new owner, whether it is a sports franchise or other business, to want his own legal team in place when he takes over," Thigpen said. "Personal relationships are typically involved with legal (representatives) and owners."
Thigpen is the second high-profile Panthers executive to leave the team as it changes ownership: On the same day Tepper's deal closed, chief operating officer Tina Becker stepped down.