Rap mogul Sean Combs said he would sign former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick if he can purchase the Carolina Panthers from owner Jerry Richardson, who's been accused of sexual harassment and said Sunday he plans to sell the team in the wake of a league investigation
Combs — known in the entertainment world as Diddy (short for P. Diddy) after he apparently grew bored of his equally famed nickname Puff Daddy — made his intentions known on Twitter.
I would like to buy the @Panthers. Spread the word. Retweet!— Diddy (@Diddy)1513561809.0
This picture was taken back in 2003. This is God’s work. It’s time!! ATTN all @NFL owners, it’s time for diversit… https://t.co/9AGUAmAyLu— Diddy (@Diddy)1513567556.0
Diddy added that he'd sign Kaepernick — who remains without a job this season after his 2016 national anthem protests ignited controversy that continues today — and give him a shot at Cam Newton's starting job. Newton has ruffled feathers of his own on more than a few occasions.
“I will immediately address the Colin Kaepernick situation and put him in the running for next year’s starting quarterback," Diddy said in an Instagram video. "It’s just competition, baby. It’s just competition."
NBA superstar Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors expressed interest in joining Diddy on a Panthers purchase:
I️ want in! https://t.co/XvvC1vo7xI— Stephen Curry (@Stephen Curry)1513565899.0
Diddy seemed in favor of that:
Holla at me, let’s get it! https://t.co/rCdw8GP4TJ— Diddy (@Diddy)1513570017.0
Curry, a two-time NBA MVP, grew up in Charlotte and is a big Panthers fan, the New York Daily News said.
The Panthers are valued at $1 billion, and Diddy falls short of that with an $820 million net worth, the Daily News added, citing Forbes.
If a Panthers sale to Diddy goes through, it most likely will require the assistance of other investors, the paper noted, adding that Curry, with a net worth of $47.3 million, would be a "logical choice."
UPDATE 4:59 p.m.: Kaepernick tweeted back to Diddy on Monday that he's interested in being part of the ownership group as well:
I want in on the ownership group! Let’s make it happen! https://t.co/sDR4ciciY8— Colin Kaepernick (@Colin Kaepernick)1513611504.0
This story has been updated.