Panthers owner defends deals

Web posted June 21, 1998

Associated Press

CHARLOTTE -- Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson admits the team shelled out quite a bit of money to build up its lineup.

``You noticed that, too?'' Richardson said, as his fourth-year team completed mini-camp Friday. ``We did spend a lot of money, but we've got a lot in turn.''

Richardson made free agent defensive end Sean Gilbert the richest defensive player in the NFL with a seven-year, $46.5 million deal. He made free agent cornerback Doug Evans the second-highest paid defensive back with a five-year, $22.5 million deal.

He re-signed outside linebacker Kevin Greene, a holdout at this camp last year, to a two-year, $5.5 million deal. He extended the contract of Wesley Walls, making him the highest paid tight end in the NFL at $2.7 million a year.

Despite the hefty roster, Richardson backed away from his original pledge to win a Super Bowl within 10 years.

``It's more difficult than I thought it was,'' said Richardson, who made the promise when he was awarded the team before the 1995 season.

``I thought this was going to be a whiz-bang and we'd have won more and done more things,'' he said. ``It's just more difficult. There are so many things you can't control.''

Richardson learned this lesson last season when the Panthers finished 7-9 a year after going 13-5 and reaching the NFC Championship game. Before last season, he was so confident that he talked in terms of multiple Super Bowls.

``The season was difficult for everybody,'' said Richardson, speaking publicly for the first time since general manager Bill Polian left in December. ``For me, personally, as difficult as it was, it could have been a blessing in that it reinforced in me how difficult it is to win.''

Richardson got a glimpse of the changes in the team during the two-week mini-camp.

The Panthers are now off until July 23, when they report to Wofford College in Spartanburg for training camp. They will hold their first practice July 25.