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Panthers Owner Jerry Richardson was given an award Wednesday for his business and civic contributions. In his acceptance speech, he talked about domestic violence and became so emotional he had to stop and collect himself at various points.
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"Standing before you tonight, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge an issue weighing heavily on our sport and on our society," Richardson said.
"When it comes to domestic violence, my stance is not one of indifference," Richardson said. "I stand firmly against domestic violence, plain and simple."
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The NFL has come under fire for its treatment of players accused of domestic violence. The Panthers' Greg Hardy was convicted by a judge this summer for assaulting his former girlfriend. Hardy is appealing that conviction.
"To those who would suggest that we've been too slow to act, I ask that you consider not to be too quick to judge," Richardson said.
Hardy was not at practice Wednesday, but WSOC-TV was told it was not related to any disciplinary decisions.
Commissioner Roger Goodell was supposed to attend Wednesday's event but did not show up for the award ceremony.
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