Q&A with Panthers COO Tina Becker
Tell us about your new job. What is your role going to be?
I've taken over day-to-day management of the organization. I view it as a great honor and a great opportunity. I have been here for 19 years, and I have worked with just about every part of the business side of this organization, from entertainment to ticketing to attending league meetings. I am ready for this challenge.
What is your reaction to Mr. Richardson stepping back and you stepping in, especially on a personal level?
It was a tough day, I am not going to sugarcoat it. I have great respect for what he has accomplished, and great appreciation for the opportunities he has given me personally. I wouldn't be here today running an NFL team if not for him.
In light of the stories, do you expect to make any changes?
Yes. I expect some changes but I am not prepared to get into the specifics quite yet. I believe every organization can make improvements. There is no room for complacency. There are a lot of talented people in this organization and I want to get their input as well as we continue to make this organization better every day.
There are a lot of people wondering what's going to happen with the team being sold. Is there anything you can tell us?
Mr. Richardson has made clear he is not going to act on the sale of the team until after the season. All of us need to focus on doing the best we can to support our players, coaches and staff with the postseason fast approaching. We all need to work toward the goal of winning the first Super Bowl in franchise history. But I know there are questions about the future, and all we can do is let that process play out. My hope that whoever buys the team will see that Charlotte is a fantastic community with a passionate fan base, and will keep the team here. But that is out of our hands at this point. We must control what we can and do our jobs to the best of our ability.
