- The Washington Times - Sunday, June 7, 2020

The Carolina Panthers have cut ties with a Charlotte-based security company after its CEO made “insensitive and racist” comments in the wake of the massive protests following George Floyd’s death.

CPI Security CEO Ken Gill had responded to an email from Jorge Millares, the executive director of local community group Queen City Unity, who asked for city leaders to call for police reform.

“Please spend your time in a more productive way. I challenge your statistics,” Gill wrote in reply. “A better use of time, would be to focus on the black on black crime and senseless killing of our young men by other young men.”

Queen City Unity posted Gill’s response to its website and called for local teams like the Hornets and the Panthers to stop conducting business with the company. Millares said Gill’s remark was “insensitive and racist.”

The Panthers agreed.

“Last Saturday, we said we are committed to doing our part and we mean it,” the Panthers said in a statement. “CPI Security has been a long term partner but, upon reflection, we feel that it is right to end our relationship. We have informed Mr. Gill of our decision tonight.”

The athletics programs at North Carolina State and the University of South Carolina followed suit on Sunday.

• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.

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