GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Anthony Richardson, the starting quarterback for the Florida Gators, is distancing himself and his brand from the nickname “AR-15,” stating he no longer wishes to be associated with the semi-automatic rifle of the same name.
“After discussions with my family and much thought, I have decided to no longer use the nickname “AR-15″ and the current apparel line logo, which features a scope reticle, as part of my branding,” Richardson wrote in a statement issued Sunday.
JUST IN: Florida QB @GVOaant has posted on his web page that he is no longer using the nickname “AR-15” to distance himself from the assault rifle. pic.twitter.com/6iQzkMMn7x
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) July 17, 2022
The story was first reported by Darren Rovell of Action Network.
“While a nickname is only a nickname and “R-15″ [sic] was simply a representation of my initials combined with my jersey number, it is important to me that my name and brand are no longer associated with the assault rifle that has been used in mass shootings, which I do not condone in any way or form,” Richardson continued.
An AR-15-style rifle was used May 24 in the shooting deaths of 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
According to Sports Illustrated, Richardson’s nickname was coined during the 2021 offseason when he changed his jersey number from No. 2 to No. 15. In turn, the new moniker was leveraged as part of Richardson’s merchandising during the past 12 months after Name, Image and Likeness deals were legalized.
“My representatives and I are currently working on rebranding, which includes the creation of a new logo and transitioning to simply using ‘AR’ and my name, Anthony Richardson,” he stated.
Although Richardson started only one game during the 2021 season, he scored nine total touchdowns on the season, ESPN reported.
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