College football news: Florida QB Anthony Richardson dumps ‘AR-15’ branding

Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson introduced he’ll now not use the “AR-15” nickname and branding.

Richardson mentioned he now not desires to be related to the rifle of the identical identify that has incessantly been utilized in high-profile mass shootings just lately.

A gunman used an AR-15 fashion rifle within the homicide of 19 youngsters and two lecturers at a Uvalde, Texas, elementary faculty in Could.

And the weapon is the one used most frequently in comparable shootings in recent times.

Anthony Richardson drops AR-15 branding

“Whereas a nickname is simply a nickname and ‘AR-15’ was merely a illustration of my initials mixed with my jersey quantity, you will need to me that my identify and model are now not related to the assault rifle that has been utilized in mass shootings, which I don’t condone in any method or kind,” Richardson mentioned on his official web site. 

“My representatives and I are presently engaged on rebranding, which incorporates the creation of a brand new brand and transitioning to easily utilizing ‘AR’ and my identify, Anthony Richardson.”

Richardson had used the nickname in branding following the newfound skill of school soccer gamers to generate profits off their identify, picture, and likeness.

Richardson began an attire line that included shirts, wristbands, and jerseys. A number of the materials additionally used iconography of a scope reticle, one other gun-related picture the participant mentioned he’ll abandon.

The longer term for Florida?

Richardson emerged as a well-liked participant for Florida a yr in the past, when he served initially as a backup to then-starting quarterback Emory Jones.

He handled a knee harm that stored him out of video games late final season, however Richardson managed 9 all-purpose touchdowns, six passing and three dashing.

Jones transferred to Arizona State, opening up the doubtless beginning position for Richardson this fall underneath first-year Gators soccer coach Billy Napier.

Florida opens the 2022 soccer season at house towards Pac-12 champion Utah.

Observe Faculty Soccer HQ: Bookmark | Rankings | Information | Schedules | Fb