Remembering time before sex-crimes trial: When Diddy wanted to be an NFL owner

USA Today

2 days ago

A 12-person Manhattan jury delivered a split verdict Wednesday in the case of Sean "Diddy" Combs, who was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution but was acquitted on the top charge of racketeering and both sex trafficking counts.
The verdict came after allegations of sexual assault and trafficking started mounting against the music mogul following a bombshell lawsuit from his former girlfriend of a decade, Casandra "Cassie" Ventura Fine, who provided devastating testimony during the trial that began May 5 in Combs' hometown of New York City.
It wasn't long ago that Combs attempted to join one of the most exclusive clubs in American society: NFL ownership. Here's a look back at Diddy's dalliance with "The Shield."
Sean 'Diddy' Combs wanted to buy Carolina Panthers
Combs first voiced his desire to buy the Carolina Panthers via social media in December 2017. The Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry responded that he wanted to be a part of the ownership group.
Combs' ownership push came amid the Colin Kaepernick protests that he inspired across the league. In May 2018, however, owners unanimously approved a new national anthem policy that requires players to stand if they are on the field during the performance and extinguished Combs' desire to own a team, apparently.
"Man, I really wanted to go in there and be a part of the NFL and try to be a positive change," Combs said, via Billboard. "This last move, though, I don't even want to own an NFL team no more."
The team eventually went to David Tepper.
During an appearance with "The Breakfast Club" following his failed attempt to buy the team, Combs said:
'It was never about me buying the Panthers. It was always about 'we.' It was always about 'we' need a team,' he said. 'I jumped out there to make sure that they understood that they have to consider some Black ownership right now with 80%, 70% of the league being African American. It's just time.'
Robert Kraft wanted Sean 'Diddy' Combs to own NFL team
During a run-in with gossip website TMZ, Patriots owner Robert Kraft voiced his support for Combs when asked about the prospect of the 55-year-old buying into the league.
"I hope so," he told TMZ Sports. "I'm a big fan of his."
Combs later told TMZ that "it's time" for him to own a team.