Legendary wrestler Ric Flair received death threats from Carolina Panthers fans after he gave a pep talk to the San Francisco 49ers last week before their game against the Green Bay Packers.
The 49ers won and will face the Panthers this weekend, but Flair said he will not be attending the game in Carolina.
Flair angered Panthers players like Steve Smith when they found out about Flair’s pep talk. Flair is reportedly friends with many Panthers players and has had strong ties to the North Carolina region.
From a statement on Flair’s Facebook page:
“When the 49ers reached out and WWE asked Ric to jet up there, of course he said yes,” says Melinda Morris Zanoni, Flair’s agent at Legacy Talent and Entertainment, “and he’s friends with a bunch of the 49ers just like he is with the Panthers, Packers, and many other NFL players. But no, Ric does not intend on attending the Panthers vs. 49ers game this weekend.” “What can I say? I’ve always been a very good heel!” added Flair.
The 49er pep talk, which instantly went viral, caused many Carolina fans to voice their feelings of anger and betrayal on social media – some even offering death threats to Flair. “We know fans are passionate about their teams, but some of the choice language we have been receiving is scaring off our interns,” says Melinda.