Local

Documents obtained by Channel 9 detail decision to keep Richardson's name on UNCC stadium

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — One day after UNC Charlotte's Board of Trustees announced its decision to keep Jerry Richardson's name on the football stadium, the former Panthers owner wrote a handwritten letter to Chancellor Phil Dubois.

The note, uncovered by Channel 9 in a records request, is dated Aug. 17.

"Phil," the letter said. "Thank you for your act of kindness. With gratitude, Jerry Richardson."

At the bottom of the letter were three names -- Hugh McColl, Karen Popp and Joe Price. A spokesperson for Richardson told Channel 9 the names are “carbon copied."

[READ MORE: UNCC SGA resolution]

[READ MORE: Jerry Richardson's agreement with UNCC]

Dozens of documents obtained by Channel 9 show internal communication, feedback and discussion about the decision to keep Richardson's name on the stadium.

In an additional email sent Aug. 22, Richardson requested through an assistant, that an additional note be shared with Dubois.

RELATED COVERAGE:

The note attached was an email sent by Stephanie Ansaldo, a prominent UNCC alumnus and the head of the nonprofit Echo Foundation, which "brings world-renowned humanitarians to Charlotte to deliver messages that galvanize souls to action on behalf of humankind," according to its web site.

Ansaldo told Richardson in the email that as long as she leads Echo, his 2014 Echo Award of Indifference "will hold a place of honor just as it did the day we presented it to you."

Ansaldo's email, dated Aug. 21, said, "There are some people who are mean-spirited, and (falsely) believe that when someone else is diminished, they are uplifted. How wrong they are!"

She also said she is happy Richardson's name remains on the stadium.

At the bottom of the email was a handwritten message from Richardson to Ansaldo, saying, "Stephanie, thank you for your loving act of kindness letter."

Richardson was fined an NFL record $2.75 million after an investigation by the league found substantiated claims of workplace misconduct.

It's unclear if Ansaldo's comments were about the people who accused Richardson of sexual harassment and racist comments. The organization did not respond to Channel 9's request for comment.

The morning after Dubois received the email, including Ansaldo's comments, he forwarded it to several senior leaders and said, "I suggest we not circulate further."

In all the emails to the chancellor, one prominent resister stood out; associate professor emerita Deborah Bosley.

On Aug. 16, Bosley emailed Dubois and members of the Board of Trustees. In her email to Dubois, Bosley said, "I suspect that there may be other reasons why this decision was made and certainly the presence of women and African-Americans on the board gives the University 'cover' (afterall [sic], they agreed to this decision: an imprimatur). But I have to tell you that I am ashamed of this decision and believe, that in the long run, the University will be ashamed, too. If not, then our society is in more trouble than I even imagined."

Dubois responded, "Glad to talk with you off line, Deb."

It's unclear if that conversation happened, but the following day Bosley emailed the Board of Trustees with an amended statement.

"Not that I think the Board did the right thing, but I now understand (according to another article) that there were other issues that prevented the University from taking down the name," Bosley said. "I realize now that this must have been a difficult decision for you all to make."

Bosley did not respond to Channel 9's email seeking additional comment.

Included in the university's response to Channel 9's records request was a draft statement and proposed communications plan.

The plan states on Wednesday, Aug. 15, UNCC Board of Trustees Chair Joe Price was to contact Hugh McColl to notify him of the decision and seek his guidance on the best course of action to notify Richardson.

The plan also states President of the UNC System Margaret Spellings, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and City Manager Marcus Jones were among the officials who were to be notified about the decision before the announcement.

Included in the plan was a section titled "anticipated questions at convocation."

The document says Dubois will not proactively discuss the issue but if asked about the status of the stadium name, he will communicate the following messages:

- The BOT has determined that the university will continue to honor the naming agreement.

- Several factors were considered as part of the process:

1. Richardson approached the university about funding the establishment of the football program.

2. The agreement with Mr. Richardson does not have an "escape" clause. All athletic gift agreements will have such clauses in accordance with University policy.

3. While the alleged behavior is serious and egregious, there were no criminal charges.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com: