Florida’s Anthony Richardson explains dropping ‘AR-15’ nickname: ‘It was pretty much a business decision’

Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson talked at SEC Media Days on Wednesday about his conclusion to length himself from the “AR-15” nickname.

Richardson declared the rebrand around the weekend. He mentioned at the time he did not want to be associated with a weapon utilized in mass shootings. He informed reporters he is “just trying to rebrand myself and develop into a superior individual” and was contemplating of the “long run” when he built the final decision.

“I’m not going to be in a position to participate in soccer for the relaxation of my everyday living,” the Gators quarterback reported. “I sense it was rather a lot a business determination. There’s a lot heading on and that type of performed a component in it. Just striving to have an understanding of like who I am as a man or woman.

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“AR-15 doesn’t automatically explain who I am. I’m Anthony Richardson and that is who I have been considering the fact that I was born.”

Richardson went by “AR-15” simply because of the initials in his title and the amount he wears on the soccer field. He transformed his quantity from the 2020 season to the 2021 year. He was No. 2 all through his initial year with Florida and last calendar year he was No. 15.

The original assertion was posted on his site.

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“After discussions with my family and a great deal considered, I have made a decision to no for a longer time use the nickname ‘AR-15’ and the recent clothing line brand, which attributes a scope reticle, as portion of my branding. Whilst a nickname is only a nickname and ‘AR-15’ was basically a representation of my initials put together with my jersey selection, it is crucial to me that my identify and brand are no for a longer time related with the assault rifle that has been made use of in mass shootings, which I do not condone in any way or form,” he wrote on the web-site. 

“My representatives and I are at this time performing on rebranding, which includes the generation of a new brand and transitioning to simply just employing ‘AR’ and my title, Anthony Richardson.”

Richardson is entering his 3rd season at Florida. He performed 7 online games past time, had 529 passing yards and 6 touchdown passes.

Florida will be getting into the 2022 time beneath new head mentor Billy Napier.

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Richardson is not a shoo-in to start out the 12 months as the beginning quarterback. He is competing with Ohio State transfer Jack Miller for the task. 

The Related Push contributed to this report.