Carolina Panthers 'Monitoring' Charlotte Events; NFL Says No Plan To Change Locations
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO/AP) -- The Minnesota Vikings are preparing to travel Sunday to Charlotte, North Carolina, which is currently in the midst of a state of emergency. However, the NFL says its plans are for the game to play as scheduled.
North Carolina's largest city is under a state of emergency after another night of violence over the police killing of a black man. The governor has ordered the National Guard to Charlotte, where thousands of workers at Bank of America's downtown headquarters have been told to stay home Thursday.
Protesters clashed with police over the death of 43-year-old Keith Lamont Scott. Police and journalists were attacked, store and car windows smashed and a night that started as a peaceful prayer vigil descended into chaos.
One person was shot during the protest, who city officials initially said had died, but they backtracked, and now say he is on life support. CBS News says it was told Charlotte police never fired a shot.
On Thursday morning, Carolina Panthers President Danny Morrison released a statement:
"We are in contact with government officials, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and the NFL. We are continuing to monitor events as we prepare for Sunday's home game."
"We are planning to play the game as scheduled on Sunday," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in an email to The Associated Press on Thursday. "We are monitoring events in Charlotte and have been in communication with local officials and authorities, and both the Carolina Panthers and the Minnesota Vikings."
The Vikings will play the Panthers Sunday at noon at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. The Panthers (1-1) have won 14 straight home games.
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