SCLAWYERSWEEKLY.COM VOLUME 20 NUMBER 25 ■
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FILE - Construction personnel work on the Carolina Panthers’ practice facility Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021, in Rock Hill, S.C. A sheriff in South Carolina has announced his deputies started a criminal investigation into whether Panthers owner David Tepper or his company misused public money meant for a failed practice facility. AP Photo/Chris Carlson, File
Panthers owner settles tax fight over failed practice space COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The South Carolina county where Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper started building and then abandoned a new practice facility has reached a settlement over $21 million in sales tax money given to the NFL team. Tepper will pay back the money, and York County agreed its dispute was totally resolved with both Tepper and his real estate company that handled the failed $800 million
project, according to a statement Wednesday night from the county. The settlement came a week after the York County Sheriff’s Office and local prosecutor announced that Tepper and his company were under criminal investigation if the public money was misused. Sheriff Kevin Tolson and Solicitor Kevin Brackett had no additional comment on whether the settlement changed the status of the investigation. But the statement from York
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County officials left little doubt they felt the matter was resolved. The county withdraws any suggestions Tepper and his GT Real Estate company violated the rules on spending the sales tax money, the settlement “is a full and satisfactory resolution of the county’s disputes,” and Tepper and his company “have acted in good faith,” the statement said. See Panthers Page 5 ►
FILE - Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper watches during warm ups before an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. A sheriff in South Carolina has announced his deputies started a criminal investigation into whether Tepper or his company misused public money meant for a failed practice facility. AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File
South Carolina Lawyers Weekly founder dies The founder of South Carolina Lawyers Weekly and Carolina Paralegal News has died. David Blackwell, who was born in Blackwell, N.C., on Oct. 18, 1939, died Nov. 27, according to his obituary. Blackwell graduated from Hargrave Military Academy and the University of Carolina at Chapel Hill where he walked on the baseball team and earned his Law Degree, the obituary stated. During his working years, his career path spanned many professions: lawyer, legislator, Superior Court Clerk, and ex- David ecutive director and Blackwell lobbyist for the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers, according to the obituary. He ultimately settled down as publisher of North Carolina Lawyers Weekly, the obituary stated. Under Blackwell’s leadership, three Lawyers Weekly publications were established: North Carolina Lawyers Weekly, South Carolina Lawyers Weekly and Carolina Paralegal News. While at Lawyers Weekly, his office door was always open, and he made sure to visit each of his employees and friends every day, the obituary stated. He not only hired people for their ability, but for their personalities and interests. David was very loyal to employees, quick with praise, and accepted responsibility for any shortcomings, according to the obituary. Blackwell loved music and had a great singing voice, the obituary stated. Oftentimes one could catch him singing for himself or his son. He especially loved bluegrass; some of his favorite artists were Doc Watson, Tony Rice, and Ricky Skaggs, according to the obituary. He was married to Elizabeth (Beth) Crouch Blackwell, and had one son, David Michael Blackwell Jr. in 1987. Blackwell is predeceased by his mother, father, brother and sisters. He is survived by his brother Curtis, wife Beth, son David, daughter in-law Gina, many nieces, nephews and his many friends he made over his professional career, the obituary stated. A celebration of life will be held in Wilmington, N.C., at Saint James Parrish on Saturday, Jan. 14, at 11 a.m. Donations can be made in honor of David to a Pawsitive Mission ℅ Pawsability, www.paws-ability.org. Staff report
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VERDICTS & SETTLEMENTS
VERDICTS & SETTLEMENTS
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