Charlotte, NC (My Sportsbook) - Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson was released from the hospital on Thursday, 12 days after undergoing heart transplant surgery. The 72-year-old Richardson underwent the five-hour procedure on February 1. It was performed by Dr. Mark Stiegel and Dr. Eric Skipper at Carolinas Medical Center. A team spokesman said Richardson has responded well and will continue to be monitored by doctors. The full recovery period takes between three and six months. Richardson was placed on a heart transplant waiting list early last December. He received a pacemaker/defibrillator in November and also underwent coronary bypass surgery in October of 2002. A lifelong resident of the Carolinas, Richardson became the first former NFL player since George Halas to own an NFL franchise when he was awarded the Carolina expansion franchise on October 26, 1993, the league's 29th team. |
