Florida QB Anthony Richardson Drops 'AR-15' Nickname, Branding

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson is dropping his "AR-15" nickname and branding. In a statement posted to his website, he said he no longer wants to be "associated with a rifle that has been used in mass shootings."

His announcement comes two months after the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas that resulted in the deaths of 19 students and two teachers. The gunman, who was ultimately killed by law enforcement, use an AR-15-style rifle in the mass shooting, authorities said.

The Uvalde school shooting became the deadliest at a U.S. elementary school since the Sandy Hook massacre in 2012.

SEE ALSO:

• Texas School Shooting: 19 Children Killed In Uvalde

AR-style weapons have also been used in other deadly shootings nationwide, including Tulsa, El Paso, Parkland, San Bernardino and Newtown, CNN reported.

Richardson's full statement is below:

After discussions with my family and much thought, I have decided to no longer use the nickname “AR-15” and the current apparel line logo, which features a scope reticle, as part of my branding. While a nickname is only a nickname and “AR-15” was simply a representation of my initials combined with my jersey number, it is important to me that my name and brand are no longer associated with the assault rifle that has been used in mass shootings, which I do not condone in any way or form.

According to The Washington Post, Richardson started an apparel line last year. He plans to stop using a rifle scope reticle logo.

For now, merchandise with Richardson's AR-15 branding can still be purchased at this link. Prices range from $35 to $350.

"New designs and releases are always in the works," the site reads.

Richardson's nickname was first coined last offseason when he changed his jersey number from No. 2 to No. 15, Sports Illustrated said.