Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson is changing his nickname, abandoning the moniker 'AR-15' because of its association with gun violence.
"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," the Gators player said in a statement published to his Twitter.
Richardson is expected to be Florida's starting quarterback this season, as Jones transferred to Arizona State earlier this year. Read MoreCNN has reached out to Florida for comment.
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