PANTHERS ROOKIE EDGE RUSHER INVOLVED IN CUSTODY BATTLE WITH HIS EX

Charlotte, North Carolina. Just as the Carolina Panthers were starting to regain momentum, an unexpected personal story has shaken the team. A rookie edge rusher is currently embroiled in a custody battle with his ex-girlfriend – and according to recent reports, he has lost the case.

The player at the center of the storm is Nic Scourton, a 22-year-old rising star selected by the Panthers in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Once praised as one of the cornerstones of Carolina’s future defense, Scourton’s recent dip in performance now has a heartbreaking explanation – not a physical one, but an emotional battle fought far away from the field.

The story behind the missed tackles

According to court filings from Mecklenburg County, the case began when Scourton filed for shared custody after a DNA test in September confirmed that he is the biological father of a two-year-old boy named Kingston, whose mother is his former partner, Hallie.

Hallie reportedly raised Kingston alone for the past two years before the paternity results were made public. Once Scourton learned the truth, he immediately stepped in — providing financial support and flying home every weekend just to spend time with his son.

However, earlier this week, the court ruled in Hallie’s favor, granting her full custody of Kingston, while allowing Scourton only scheduled visitation rights.

“I don’t want pity, I just want to be understood”

After leaving the courthouse, Nic Scourton returned to practice as usual, though his calm demeanor couldn’t hide the exhaustion in his eyes. During a brief post-practice interview, he opened up about the emotional toll behind his struggles on the field:

“I know I haven’t been playing the way fans expect me to. But some nights I just can’t sleep. I think about Kingston, wondering if he remembers me, if he misses me. I’m not asking for sympathy — I just hope people understand that outside the field, we’re still humans trying our best to do right.”

When asked about the court’s decision, he paused before responding, his voice shaking slightly:

“I’m not angry at Hallie. She’s a great mother. But it hurts to feel like I’m being punished for wanting to be a dad. I don’t need to win. I just want to be there when my son calls me ‘dad’ again. And if I have to wait for that, I’ll wait forever.”

Reactions from the team and fans

The Carolina Panthers organization has declined to comment on the case, stating only that they are “providing Nic with emotional and legal support during this difficult time.” Still, several teammates have privately expressed their solidarity.

One defensive player said anonymously:

“Nic never complains. He’s the first guy in the gym, the last to leave. Now people understand why he’s looked so drained lately. It wasn’t about effort — it was about pain.”

On social media, the hashtag #StandWithNic quickly began trending. Fans who had criticized his recent performances now find themselves offering words of encouragement. One fan wrote:

“We were mad about him missing sacks, but now… I just feel sorry for him. How do you focus on football when your heart’s somewhere else?”

A father, and a fighter

Even after losing the case, Nic Scourton made it clear he won’t give up. He ended the interview with a line that touched everyone present:

“I might have lost on paper, but in my heart, I’m still a father. I’ll keep fighting — not to beat Hallie, but so Kingston knows his dad never left him.”