Carolina Panthers owner and founder Jerry Richardson is being investigated by the team for alleged workplace misconduct.
ESPN’s Jim Trotter reported this on Friday afternoon, sharing the following statement issued by the team.
“The Carolina Panthers and Mr. Richardson take these allegations very seriously and are fully committed to a full investigation and taking appropriate steps to address and remediate any misconduct,” team spokesman Steven Drummond said. “The entire organization is fully committed to ensuring a safe, comfortable and diverse work environment where all individuals, regardless of sex, race, color, religion, gender, or sexual identity or orientation, are treated fairly and equally. We have work to do to achieve this goal, but we are going to meet it.”
Per Trotter, the investigation is being led by “international law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart and Sullivan, LLP, and will be overseen by minority owner and former White House chief of staff Erskine Bowles.”
Because this is an ongoing investigation, the Panthers have no other comment at this time.
Richardson, 81, was a former NFL player who played two years with the Baltimore Colts. He founded the Carolina Panthers in 1993, and the franchise began playing games in 1995.