Panthers owner accused of misconduct
Carolina Panthers founder and owner Jerry Richardson is under investigation for workplace misconduct.
The team said Friday former White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles is overseeing the investigation by a Los Angelesbased law firm.
Team spokesman Steven Drummond said in a release that the Panthers and the 81-year-old Richardson take these allegations very seriously and are committed to a full investigation and taking appropriate steps to address and remediate any misconduct.
“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,” Drummond said.
Richardson was unavailable for comment.
Drummond said because the matter is under legal review, the Panthers cannot comment publicly on the specifics of the allegations.
The Panthers made the NFL aware on Friday that it has initiated an investigation into Richardson’s alleged workplace misconduct.
Siemian sidelined: Trevor Siemian’s season is over after the Broncos’ starting quarterback injured his left shoulder in Denver’s 25-13 win Thursday night at Indianapolis, coach Vance Joseph said.
Fines issued: Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman Germain Ifedi was fined $24,309 by the NFL for verbal abuse of a game official last Sunday.
Ifedi was just one of several members of the Seahawks docked Friday for their actions in the 3024 loss at Jacksonville.
Sheldon Richardson and Quinton Jefferson were both fined $9,115 for unnecessary roughness penalties that got them ejected from the game in the final minute.
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, Jaguars offensive line coach Pat Flaherty and Jaguars wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell were fined $10,000 each for improperly going on the field during the game.
Jacksonville running back Leonard Fournette also was fined $12,154 for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Peterson’s season ends: Adrian Peterson was placed on injured reserve because of a neck injury, ending the running back’s season after only six games with the Arizona Cardinals.