Becker takes over day-to-day reins

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers announced that Tina Becker has been promoted to chief operating officer and has been given full control of the day-to-day management of the organization.

The move comes after the NFL launched an investigation into alleged sexual and racist misconduct by longtime owner Jerry Richardson. The 81-yearold is stepping away from the daily operation of the team and will focus on the pending sale of the franchise.

The team announced Sunday on Twitter that Richardson is selling the team, linking to a five-paragraph letter by the franchise’s only owner.

“I believe it is time to turn the franchise over to new ownership,” Richardson wrote, saying he wouldn’t begin discussions until after the season. The Panthers, who lost in the Super Bowl two seasons ago, are in playoff position again.

“I hope everyone in the organization, both on and off the field, will be firmly focused on one mission: to play and win the Super Bowl,” Richardson said.

Richardson’s letter did not directly address the investigation or allegations against him.

The NFL awarded Richardson, a former receiver with the Baltimore Colts, an expansion franchise in 1993, and he has been the team’s only owner.

“These have been some of the most difficult days of my 19 years with the Panthers, but I am lifted up by the strong resolve and the commitment our employees have shown to this organization,” Becker said in a news release Monday. “Our team on the field is performing at a very high level, and I believe is bound for the Super Bowl.

“My immediate focus will be to ensure the corporate side of the organization performs at the same high level, while addressing the real concerns that have been raised in recent days.”

Team President Danny Morrison had resigned this year, and there was no COO before, or after, his resignation.

Becker began her career with the Panthers as a cheerleader and later became the squad’s coach. She has served in a variety of other management roles during her career with the Panthers, including directing the organization’s business and administrative operations, ticketing and sponsorship, and stadium operations as well as dealing with league affairs.

Prior to joining the owner’s office, Becker was the team’s director of entertainment from 2012 through ’14.