Richardson to sell team amid probe

The Carolina Panthers announced that Jerry Richardson is selling the team, amid an investigation into whether the 81-year-old owner paid off former employees over complaints of misconduct.

“I believe that it is time to turn the franchise over to new ownership,” Richardson, who has owned the Panthers since their inception in 1993, wrote in a statement. “Therefore, I will put the team up for sale at the conclusion of this NFL season.”

The NFL and the Panthers declined comment on a Sunday report that at least four former employees received monetary settlements due to inappropriate workplace comments and conduct by Richardson. The Sports Illustrated report cites unnamed sources who said Richardson made sexually suggestive comments to women and on at least one occasion directed a racial slur at an African American scout.

The NFL on Sunday said it has taken over the investigation, which Carolina said it requested.

“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,” team spokesman Steven Drummond said in a release Friday. “We have work to do to achieve this goal, but we are going to meet it.”

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, like most of the players, hadn’t read details of the report. Newton said Richardson has served in a “father-like role” since his arrival in Carolina seven years ago, and that he has had numerous conversations with him.

“I hope things don’t alter my thinking of Mr. Richardson,” Newton said. “But I do know that he has given me some things that I will forever be appreciative of.”