Panthers Owner Selling Team Amidst Allegations of Misconduct

Jerry Richardson the owner of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers amidst workplace misconduct allegations, announced on Sunday night through a letter on the website of the team that he is planning to put the NFL franchise he founded up for sale following the season.

His letter came following a story published by Sports Illustrated that said Carolina settled with four or more formers employees regarding workplace behavior that was inappropriate by Richardson.

In the letter, Richardson wrote that he believed it was the right time to turn the team over to new ownership. Therefore, he added the franchise would be sold when the 2017 NFL season concludes.

He added that the organization would not start the process of selling, nor would it entertain inquiries until the last game had been played.

The article published by SI detailed the accusations that were made against the team owner that include multiple women alleging sexual harassment and a racial slur used toward one of the team’s scouts, who is no longer with the organization.

On Sunday, the NFL announced it would take control of an investigation into allegations that the team announced it was conducting.

Richardson, who is 81, is alleged to have made verbal comments related to the appearances of the women, inappropriately touched females employees as well as making advances toward women including asking if they would give foot rubs to him and if he could shave their legs.

As well as the allegation he used a racial slur, which resulted in the scout receiving a settlement, the published story by SI noted comments that Richardson made about the appearances of black players and the threat he made to discipline any players who addressed social issues.

Sean “Diddy” Combs, valued by Forbes to be worth an estimated $820 million, expressed his interest in purchasing the team. Stephen Curry the star guard for the Golden State Warriors also expressed an interest. Curry attended a Charlotte high school and played college basketball at Davidson.

Ollen Bruton Smith, who owns Speedway Motorsports Inc., which is the owner of the Charlotte Motor Speedway as well as other race tracks, said in 2016 he would be interested in buying the team.

In September, Forbes magazine valued the Carolina Panthers at just over $2.3 billion. In 1993, Richardson and a group of investors paid just $206 million for the Panthers. The NFL awarded Richardson the franchise that same year in October, and the team debuted in the NFL in the 1995 season.