Carolina Panthers Owner and Founder Jerry Richardson Plans to Sell Team

CHARLOTTE, NC – Carolina Panthers owner and founder Jerry Richardson is selling the team.

The news comes 48 hours after the team announced an investigation into accusations of workplace misconduct against Richardson.

81-year-old Richardson brought the franchise to the Carolinas in 1993 and has owned the team ever since.

Richardson released a statement to fans that said in part:

“There has been no greater mission or purpose in life than to have brought an NFL franchise to Charlotte.”

It goes on to say, “I believe that it is time to turn the franchise over to new ownership. Therefore, I will put the team up for sale at the conclusion of this NFL season. We will not begin the sale process, nor will we entertain any inquires, until the very last game is played.”

The news comes after a bombshell report Sunday from Sports Illustrated saying the alleged misconduct is both sexual and racial in nature.

Sports Illustrated reports that at least four former employees received “significant settlements” in return for their silence.

Some of the more disturbing accusations include Richardson offering to shave female employees’ legs, asking one female employee for a foot massage, giving lingering back rubs to female employees, and repeatedly making inappropriate comments to female employees about their attire at work.

Richardson is also accused of recently directing a racial slur at an African-American scout who worked for the Panthers.

In his statement, Richardson thanked fans for their kindness and generosity over more than two decades.

He says while he will no longer be the team owner, he will remain the Panthers’ number one fan.