Carolina Panthers owner, Jerry Richardson, faces allegations of workplace misconduct.
The Carolina Panthers are set to play in an important game on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. As they work to solidify a playoff spot, the Panthers also have another storyline competing for attention: the investigation of team owner, Jerry Richardson.
On Friday, Steven Drummond announced that the investigation is underway in a time in which the spotlight on misconduct in the work place is at its brightest.
The allegations were made widely aware and the NFL has yet to comment on the situation. Team spokesman, Steven Drummond, spoke on the allegations, via Panthers.com:
"“The Carolina Panthers and Mr. Richardson take these allegations very seriously and are fully committed to a full investigation and taking appropriate steps to address and remediate any misconduct,” team spokesman Steven Drummond said. “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. We have work to do to achieve this goal, but we are going to meet it.”"
The investigation into Richardson’s actions is led by law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart and Sullivan, LLP while being overseen by Erskine Bowles.
“Erskine Bowles is a trusted leader of unquestioned integrity. We look forward to this report, which we know will be honest and thorough,” Drummond said.
Richardson played for the Baltimore Colts for two seasons and became the first former player to own a team since George Halas. He is one of two owners in NFL history to own a team since their inception.
Richardson widely remains behind the scenes as the Panthers owner, but he has been in controversial situations in both recent and distant memory. Back in September, many questioned the statement released by the team in regards to player protests as the Panthers were the second to last team to make an official statement. Some also wondered if his statement was targeted towards the players.
“Politicizing the game is damaging and takes the focus off the greatness of the game itself and those who played it,” Richardson said in the statement, via Panthers.com.
There was also the situation back in 2011 in which Richardson questioned Cam Newton about his physical appearance, specifically whether or not he had any tattoos or piercings. After Newton’s response that he did not, Richardson reportedly responded “Good, we want to keep it that way.” Many felt that Richardson’s comments about Newton’s appearance were out of line, especially after the signing of Jeremy Shockey who was signed a few weeks before that moment.
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Workplace misconduct has become a major talking point within society as many names in entertainment, news and other prominent industries have faced growing accusations. Even members of the political sector have to answer questions about accusations at various points throughout their career. The NFL has policies in place to punish players for misconduct off the field and it is expected that Richardson may face some type of punishment if he is found of any wrongdoing.