The situation involving Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson has reached a boiling point, and he's now decided to sell the team.
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Here's the statement, via the Panthers:
Just days ago an investigation into alleged workplace misconduct was opened, and details have since emerged including his alleged request for African American players not to wear dreadlocks, sexually suggestive behavior and directing an alleged racial slur at an African American team scout, per SI.
https://twitter.com/mikefreemanNFL/status/942457397444038656
He reportedly requested team employees simply refer to him as "Mister."
The stuff about employees calling Richardson "Mister" might not get as much play as the other allegations, but it should. Reeks of a plantation mentality.
— Cork Gaines, Ph.D. (@CorkGaines) December 17, 2017
There are plenty of disgusting allegations in the post, including a request to shave female's legs, have someone apply sunscreen to his face and giving massages which "lingered" too long.
The Panthers made a formal announcement of what they deem as "an internal investigation into allegations of workplace misconduct against the team's owner and founder, Jerry Richardson." Beyond that, the franchise indicated that the inquiry will be operated by law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart and Sullivan, LLP, with oversight from Panthers owner and former White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles.
In addition, team spokesman Steven Drummond released the following statement:
"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. 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."
That is the extent of what the Panthers announced, with the exception of a notice that the team will not be commenting about "the specifics of the allegations" due to legal ramifications. Stay tuned as this story develops.
