Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson has been accused of workplace misconduct.
On Friday evening, the NFL team announced it had launched an internal investigation into the unspecified allegations brought against the 81-year-old.
"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 in s statement. "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."
According to the team statement, the investigation is being led by law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart and Sullivan, LLP, and will be overseen by limited owner and former White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles.
The team has not revealed the details of the misconduct allegations.
Richardson, a former NFL player, has owned the team since North Carolina was awarded the franchise in 1993. The team had its first season two years later.
"I have had a strong relationship with Mr. Richardson during my time with the Panthers," Panthers coach Ron Rivera said in a statement to ESPN. "I have enormous respect for the man, but will wait for the results of the investigation before making any judgment."
