Panthers investigating owner Jerry Richardson for alleged workplace misconduct

Former White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles will oversee the investigation of Jerry Richardson.

The Carolina Panthers announced Friday that an internal investigation has been launched into allegations of workplace misconduct against the team’s owner, Jerry Richardson.

“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,” Panthers spokesman Steven Drummond said in a 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.”

The Panthers did not comment on the specifics of the allegations against Richardson, but said the investigation will be led by law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart and Sullivan, LLP, and overseen by Bill Clinton’s former White House Chief of Staff 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.

The news of the investigation was first broken by ESPN’s Jim Trotter, who included a statement from Panthers coach Ron Rivera in his report.

"I have had a strong relationship with Mr. Richardson during my time with the Panthers," Rivera told ESPN. "I have enormous respect for the man, but will wait for the results of the investigation before making any judgment."

Richardson, 81, is the only owner the Panthers have ever had since Carolina was awarded the team as an expansion franchise in 1993.