Carolina Panthers owner to sell team amid sexual misconduct allegations

Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson announced Sunday that he would be selling the team after the 2017 season, two days after the team said he was under investigation for sexual misconduct.

“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,” Richardson wrote in a message posted to the team’s website.

{mosads}“I hope everyone in this organization, both on and off the field, will be firmly focused on just one mission: to play and win the Super Bowl.”

The announcement comes just two days after the Panthers said it would launch an investigation into Richardson’s conduct.

The NFL told USA Today on Sunday that it has taken over the investigation.

The announcement also comes hours after a Sports Illustrated report detailed how at least four former Panthers employees reached settlements with Richardson over his behavior.

The allegations against the owner include sexual harassment and the use of a racial slur, according to Sports Illustrated.