Panthers deny rumor team is for sale

The Carolina Panthers issued a strong statement Monday denying the team is for sale.

The rumor appears to have been sparked by CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, who reported that Panthers owner Jerry Richardson is battling health issues, won't pass the team to his sons, and other NFL owners expect the topic of the team's ownership to become a hot topic at league meetings this week.

A Panthers spokesman fired back:

Mr. Richardson is healthy, vigorous, happy and fully engaged in the business of the Carolina Panthers. The team is absolutely not for sale. These reports are based on the misinterpretation of an agenda item. No owner is more committed to his team than Mr. Richardson.

La Canfora has reported for years that the Tennessee Titans are for sale, something the Titans have repeatedly denied. The Titans remain in the Adams family, as they have for their entire existence.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the NFL's owners will discuss a minor detail involving Panthers ownership at the league meetings. A small percentage of the team owned by a limited partner who passed away recently will be sold.