Panthers owner being investigated for alleged workplace misconduct

The Carolina Panthers have launched an internal investigation into workplace misconduct allegations leveled at owner Jerry Richardson, the team confirmed Friday.

"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 the 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."

Carolina said the investigation will be led by international law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart and Sullivan, LLP, and will be overseen by limited owner and former White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles.

"I have had a strong relationship with Mr. Richardson during my time with the Panthers," head coach Ron Rivera said in a statement to ESPN's Jim Trotter. "I have enormous respect for the man, but will wait for the results of the investigation before making any judgment."

The NFL declined to comment on the matter, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

It's unclear if the league will also conduct its own investigation into Richardson.