Independent investigator to look into reported misconduct by Panthers owner

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell revealed the league has hired independent investigator Mary Jo White to look into reports of workplace misconduct by Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson. The announcement came at Wednesday's State of the League press conference.

Reports emerged in December that the Panthers made multiple confidential payouts to former employees who said Richardson sexually harassed them or used racist comments. The NFL announced it would begin an investigation into the matter shortly thereafter.

Richardson has since declared he will put the team up for sale. Goodell said Wednesday that he hopes the next owner keeps the franchise in Carolina.

White was previously hired to investigate the Bountygate scandal involving the New Orleans Saints in 2012.