Texans owner defends Jerry Richardson over reported inappropriate behavior

Houston Texans owner Bob McNair has been mostly out of the public eye since comparing player activism to "inmates running the prison" in October, but he's broken his silence to defend Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, who's selling his after revelations about his workplace misconduct came to light.

"I think his regret is that he didn't fight things as they came out," McNair said, alluding to the reported out-of-court settlements Richardson struck with alleged victims, according to Jarrett Bell of USA TODAY Sports.

He added, "Some of the comments could have been made jokingly. I'm sure he didn't mean to offend anybody."

McNair also called Richardson "a great owner." Richardson is reportedly accused of sexual harassment against female employees and using a racial slur toward a team scout.

The 81-year-old announced his decision to sell the franchise shortly after the story of his misconduct broke. The bidding for the Panthers is reportedly set to surpass $2.5 billion.

McNair also took time to emphasize his unhappiness with player activism.

"Our playing field, that's not the place for political statements, not the place for religious statements," McNair said.