Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson facing workplace misconduct allegations

Carolina Panthers owner and founder Jerry Richardson faces allegations of workplace misconduct, and the team has opened an investigation into the issue, the team announced 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 a statement released to the media. "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."

The investigation of the allegations facing the 81-year-old Richardson is being led by law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart and Sullivan, LLP. Overseeing the probe will be minority owner and former White House chief of staff Erskine Bowles.

"Erskine Bowles is a trusted leader of unquestioned integrity. We look forward to this report, which we know will be honest and thorough," Drummond said.

The team stated that because this matter is under an ongoing legal review, the Panthers cannot comment publicly on the specifics of the allegations.

Richardson, who played for the Baltimore Colts in 1959-60, became the first former NFL player since George Halas to own an NFL team when he was awarded an expansion franchise on Oct. 26, 1993.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera issued a statement to ESPN regarding the allegations:

"I have had a strong relationship with Mr. Richardson during my time with the Panthers," Rivera said. "I have enormous respect for the man, but will wait for the results of the investigation before making any judgment."