Panthers owner Jerry Richardson announces plan to sell team amid NFL investigation

Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, under investigation by the NFL for allegations of workplace misconduct, announced Sunday that he will sell the franchise that he founded.

Richardson said in a written statement that he will seek a buyer for the team following the 2017 season.

“I believe that it is time to turn the franchise over to new ownership,” Richardson said. “Therefore, I will put the team up for sale at the conclusion of this NFL season. We will not begin the sale process, nor will we entertain any inquiries, until the very last game is played. I hope everyone in this organization, both on and off the field, will be firmly focused on just one mission: to play and win the Super Bowl.”

Richardson called football “an integral part of my life” but did not address the accusations against him in his statement.