Richardson investigation the latest distraction for Panthers
Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson is under investigation for workplace misconduct…
Jerry Richardson is one of two NFL owners who has had their team for the entire life of the franchise. Brining the Carolina Panthers to fruition in 1993, Richardson achieved a lifelong dream of bringing NFL football to the Carolinas.
During his tenure the Panthers have enjoyed a high level of success for such a young franchise. The team has played in two Super Bowls, been to four NFC Championship games and won six divisional titles.
Known for his stoic expression and conservative management style, Richardson favors to remain out of the public eye. Recently, he has been resigned to not attend NFL owners meetings due to health issues and rarely makes any public statements or appearances.
Allegations of workplace misconduct and the reported news surrounding Richardson and the Carolina Panthers team comes as a surprise and literal nightmare situation considering his concern with image and conservative style.
In almost 24 hours since news broke of an outside investigation, few leaks are coming from the organization. The Panthers did however release the following statement from Steve Drummond via the official team site.
"“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. 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.”"
News of the investigation comes as the Panthers are in the midst of a playoff race and potential seventh divisional championship. Fortunately, any perceived distractions haven’t transitioned to the field this season.
Beginning just prior to training camp the team parted ways with general manager Dave Gettleman and hired interim Marty Hurney. The move was unexpected and could have derailed the season from its’ beginning but Carolina wasn’t deterred.
Following, some team members met with Richardson over the protest taking place around the league. No Carolina Panthers had taken a knee prior or since the meeting, believed to potentially be a divisive issue between ownership and the locker room.
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Quarterback Cam Newton made remarks to a female reporter which almost immediately led to a firestorm of blame and criticism on both sides. Newton apologized and regrouped for one of his best games of the season at Detroit.
Mid-year the team traded former first-round pick Kelvin Benjamin to Buffalo in a shocking move at the deadline. An obvious change on offense, the team has rallied with more run production while winning four of five games since.
Just this week Captain Munnerlyn left the practice field amid rumors he was upset about his role and potential playing time this week. If that wasn’t enough, preparations for the Packers ended with news of the internal investigation of Richardson.
The latest in a long line of potential off the field distractions for Carolina as they attempt to earn a playoff berth and win a Super Bowl.
Next: Week 15 - Packers Perspective
Fortunately, the team and players have displayed both their resiliency and professionalism in the past while dealing with potential distractions. Initially, this however has a feeling it could be bigger than all of the other diversions – combined.