Jerry richardson misconduct

“Throughout the many years I was sexually harassed by Jerry Richardson, I always believed that there was no one above him, no one whom I could tell, without repercussions, what was happening to me,” the former employee said.

"The obstacles back then were significant and some even questioned whether or community could or would support professional football. According to Sports Illustrated, the former employee included the notes in order to “undercut” suggestions that Richardson’s comments were made in jest or could be misunderstood. The details of the messages were not disclosed but the “volume of communications,” not the content, was said to be the central issue, according to the outlet.

In a release announcing Richardson’s fine, the NFL announced that they have changed their anti-harassment and discrimination policy and ramped up workplace training for employees.

Former Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson was ordered by the league to pay a hefty fine for harassment on Thursday (June 28).

Richardson was fined $2.75 million — the highest amount ever imposed by the NFL — for sexual and racial harassment after a months-long probe by former U.S. Attorney-turned-independent investigator Mary Jo White.

The Panthers, who lost in the Super Bowl two seasons ago, are in playoff position again.

"I hope everyone in the organization, both on and off the field, will be firmly focused on one mission: to play and win the Super Bowl," said Richardson, 81.

Richardson's letter did not directly address the investigation or allegations against him.

The NFL awarded Richardson, a former player with the Baltimore Colts, an expansion franchise in 1993, and he has been the team's only owner.

"There has been no greater mission or purpose in my life than to have brought an NFL franchise to Charlotte," Richardson wrote.

"I have the utmost respect for him as an owner. They lost after the 2003 and 2015 seasons.

Panthers interim general manager Marty Hurney said he had never seen any evidence of Richardson displaying any sexual or racial misconduct in the workplace.

"If this (sale) happens I think it is a significant loss for the NFL," Hurney told The Associated Press.

David Tepper purchased the team in a sale that is expected to close in two weeks, according to the NFL.

Though Richardson has been fined and is out of the Panthers, improper workplace conduct still remains a huge issue. She said that Richardson gave her those notes and then insisted she destroy them. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed to USA TODAY Sports on Sunday that the league has since taken control of the investigation.

According to Sports Illustrated, Richardson invited female employees to lunch and offer to fasten their seatbelts for them, reaching across their laps or grazing their breasts in the process.

I came back because of the respect I have for him and for the organization he started and developed."

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton said after Sunday's win over Green Bay that Richardson has served as a father figure to him since his arrival in Carolina seven years ago.

"For me I hope things don't alter my thinking of Mr. Richardson," Newton said.

I can't speak to anything other than that."

Richardson was hospitalized 2008, one month after receiving a pacemaker for heart problems.

However, more can be done, social media users said. "A lot of you know I had a house fire, and he was there for (my wife) Stephanie and I. He was tremendous in supporting us. Bids are expected to top $2.5 million, possibly making the team the most expensive franchise in American sports history.