Carolina Panthers up for sale at end of season

CHARLOTTE, NC (FOX 46 WJZY) - Jerry Richardson is selling the Carolina Panthers. The team owner announced the move in a letter to fans Sunday night, just hours after a report accused him of sexual harassment.

In the letter posted just before 8 p.m. Sunday, Richardson said the team would go up for sale at the end of this season.

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"We will not begin the sale process, nor will we entertain any inquiries, until the very last game is played," the letter stated.

Richardson never addressed in the letter the allegations against him or why he is selling the team.

Just before Sunday's game inside Bank of America Stadium was set to kickoff, Sports Illustrated published a report that at least four former Panthers employees received settlements from the team after Richardson made inappropriate comments, including "sexual suggestive language and behavior".

The report also states on at least one occasion, Richardson directed a racial slur at an African-American Panthers scout.

"If the owner is guilty he will have to live up to it," said fan, Shawn Jenkins.

Prior to the Sports Illustrated report, the NFL announced Sunday morning they were taking over the investigation into workplace misconduct by Richardson.

"I think the NFL should take the lead on the investigation so that everything is on the up and up," said Jenkins.

Fans who were leaving Sundays game tell FOX 46 Charlotte they hope the allegations and sale of the team won't impact the season.

"I do not think so. That might boost them up to play better," said one fan.

Neither the NFL or the Panthers have disclosed why there is a workplace misconduct investigation involving Jerry Richardson.

Jerry Richardson was at Sundays game and was even seen on the FOX broadcast sitting in his normal seat. 

For a link to the full Sports Illustrated report click here.

For a link to the full letter from Jerry Richardson click here.