Jerry Richardson giving up day-to-day control of Panthers amid misconduct probe

Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson will step away from the day-to-day operations of the franchise, the team announced Monday.

Richardson said Sunday he would sell the team at the end of the regular season. Earlier on Sunday, a Sports Illustrated report found that Richardson and the Panthers had reached confidential settlements with at least four ex-employees for workplace misconduct, for which the owner was being investigated.

The NFL said on Monday it would continue its investigation into Richardson despite his intention to sell the team.

More: Who else might be following Panthers owner Jerry Richardson out the door?

Tina Becker, an executive who has been with the team for 20 years, takes over as chief operating officer with full control of the team's day-to-day management.

“These have been some of the most difficult days of my 19 years with the Panthers, but I am lifted up by the strong resolve and the commitment our employees have shown to this organization,” Becker said in a statement. “Our team on the field is performing at a very high level, and I believe is bound for the Super Bowl. My immediate focus will be to ensure the corporate side of the organization performs at the same high level, while addressing the real concerns that have been raised in recent days.”

Richardson has been the Panthers' sole majority owner since the franchise's inception in 1993.

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