Jerry Richardson, the former owner of the Carolina Panthers, has been fined $2.75 million by the NFL today as a result of an investigation in the Panthers' workplace environment. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell today announced the findings and conclusions in the investigation conducted by former U.S. Attorney and SEC Chairman Mary Jo White.
According to NFL.com, White's investigation, conducted over a period of several months, resulted in a "detailed understanding of the scope and substance of the claims made by current and former Carolina Panthers employees."
White says, "The findings and recommendations that I have shared with the Commissioner are the product of an extensive review, including interviews with club executives, current and former employees, analysis of documents, electronic records, and other sources of information. I particularly appreciate the work of the club employees in assessing the need for enhancing the club's workplace policies, procedures, and training and implementing appropriate changes."
The findings from the investigation substantiated the claims that have been made, and identified no information that would either discredit the claims made or that would undermine the veracity of the employees who have made those claims. Additionally, the report states that the improper conduct was limited to Mr. Richardson.
The investigation also confirmed that the Panthers and its ownership did not report the claims, or any agreements to resolve those claims, to the League Office and that neither the League Office nor the club's limited partners were aware of these matters until they became public in December of 2017.
As a result of White's findings, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has imposed a fine on Mr. Richardson of $2.75 million, most of which will reportedly be used to support the work of organizations dedicated to addressing race and gender-based issues in and outside of the workplace.
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