Although David Tepper was been approved as the new owner of the Carolina Panthers last month, the NFL’s investigation into founder Jerry Richardson continued.
On Thursday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the findings of the league’s investigations into Richardson’s alleged workplace misconduct. The investigation, conducted by US Attorney and SEC Chairman Mary Jo White, found that the allegations against Richardson were substantiated and the former owner was fined $2.75 million.
In the NFL’s press release, White states:
“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.”
Most of the fine will be used in support of the following organizations that address race and gender-based issues in and outside of the workplace:
- Beauty for Ashes Ministry, Inc. – This Charlotte, North Carolina organization provides faith-based resources and spiritual support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other trauma and provides training for clergy and lay leaders in these issues.
- Black Women’s Blueprint – This national organization, based in Brooklyn, New York, focuses exclusively on issues of concern to black women, and operates an Institute for Gender and Cultural Competence that delivers prevention education and intervention curricula that addresses the spectrum of discrimination and oppression that affects lives.
- Women of Color Network, Inc. – This national grassroots non-profit organization, based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is dedicated to building the leadership and capacity of women of color advocates and activists to respond to violence against women in communities of color through training, technical assistance, and advocacy.
According to White, the Panthers, who saw defensive backs coach Curtis Fuller resign in May amid harassment allegations, “have recently developed and implemented enhanced policies, procedures, and training”. The club has now implemented policies that deter harassment and discrimination and has also retained a third party for continued workplace training.