Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson released a statement through the team on Sunday night that said he will put the team up for sale at the conclusion of the 2017 NFL season.
The announcement came just hours after a Sports Illustrated report outlined allegations of sexual and racial misconduct by Richardson toward former Panthers employees.
The team announced an investigation into the alleged misconduct on Friday evening. The NFL said Sunday that it would take over the investigation.
"There has been no greater mission or purpose in my life than to have brought an NFL franchise to Charlotte," Richardson said in a five-paragraph statement. Richardson has been the team's sole owner since the Panthers' inaugural 1995 season.
"I believe that it is time to turn the franchise over to new ownership. Therefore, I will put the team up for sale at the conclusion of this NFL season," said Richardson's statement. "We will not begin the sale process, nor will we entertain any inquiries, until the very last game is played. I hope everyone in this organization will be firmly focused on just one mission: To play and win the Super Bowl."
Richardson's statement did not address the allegations of misconduct.
