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Jerry Richardson was fined $ 2.75 million by the NFL after a workplace misconduct investigation by outgoing Carolina Panthers owner Roger Goodell. American lawyer and president of the SEC. The NFL, in a statement, said that most of the fine will be used to support the work of organizations dedicated to solving race and gender issues in the workplace and outside of it. this.
Richardson on December 15 and informed the league of what was happening. The NFL resumed the investigation two days later when Sports Illustrated released a story in which four former employees claimed anonymously that they had reached a financial agreement with Richardson in return for the silence.
The allegations included three cases of sexual harassment and the use of a racial insult to a scout team. "The findings and recommendations that I have shared with the Commissioner are the result of a thorough review, including interviews with club officers, current and former employees, document analysis." , electronic records, and other sources of information, "said Mr. White in a statement." I particularly appreciate the work of club employees to assess the need to improve the policies, procedures and training of the club at the workplace and make the appropriate changes. "
In a letter to Richardson published by SI, one of the women said," I did not know what to do when you've called me to your stadium following the middle of the week so you can take off my shoes, put my legs on your lap and rub their entire length, from the toes to the crotch, "writes the woman in the letter. "I did not know what to do when you asked me to go back to see what my jeans looked like, I did not know what to do when you brushed my breasts to put my seatbelt around me on the seat Before I did not know what to do when you put your hands on my mouth, so that I kiss them, I did not know what to do when you asked me unpleasant questions, sexually loaded.
I do not know what to do.
Richardson, 81, announced shortly after the NFL took over the investigation that he planned to sell the team that he and the investors had paid 206 million dollars in 1993. He also sold the Panthers to billionaire David Tepper was approved at the owners' meetings in May for a record $ 2,275 billion NFL. to close in the next two weeks, said the league. Tepper was informed separately about the results of the survey by White.
Richardson's final act as owner came to May's meetings in Atlanta when he voted for Tepper.
The man known as "Big Cat" His players and many in the Carolinas have seen the Panthers reach the Super Bowl twice – after the seasons of 2003 and 2015 – and was the only one in the world. one of the most powerful owners of the league.
He chaired the prestigious Stadium Committee, chaired the committee to select Goodell as the NFL Commissioner, and led efforts to negotiate the current collective agreement.
Richardson was a businessman so hard that in an effort to get a better deal for the NFL he would have bent over the negotiating table and would have asked quarterback Peyton Manning when he knew what a profit and loss statement is.
It remains to be seen exactly what Richardson's legacy will remain. "He is one of the most important owners we have ever had," said John Mara, co-owner of the New York Giants. "He did a great job in establishing the franchise in Charlotte and incorporating it into one of the most respected organizations in the league, which has been very successful on the field."
"I hope this will be his legacy, because he has been very influential and very important to the NFL."
The owner of the Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones, generally outspoken, been one of the few not to give his opinion before the end of the investigation
. "said Jones about the allegations and the sale of the team." This n & rsquo; Is not negative .. I just want to book my comments. "
But Jones made a comment when the news broke first.
"I am very sad," he said after a late-season win over Oakland. one of the really, really, really great football men I've ever met, and I really admire him.I know that he's made the way to the old-fashioned .It worked for that.He took what he did in a short time spent in professional football turned it into a big company and then used it to get the franchise Carolina.
"It's so a beautiful story."
However, a battle with Jones and some of the so-called new currency In the NFL, the place where to put a new stadium in LA ends up souring Richardson on league issues.
Some believe that Richardson attended a single league meet – in Charlotte two years ago – after losing the battle in Los Angeles. January 2016 before the May meetings.
Richardson leads the committee recommending the Rams and Chargers to move into a new stadium. in Carson, California. Jones defended the Inglewood plan.
"He was a staunch supporter of the Carson Project," Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt told Richardson, "I know he was disappointed when he went into the car. Even though this question did not work, he was happy to see the NFL return to Los Angeles
"It was something that was very important to him for a long time."
Richardson took the same approach The ABC, which was considered a victory for the league
"The current ABC, he has accumulated many hours of work that he has removed selflessly to the Panthers for the improvement of the league, "» said Buffalo General Manager, Brandon Beane, who was with the Panthers from 1998 to the spring of 2017. "The league is very strong financially, and it plays an important role in this file. "
There will be arguments that reputation and Richardson's Legacy
"I only know the contributions Jerry made, and they're important," said Steelers owner Art Rooney II. "I'm proud to call him my friend and happy that he's been part of the league for all these years."
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