After a Sports Illustrated investigation uncovered the serious misdeeds and workplace misconduct of Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, the man famed for becoming a self-made billionaire decided to put the franchise he built up for sale at the end of the season.
Despite Richardson’s team being noted for its diversity — with a Hispanic head coach in Ron Rivera and an African-American quarterback in Cam Newton — Sports Illustrated found that Richardson had made confidential payouts to a number of employees that he offended with actions and remarks that had perceived racial overtones.
During its own investigation in the weeks prior, SI learned that on multiple occasions when Richardson’s conduct has triggered complaints—for sexual harassment against female employees and for directing a racial slur at an African American employee—he has taken a leaf from a playbook he’s deployed in the past: Confidential settlements were reached and payments were made to complainants, accompanied by non-disclosure and non-disparagement clauses designed to shield the owner and the organization from further liability and damaging publicity.