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NFL Commissioner Says Investigation Into Jerry Richardson Is Ongoing, Isn't A 'Farce'

Michael Tomsic / WFAE

As the NFL owners meeting wrapped up Monday, Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the league’s ongoing investigation of sexual harassment and other workplace misconduct allegations against outgoing Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson.

Goodell’s comments follow public accusations made by a former Panthers employee in April, claiming Richardson sexually harassed her and calling the league’s investigation a “farce.” Goodell praised former U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission chair Mary Jo White, who is handling the investigation.

“Mary Jo White is highly respected and is of the highest integrity,” Goodell said. “She would not be involved in anything that’s a farce.”

But the status of the investigation remains unclear. Goodell said the league is allowing White to “complete her job.”

“When she’s completed her job, we’ll take it from there,” Goodell said.

Richardson decided to put the franchise up for sale in December 2017 following an article Sports Illustrated published containing allegations of workplace and sexual misconduct against him. NFL owners approved hedge-fund manager David Tepper’s $2.2 billion bid to buy the Panthers from Richardson Tuesday.

In comments immediately following the vote, Tepper did not specifically address what changes he would make to improve the team’s business culture. But he made his personal beliefs clear.

“For me, I’m a person that believes in equality for everybody – including men and women,” he said.

The sale is expected to be finalized in July.