Most of Richardson's fine money will go to organizations that address race and gender-based issuesGETTY IMAGES
The NFL fined former Panthers Owner Jerry Richardson a league-record $2.75M after a months-long investigation "substantiated claims of sexual and racial misconduct by the team's founder," according to a front-page piece by Joseph Person of the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER. Independent investigator Mary Jo White's review of Richardson "found nothing to discredit the claims of former Panthers employees, while also uncovering 'similar matters that have not been the subject of public discussion.'" The investigation also found no other Panthers employee was "alleged to have engaged in misconduct." The franchise was found to have "never reported the claims or the financial settlements Richardson made to former employees to the league." The NFL said that the Panthers' limited partners also were "unaware of Richardson's misconduct and the settlements." Person notes the $2.75M fine is the "largest in NFL history, nearly tripling the previous high" of $1M given to former 49ers Owner Eddie DeBartolo. Most of Richardson's fine money "will go to organizations that address race and gender-based issues." The Panthers in a statement Thursday said that they "cooperated with the investigation and also have taken steps to address any future misconduct." White in the report acknowledged the team's "enhanced anti-harassment and discrimination policy, as well as the workplace training the team has initiated." NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will "require the Panthers to report by the end of this year on the team's internal workplace policies and procedures that address claims of racial discrimination, sexual harassment or related issues" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 6/29). In N.Y., Mather & Belson write the NFL's decision to "avoid stating in detail the allegations against Richardson may have spared him some embarrassment" (N.Y. TIMES, 6/29).
TARNISHED LEGACY: In Charlotte, Scott Fowler writes the NFL "brought out its hammer and banged some more dents into Richardson's already tarnished legacy." The NFL, so "often accused of being tone deaf, also showed good sense" in deciding to put the fine to use in "supporting organizations dedicated to addressing the race- and gender-based issues in and outside the workplace." With the investigation now complete, the statue of Richardson that sits outside Bank of America Stadium "must go." Its presence will "remind everyone on every home Sunday that the man who founded the team was downright creepy when it came to the way he treated certain team employees." Fowler: "No one needs that reminder. The statue has outlived its usefulness" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 6/29). In Greensboro, Ed Hardin writes Richardson was a "fraud" and the "depth of his depravity and the team's willingness to cover it up was stunning." Richardson has "disappeared from public view, though reports are that he's started construction on some sort of building for a new business venture in Charlotte." Hardin: "Hard to see how he can possibly do business in the city he gave an NFL franchise only to lose it in an ignominious fall from grace" (Greensboro NEWS & RECORD, 6/29).
NOT ENOUGH: In N.Y., Michael Powell writes under the header, "A Toothless Investigation Slaps Jerry Richardson On The Wrist." In the NFL's statement on White's findings, no "mean words appear, not 'sexual harassment,' or 'racism,' or 'lecherous.'" Powell: "As White had a good reputation in the legal world before she was hired to produce this work, I truly hope the NFL paid her quality coin" (N.Y. TIMES, 6/29).
CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE: The AP's Steve Reed noted White "recommended the league prohibit non-disclosure agreements to limit the reporting of potential violations or cooperation with league investigations, require workplace misconduct claims to be reported to the league office, establish a confidential hotline for league and team employees to report workplace misconduct issues and review policies and procedures with owners, team counsel and human resource executives." The NFL said that the recommendations will be "presented to the league's Conduct Committee before the coming season" (AP, 6/28). In Charlotte, Jourdan Rodrigue writes if "real structural change that makes a workplace safer is desired by the Panthers and the NFL, they should listen to White's recommendation." Non-disclosure agreements "silence victims and reinforce the power of the abuser, especially if that abuser has substantial means." There is an "opportunity for the NFL to make a difference." Prohibiting non-disclosure agreements between league employees "is a start." This policy can "serve as the antithesis to the legacy of a man whose shame inspired it" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 6/29).
