Panthers conducting internal investigation into workplace conduct of owner Jerry Richardson

Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson is the subject of an internal investigation over alleged workplace misconduct, the team announced Friday night. 

The statement issued by the Panthers didn’t give specifics of the allegations made against the 81-year-old Richardson. The team has hired the law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart and Sullivan to lead the investigation with the input from former White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles, a minority owner of the team.

“The Carolina Panthers and Mr. Richardson take these allegations very seriously and are fully committed to a full investigation and taking appropriate steps to address and remediate any misconduct,” Panthers spokesman Steven Drummond said in a statement. 

“The entire organization is fully committed to ensuring a safe, comfortable and diverse work environment where all individuals, regardless of sex, race, color, religion, gender, or sexual identity or orientation, are treated fairly and equally. We have work to do to achieve this goal, but we are going to meet it."

A person who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject told USA TODAY Sports the team informed NFL officials of the situation Friday afternoon.

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ESPN was the first outlet to report the Panthers had launched the inquiry. 

The Panthers said in a statement the team would not comment further “because this matter is under an ongoing legal review.”

“Erskine Bowles is a trusted leader of unquestioned integrity," Drummond said. "We look forward to this report, which we know will be honest and thorough.”

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy declined to comment when contacted by USA TODAY Sports on Friday.

Contributing: Mike Jones