Monday 18 December 2017 22:41, UK
Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera says he was “disappointed” to hear the franchise was being sold after owner Jerry Richardson was placed under investigation by the NFL following allegations of misconduct.
The Panthers announced on Sunday that Richardson, who founded the franchise in 1993, will be selling up at the end of the season.
"I believe it is time to turn the franchise over to new ownership," Richardson wrote in an open letter on the Panthers website.
"While I will no longer be the team owner, I will always be the Panthers Number One fan."
Asked about his reaction to the sale, Rivera said he was "a little surprised and taken aback a little bit. Disappointed obviously for the news. But we most certainly will go forward."
He added: "I know the allegations are serious. I know the league is doing an investigation, and everybody should be heard and respected.
"At the end of the day, who am I to judge? We need to have all the answers before we can do any of that."
Tina Becker has been named as the Panthers' chief operating officer and will control the day-to-day management of the organisation.
"These have been some of the most difficult days of my 19 years with the Panthers, but I am lifted up by the strong resolve and the commitment our employees have shown to this organisation," Becker said.
"My immediate focus will be to ensure the corporate side of the organisation performs at the same high level, while addressing the real concerns that have been raised in recent days."
Elsewhere, Panthers' linebacker Thomas Davis has been suspended for two games by the NFL for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams during Carolina's 31-24 win on Sunday.
