November 16, 2009

Goodell defers to Richardson on ouster of sons

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said he supports any decisions Panthers owner Jerry Richardson feels are necessary for the organization, which 2 1/2 months ago included the ouster of two sons from top management positions.

The team announced September 1 that Mark and Jon Richardson had resigned from their positions as team president and stadium president, respectively, but would remain a part of the franchise ownership group.

Sources said Jerry Richardson essentially dismissed his two sons because of their repeated clashes regarding how the organization should be run.

Goodell was asked about the matter during an interview with reporters at mid-day. He's in town meeting with Richardson and other Panthers officials and has a speaking engagement tonight at Davidson College.

"I have complete faith in Mr. Richardson that he's going to do what's right for himself and his family and the Carolina Panthers and the NFL," said Goodell. "I have great confidence in him.

Asked if he was surprised at the moves considering the fact that Mark and Jon Richardson had been a part of the Panthers' upper management team for so long, Goodell said:

"Again, these are family matters, related business matters. I have complete faith in Jerry and how he conducts himself and what he does. I know he always does what he thinks is in the best interest of others.

"I think that's what he's done, as difficult as that may be. I know he's doing what he thinks is best and I support him 100 percent."

Goodell said Richardson, who underwent heart transplant surgery in February, is taking an active role in league matters, including efforts to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Players Association.

"He's played a very valuable role for us and continues to talk to all 32 teams on a regular basis," said Goodell. "He's in very close contact with myself and Jeff Pash, our league negotiator."

Goodell spoke highly of new team president Danny Morrison, who was hired after the departures of Mark and Jon Richardson.

"I've known Danny for several years," said Goodell. "Actually, when he was the commissioner of the Southern Conference, he came up and spent a day in our office, talking a little about our business and what he needed to be doing in the Southern Conference.

"Then he was up again last Friday, in our offices (in New York), spending the day with our senior team, (which was) sort of giving him a little orientation to some extent. He's been in our meetings this morning (with Richardson and team officials).

"He's a very impressive guy who had a tremendous background, who can bring a lot to the Carolina Panthers and the NFL."

-- Charles Chandler