CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Quarterback Cam Newton says embattled Panthers owner Jerry Richardson should be considered innocent until proven guilty.
[READ: Panthers owner Richardson stepping away from day-to-day operations]
Richardson is under investigation by the NFL for sexual and racial misconduct in the workplace and announced Sunday that he's selling the team just hours after a Sports Illustrated report detailed his alleged misconduct.
Newton says Richardson met with him and other team captains hours after Carolina's 31-24 win over the Green Bay Packers to inform them he would be putting the team up for sale after the season.
[ [READ: Panthers owner Jerry Richardson to sell team at end of season] ]
The quarterback says while he disagrees with any type of sexual misconduct, he has immense respect for Richardson based on their 7 ½-year relationship. He says "everything that I've heard were allegations, and nothing was actually proven."
[ [RELATED: Panthers could attract several buyers with deep pockets, experts say] ]
Newton also says when the team is sold it should remain in Charlotte.
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