Jon and Mark Richardson Resign From Panthers Front Office

(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

The bigger news of the day was the resignation of stadium president Jon Richardson. The bigger surprise however, was the resignation of team president Mark Richardson(pictured).

Jon Richardson, who had spoken privately with his father and team owner Jerry Richardson a month ago of his intentions to resign, has been involved with Bank of America Stadium since its construction.

Mark Richardson has served as the team president since the retirement of Mike McCormack in 1998.

While the unexpected resignations and Jerry Richardson's recent health problems raised questions on the long-term future of the Panthers remaining in Charlotte, Johnny Harris, a member of the Panthers Partnership Group, said the organization is "absolutely not relocating and is not for sale."

Jerry Richardson addressed about eight members of the Partnership Group of his sons' decisions on Tuesday morning at a meeting in Charlotte. He talked to other investors afterward, by phone.

Harris, a longtime friend of Jerry Richardson's, said the nature of the sons' resignation was not discussed, but the future of the team was.

"I can tell you unequivocally the Panthers are not for sale," Harris said. "There was no talk of selling or moving the team from Charlotte. That's not going to happen. I can say that unequivocally. The Panthers are staying here in Charlotte. There were no discussions by Jerry or any other members about the sale of the team or the relocation of the team. Period."

According to unnamed sources, Scott Paul is expected to replace Jon Richardson. Paul currently works as an operations manager for the Panthers. A replacement for Mark Richardson has not yet been named, although the Panthers have several qualified people who could step in, including director of ticket sales Phil Youtsey.

Both Jon and Mark will remain members of the Panthers Partnership Group.

Information collected from Carolinagrowl.com and the Carolina Panthers official website, Panthers.com

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