NFL Hall of Famer Eddie DeBartolo Jr. Reportedly Interested in Buying Panthers

Former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. is reportedly exploring the possibility of purchasing the Carolina Panthers, per Jim Trotter of ESPN.  

Panthers owner Jerry Richardson announced Sunday he intended to sell the team following accusations of sexual harassment. Despite the apparent interest, DeBartolo won't confirm any details.

"I am going to respect Jerry Richardson’s wish to not discuss the sale of the Carolina Panthers until after their season is over," he said, per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.

The 71-year-old owned the 49ers from 1977-2000, a stretch that saw the team win five Super Bowls. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016 as a contributor to the game.

ESPN's Adam Schefter broke down the expected cost for whoever purchases the Panthers:

Trotter noted DeBartolo would have some competition, and a few interested parties have already come forward.

Sean "Diddy" Combs said on Twitter Sunday he wanted to buy the Panthers, with Stephen Curry and Colin Kaepernick saying they want to join in the investment. 

The Buffalo Bills were the last NFL team to be sold in 2014.