Bob McNair Defends Jerry Richardson: Some of His Remarks Could Have Been a Joke

Houston Texans owner Bob McNair has made controversial comments in defense of Jerry Richardson. 

Per USA Today's Jarrett Bell, McNair said the Carolina Panthers owner's alleged inappropriate comments may have been jokes that were misinterpreted. 

"Some of the comments could have been made jokingly," he said. "I'm sure he didn't mean to offend anybody."

In December, Panthers spokesman Steven Drummond issued a statement that the organization opened an investigation into allegations of workplace misconduct against Richardson. 

Sports Illustrated's L. Jon Wertheim and Viv Bernstein reported at least four former Panthers employees received financial settlements from Richardson for inappropriate workplace comments, including sexually suggestive language and behavior. 

Richardson ceded his control over the organization to longtime employee Tina Becker. The 81-year-old also announced he was putting the Panthers up for sale.