A familiar face in NFL ownership circles is considering making a run at the Carolina Panthers.
Eddie DeBartolo Jr., a former owner of the San Francisco 49ers, is reportedly interested in the Panthers.
ESPN’s Jim Trotter says DeBartolo is “definitely” looking into putting together a group to buy the team.
I’m told Eddie DeBartolo definitely is exploring the possibility of putting together a group to purchase the Panthers. He will have competition if he goes forward. https://t.co/7Lg3ex1cBK
— Jim Trotter (@JimTrotter_NFL) December 19, 2017
DeBartolo issued a statement according to the Tampa Bay Times’ Rick Stroud, saying he will not discuss the sale until after the season.
Statement from HOF owner Edward DeBartolo Jr. on his interest in buying the Carolina Panthers as reported on ESPN. "I am going to respect Jerry Richardson’s wish to not discuss the sale of the Carolina Panthers until after their season is over."
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) December 19, 2017
Panthers owner Jerry Richardson announced on Sunday that he will be selling the team after the season. The 81-year-old owner is being investigated for alleged workplace misconduct, which includes multiple allegations of sexual and racial inappropriateness.
The 49ers won five Super Bowls during DeBartolo’s tenure as owner. The 71-year-old was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame last year. DeBartolo turned control of the 49ers over to his sister after he was fined and temporarily suspended by the league for his ties to a politician’s corruption case.
