Carolina Panthers defensive backs coach Curtis Fuller unexpectedly resigned earlier in the week, and the team announced on Friday that his decision to step down came after an internal investigation of workplace misconduct.
Joseph Person and Jourdan Rodrigue of the Charlotte Observer report that the investigation was prompted by Fuller sending inappropriate emails and text messages to female members of the Panthers organization.
The sources spoke on the condition of anonymity because the investigation involved a personnel matter. Fuller sent emails and text messages to an unknown number of female employees on the business side of the organization, the sources said.
The volume of communications, rather than their content, was the central issue, a source told the Observer.
The Observer has learned of one incident last year that the recipient of the communications said was reported to superiors. It is unclear what action was taken.
The Panthers said Friday that the allegations against Fuller are being taken very seriously.
“After approaching coach Fuller with the findings of an investigation into complaints of inappropriate conduct, we accepted his resignation,” team spokesman Steven Drummond said in a statement. “The Panthers are deeply committed to ensuring a safe, comfortable and diverse work environment where all individuals, regardless of sex, race, color, religion, gender, or sexual identity or orientation, are treated fairly and equally.”
Fuller’s resignation comes as the NFL is still investigating sexual misconduct claims against Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, who is in the process of selling the team. Richardson has stepped away from day to day operations with the team after some disturbing allegations were outlined in a bombshell Sports Illustrated report.
