Charlotte mayor Vi Lyles is "completely motivated" to keep the Carolina Panthers in town after Jerry Richardson sells the team he founded.

Richardson is being investigated by the NFL for workplace misconduct. He announced Sunday he will put the team up for sale after this season.

The 81-year-old made a deal in 2013, when the city agreed to pay $75 million in stadium upgrades, to keep the team in Charlotte through the 2018 season.

"The City of Charlotte values its long-running relationship with the Panthers after more than 22 seasons of NFL football," Lyles said in a statement. "The Panthers are part of Charlotte's fabric. We've celebrated victories and anguished over defeats. We understand transitions are inevitable, and we look forward to working with current and future ownership."

Jerry Richardson is no longer involved in the day-to-day operation of the Carolina Panthers.

Tina Becker was named the chief operating officer of the Panthers on Monday.

Richardson is under investigation by the NFL for allegations of workplace misconduct ranging from sexual harassment to the use of a racial slur with a former team scout. He will put the team up for sale after the season.

The decision to put Becker in this role was made by the Panthers and wasn't a request by the league, the team said.

"These have been some of the most difficult days of my 19 years with the Panthers, but I am lifted up by the strong resolve and the commitment our employees have shown to this organization," Becker said in a statement.

"Our team on the field is performing at a very high level, and I believe is bound for the Super Bowl. My immediate focus will be to ensure the corporate side of the organization performs at the same high level, while addressing the real concerns that have been raised in recent days."

The NFL has suspended Thomas Davis for two games for an illegal hit on Davante Adams during Sunday's game between the Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers.

The linebacker plans to appeal the suspension.

"The league made a decision, you know, fortunately we have an appeals process we will go through that. Whatever happens from there, happens," Davis said.

Davis, leading with his helmet, hit a defenseless Adams as a teammate was returning an interception.

He was penalized for the hit but remained in the game.

Julius Peppers admitted he let up a little bit when sacking Aaron Rodgers in the fourth quarter of Carolina's win over the Packers.

Peppers said he wanted to “get the ball but make sure [Rodgers] didn’t get hurt.”

Peppers played for the Packers for three seasons.

Mike McCarthy and the Packers must decide whether to let Rodgers play for their final two games of the season with their playoff hopes being all but eliminated.

Colin Kaepernick and Stephen Curry have interest in joining Diddy in purchasing the Carolina Panthers.

Jerry Richardson has announced he plans on selling the Panthers after the current season is over. The letter came after Sports Illustrated published a story reporting the Panthers settled with at least four former employees regarding inappropriate workplace behavior by Richardson. The SI article detailed accusations made against Richardson that include sexual harassment of multiple women and the use of a racial slur toward a scout who has since left the team.

I want in on the ownership group! Let’s make it happen! https://t.co/sDR4ciciY8

— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) December 18, 2017

I️ want in! https://t.co/XvvC1vo7xI

— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) December 18, 2017

The Carolina Panthers have announced that Jerry Richardson will put the franchise up for sale after the season.

The decision comes as the NFL investigates allegations of workplace misconduct made against Richardson.

"There has been no greater mission or purpose in my life than to have brought an NFL franchise to Charlotte. The obstacles back then were significant, and some even questioned whether our community could or would support professional football. But I always knew that if given the chance, The Carolinas would rise to the occasion," Richardson wrote.

"And you have. The team has become an integral part of our community. The stadium is in its best condition since the day it opened. And we have played in two Super Bowls.

"Football is also an integral part of my life -- and I am blessed, every day, that I made the Carolinas my home. I can never repay all of you for the kindness and generosity you have shown me, Rosalind, and my family for more than two decades. We have the best fans in football -- and I truly mean that. In my opinion, we also have the best organization, and they have served us well.

"I believe that it is time to turn the franchise over to new ownership. Therefore, I will put the team up for sale at the conclusion of this NFL season. We will not begin the sale process, nor will we entertain any inquiries, until the very last game is played. I hope everyone in this organization, both on and off the field, will be firmly focused on just one mission: to play and win the Super Bowl.

"While I will no longer be the team owner, I will always be the Panthers Number One fan."

Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson is under investigation of workplace misconduct.

Richardson has owned the Panthers since their inception in 1995.

The Panthers released the following statement:

The investigation is being led by the outside international law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart and Sullivan, LLP, and will be overseen by limited owner and former White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles.

“The Carolina Panthers and Mr. Richardson take these allegations very seriously and are fully committed to a full investigation and taking appropriate steps to address and remediate any misconduct,” team spokesman Steven Drummond said.  “The entire organization is fully 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. We have work to do to achieve this goal, but we are going to meet it.”

Because this matter is under an ongoing legal review, the Carolina Panthers cannot comment publicly on the specifics of the allegations.   

“Erskine Bowles is a trusted leader of unquestioned integrity. We look forward to this report, which we know will be honest and thorough,” Drummond said.

The NFL has five teams ranking in the top-10 in DVOA on both Offense and Defense after Week 14. In an indication of how much turnover there's been in parts of the NFL, none of those five teams (Rams, Eagles, Vikings, Saints and Chargers) made the playoffs in 2016.

The Chiefs, Cowboys, Steelers, Falcons and Patriots also rank in the top-10 on offense, while the Jaguars, Broncos, Panthers, Ravens and Cardinals rank in the top-10 on defense.

The Seahawks, who have consistently been one of the NFL's top teams in DVOA during the Russell Wilson era, are just outside the top-10 in both categories.

The Minnesota Vikings have a plan to try and contain Cam Newton this Sunday -- hit him like a running back.

The last time the Vikings played the Carolina Panthers, in September 2016, Newton was sacked a total of eight times by six different players.

"You have to be disciplined in your gaps," Everson Griffen said. "You have to get off, escape the block and, when he runs by design, you have to hit him like he's a running back and not like he's a quarterback, because he's not protected then.

"He's a big guy. You just hit him."

Charles Johnson has been suspended four games for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Johnson has started all 11 games this season for the Carolina Panthers. He has 16 tackles and no sacks.

"I accept full responsibility," Johnson said in a statement released by the team. "I have been recovering from back surgery, dealing with the daily grind of football and mistakenly thought this could help. It was an error in judgment on my part.

"We have a special group here I wanted to be a part of and felt an obligation to do my part by getting back as soon as possible. I have always prided myself on being a person who does things the right way, through hard work, dedication and sacrifice. I want to apologize to my team, Mr. [Jerry] Richardson and Panthers fans for this mistake. Regretfully, I have disappointed people, but I promise to come back ready to redeem myself when this suspension is over."