Mark Richardson's departure from the Panthers has shocked many in the organization. Photo by John Clark

  CHARLOTTE -- In a shakeup that rocked the Carolinas and left many scratching their heads in search of an explanation, Carolina Panthers team president Mark Richardson and stadium president Jon Richardson, the only two sons of owner Jerry Richardson, unexpectedly resigned from the organization today.
   Jon, who privately informed his father of his intentions to resign last month, has been involved with Bank of America Stadium since its construction. Mark oversaw the effort to obtain an expansion franchise and has served as the team president since the retirement of Mike McCormack in 1998.
   Although the unexpected resignations and owner Jerry Richardson's recent health problems raised questions about the long-term future of the Panthers in Charlotte, Johnny Harris, a member of the Panthers partnership group, said the organization is "absolutely not relocating and is not for sale."
   Jerry Richardson addressed about eight members of the partnership group of his sons' decisions on Tuesday morning at a meeting in Charlotte. He talked to other investors afterward by phone.
   Harris, a longtime friend of Richardson's, said the nature of the sons' resignation was not discussed, but the future of the team was.
   And, he said, it's very stable.
   "I can tell you unequivocally the Panthers are not for sale," Harris said. "There was no talk of selling or moving the team from Charlotte. That's not going to happen. I can say that unequivocally. The Panthers are staying here in Charlotte. There were no discussions by Jerry or any other members about the sale of the team or the relocation of the team. Period."

   The Panthers did not have a press conference but issued a one-page press release Tuesday morning.

    "Both Mark and Jon made great contributions to the stadium and team that have enabled us to enjoy much success over the last 15 years," owner Jerry Richardson said in the release. "At the same time I am thankful that we have a staff that has been in place for many years and knows our philosophy."

   According to sources close to the team, Scott Paul is expected to replace Jon Richardson and handle stadium operations. Paul currently works as an operations manager for the Panthers. A replacement for Mark has not been named, although the Panthers have several qualified people who could step in.

   The press release offered no explanation as to why Mark and Jon resigned.

   However, sources close to the team said Jon, who has battled cancer in the past, was seeking a lifestyle change. Although he's doing well in his recovery he simply wanted to spend more time with his family. As for Mark, several team employees were stunned by his resignation and said it came as a complete surprise. Some other sources believe that an ongoing internal strife between the brothers, who are vastly different tastes and personalities, may have contributed to their departure and that their father ultimately decided the best way to keep peace in the family might be for both to resign.

   Even Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said of Mark's resignation, "I was told today and yes, it took me by surprise."

   "I've worked with Mr. Richardson and Mark and Jon since 1998 and it's a tremendous family and when you work with people over that period of time you form relationships. You just wish (Mark and Jon) the best," Hurney said.

   The Richardson family has declined comment through the team's public relations department.

   Both Mark and Jon will remain members of the Panthers Partnership Group. However, Mark will no longer be on the NFL's competition committee, meaning the league will have to find a replacement.

   Although the team is not moving and is not for sale, it's unclear what will happen in the long-term future.

   Owner Jerry Richardson underwent a heart transplant in February but is said to be doing fine. In fact, Harris said he "was like a bear" in Tuesday's meeting. Nonetheless, it was always anticipated that Jerry would eventually pass the reigns of the organization down to Mark and the Panthers would continue to be run by the Richardson family.

   Obviously that may no longer be the case and will open speculation that team could have a new owner outside of the Richardson family at some point down the line.

   As for the future of the franchise, Hurney believes it's in good hands.

   "I think Mr. Richardson is the one in control of this and I don't think it could be in better hands," Hurney said. "I think he's an exceptional owner and everyone has confidence in him."

   Jon oversaw the construction and opening of the stadium in 1996. Although the 20 facilities have opened in the NFL since Bank of America, it remains one of the most highly sought after venues in the NFL.

   "It has been a very exciting time and I feel very fortunate and pleased to have been a part of it," Jon Richardson said in the release. "We have a great staff that has been in place for a long time and I am confident they will move forward without missing a beat."

   Mark was most innovative in the marketing and naming rights areas, overseeing the team's business operations from the beginning of the franchise. He was one of the first executives to obtain naming rights for a stadium, reaching two different naming rights agreements for the stadium. His integrated approach to marketing also enabled the Panthers to be one of the few teams to bring their broadcasting rights in house.

   "It has been a great opportunity to work with a franchise from the start and have a chance to see it mature," Mark Richardson said in the release. "It has become a unique experience to see dreams become reality."