The National Football League has issued a $300,000 fine against Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper after video footage showed him throwing drink contents towards Jaguars fans during their 26-0 loss on Sunday from his suite. All personnel are expected to act in ways which show respect for fans and reflect positively upon the NFL.
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The NFL will fine Panthers owner David Tepper $300,000 for tossing his drink at Jaguars fans during Sunday’s 26-0 defeat. The incident took place during EverBank Stadium’s game when one fan sitting nearby captured Tepper tossing his beverage into an adjacent box seat, where it hit several Jaguars fans sitting behind Tepper from his suite seat seat nearby. Video captured by this fan shows Tepper throwing its contents toward them from his suite seat suite seat suite seat – something no other team owner ever does at their games!
The Panthers are currently 2-14 and have earned the league’s worst record, guaranteeing Chicago the first overall selection in next year’s draft as part of a trade last season. It was not clear what led Tepper, one of the wealthiest owners in NFL with an estimated net worth of $20.6 billion, to launch his tirade against Tepper and his actions during Monday night’s meeting with Panthers management.
The league released a statement condemning Tepper’s conduct as unacceptable and noted that his fine will go to support athletes and communities in need.
Tepper’s Statement
David Tepper, owner of the Carolina Panthers, was fined $300,000 following an incident during Sunday’s game with Jaguars when he threw drinks at fans outside his box and received widespread condemnation online. A video clip showing this occurred went viral.
The NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy states that owners should always act in such a way as to respect our fans and reflect positively upon the league.” According to Forbes, Tepper was worth an estimated $20.6 billion but refused to apologize for his behavior during game time.
Tepper’s team lost 26-0 and is in search of a new head coach after firing Frank Reich after just 11 games as their first-year head coach. Additionally, their No. 1 draft pick has been taken by Chicago Bears who will select quarterback Bryce Young as their No. 1.
Panthers owner David Tepper purchased their franchise in 2018, going 31-67 since. However, there is hope in sight – as the team should improve under its new head coach.
Tepper’s Fine
The NFL announced Tuesday that Panthers owner David Tepper has been fined $300,000. According to league rules, unacceptable conduct during his team’s 26-0 loss against Jaguars on Sunday has earned Tepper this penalty. According to NFL rules, all personnel should conduct themselves in such a way that respects fans while positively reflecting upon themselves, their organization, and ultimately, on all NFL personnel and officials.
Tepper was captured on video tossing what appeared to be his drink toward fans from his open-air suite at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville. A fan who recorded it from nearby captured this incident.
The $250,000 fine represents less than one percent of his $20.6 billion net worth and mirrors the penalty former Titans owner Bud Adams received for making an offensive gesture towards Buffalo fans in 2009. Meanwhile, Carolina’s loss against Jacksonville ended their streak of 342 games without being shut out and assured their place as NFL’s worst record, giving Chicago Bears (owners of Carolina’s draft pick) first pick in 2024 draft lottery.
Final Words
The NFL has historically been notoriously strict when it comes to handing down fines for violating league policies, so it should come as no surprise that they wouldn’t tolerate Tepper acting out in public.
At 26-0 against the Jaguars, Panthers owner David Tepper made headlines after tossing what was left of his drink into the stands in response to something said or for another loss for one of the worst teams in NFL. It remains unclear what inspired such an act from one of NFL’s worst teams.
Since purchasing the Panthers for $2.75 billion in 2018, Tepper has shown no shortage of impulse. After just 11 games under Tepper ownership, he fired coach Frank Reich just like Matt Rhule had been before him in 2018. As evidenced by their 31-67 record since Tepper arrived as owner, this fine will only serve to further alienate fans that remain patient while hoping that eventually their team will improve without further tantrums from Tepper himself.
