Panthers Owner David Tepper Fined $300,000 After Throwing Drink at Fan
The NFL has fined Carolina Panthers’ chairman David Tepper $300,000 for an incident which occurred during the team’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Dec. 31.
During the game, which the Panthers lost 26–0, Tepper was seen on video appearing to throw a beverage at Jaguars fans from the owner’s box at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville.
In the video, Tepper could be seen emptying the contents of his cup out of the suite’s window and onto some unsuspecting Jaguars fans. He then threw his cup and stormed out of the room.
“The National Football League today fined Carolina Panthers’ chairman David Tepper $300,000 for his unacceptable conduct in Jacksonville during Sunday’s game. All NFL personnel are expected to conduct themselves at all times in ways that respect our fans and favorably reflect on their team and the NFL,” the league announced in a statement on Tuesday, via Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer.
Carolina fell to a league worst 2–14 following the loss to Jacksonville.
Tepper has owned the franchise since 2018, when he purchased the Panthers for a reported $2.3 billion.
The 66-year-old released a statement following the announcement of his fine, via Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports.
“I am deeply passionate about this team and regret my behavior on Sunday. I should have let NFL stadium security handle any issues that arose. I respect the NFL’s code of conduct and accept the League’s discipline for my behavior.”
The Panthers close out the 2023 regular season at home against the rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Jan. 7.