David Tepper (Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers owner, David Tepper, faced a $300,000 fine from the NFL on Tuesday due to what the league considered as “unacceptable conduct” during the team’s 26-0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday.
Caught on Video
Tepper’s actions, caught on video, involved tossing a drink toward Jaguars fans from his open-air suite at Jacksonville’s EverBank Stadium. The NFL said that it expects all personnel to maintain conduct that respects fans and positively reflects on their team and the league.
Tepper in a statement said he is “passionate” about his team but regrets his behavior.
“I should have let NFL stadium security handle any issues that arose,” he said. “I respect the NFL’s code of conduct and accept the League’s discipline for my behavior.”
Financial Impact
Tepper is the second-richest owner in the league with a net worth of $20.6 billion. The fine represents less than 1% of 1% of his wealth.
The penalty is similar to the $250,000 fine imposed on former Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams in 2009 for making an obscene gesture at Buffalo fans during a victory celebration.
Game-Changing Moment
The incident, captured on video by Jaguars fan Christy Honsberger and initially shared on social media, occurred about three minutes before the end of the game, following an interception by quarterback Bryce Young. Young, frustrated after a sack earlier in the game, threw a tablet on the sideline.
Panthers’s Consequences
The Panthers’ loss to the Jaguars marked the end of a streak dating back to 2002, with 342 games without being shut out. Additionally, the defeat solidified the Panthers’ (2-14) status with the worst record in the NFL, granting the Chicago Bears (owners of Carolina’s pick) the top selection in the 2024 draft.
Strategic Trade Backfires
Carolina’s strategic trade in April, involving two first-round picks and top receiver DJ Moore to the Bears, aimed to secure the first overall pick to select quarterback Bryce Young. After the draft, Tepper assured fans at Bank of America Stadium that Young would lead the Panthers to “Super Bowls.”
However, things have not gone as planned. Young ranks among the worst quarterbacks statistically in the NFL and the Panthers were confirmed weeks ago for their sixth consecutive losing season since Tepper’s acquisition of the team in 2018 for $2.75 billion.
Tepper’s Leadership Style
Tepper, known for decisive actions, has fired three head coaches in-season since 2019, including Frank Reich after a 1-10 start this season and Matt Rhule after a 1-4 start last season. The team has a record of 31-67 since Tepper took over.
This report used Information from ESPN.
