Panthers Owner David Tepper Fined $300K for Game Incident

Charlotte, N.C.: The NFL has imposed a $300,000 fine on Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper for what the league has categorized as “unacceptable conduct” during the team’s recent 26-0 defeat against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The incident, captured on video, depicts Tepper tossing a beverage in the direction of Jaguars fans from his open-air suite at Jacksonville’s EverBank Stadium. Responding to the fine, the NFL issued a statement that underscores the expectation for all league personnel to maintain conduct that respects fans and positively reflects on both their team and the NFL.

Tepper, the second-wealthiest owner in the league with a net worth of $20.6 billion, expressed remorse for his actions in an official statement. Acknowledging his passion for the team, he conceded that he should have deferred to NFL stadium security to handle any issues that arose.

“I respect the NFL’s code of conduct and accept the League’s discipline for my behavior,” stated Tepper.

The fine, amounting to less than 1% of 1% of Tepper‘s considerable wealth, draws parallels to the $250,000 penalty imposed on former Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams in 2009 for making an obscene gesture at Buffalo fans during a victory celebration.

The video capturing Tepper‘s actions initially surfaced on social media and was posted by Jaguars fan Christy Honsberger, who declined an interview request from ESPN.

The incident unfolded with approximately three minutes remaining in the game following an interception by Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. Young had displayed frustration earlier in the match by throwing a tablet on the sideline after experiencing a sack.

The loss to the Jaguars marked the conclusion of Carolina’s impressive 342-game streak dating back to 2002 without being shut out. Additionally, it solidified the Panthers’ fate with a 2-14 record, clinching the NFL’s worst record for the season and awarding the Chicago Bears the top selection in the 2024 draft through a prior trade.

In a strategic move in April, the Panthers traded two first-round picks and top receiver DJ Moore to the Bears to secure the first overall pick, ultimately selecting Bryce Young. Initially optimistic after the draft, Tepper stated that Young would lead the Panthers to “Super Bowls.”

However, the season unfolded differently than anticipated, with Young ranking among the statistically worst-performing quarterbacks in the NFL. Since Tepper assumed ownership in 2018 for $2.75 billion, the Panthers have weathered a series of setbacks, including three in-season coaching changes and a record of 31-67.

Tepper‘s official statement and acceptance of the fine underscore the challenges the Panthers have faced in recent seasons, prompting questions about the team’s future trajectory under his ownership.